INGREDIENTS:
2 chopped shallots,
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
2/3 cup dry white wine
1 vanilla bean
¼ cup heavy cream
2 sticks unsalted butter, cubed and very cold
Fine sea salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
6 ounce/170 gr of boneless and skinless tilapia fillets
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten with 2 tablespoons water
2 cups panko
1 cup slivered almonds, finely chopped
Vegetable oil for frying
DIRECTION:
Begin making the beurre blanc. Put the shallots, vinegar, and wine in a medium saucepot. Split the vanilla bean, and scrape out the seeds. Add the seeds and the pod to the pot, and cook over medium heat until there is barely any liquid left in the pot.
Whisk in the cream, and over low heat, add in the cold, cubed butter, a little bit at a time, whisking constantly until the sauce is thick and emulsified. Take off the heat, and season with salt and pepper.
Bread and fry the fish. Mix together the panko and almonds. Season fish with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour. Dip in the egg wash, and crust in the panko-almond mixture.
Heat about 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a wide skillet over medium heat until the oil shimmer. Fry the fish in 2 batches for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, using a slotted fish spatula to turn over the fish. Allow the fish to drain on paper towel.
Strain the beurre blanc, and serve it immediately alongside the hot fish.
Notes: Best served with rice. Total time about 30 minutes.