Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

$- 4 tilapia fillets - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 lemon, for garnish Each serving of Parmesan Crusted Tilapia contains approximately: - Calories: 300 - Protein: 30g - Carbohydrates: 15g - Fat: 15g - Fiber: 1g This dish is a great source of protein and makes a balanced meal. You can switch out a few ingredients if needed: - Use cheddar instead of Parmesan for a different taste. - Substitute whole wheat breadcrumbs for panko for added fiber. - Try garlic salt instead of garlic powder for more flavor. - Use vegetable oil instead of olive oil for frying. - Fresh herbs can replace dried parsley for a fresher taste. These swaps keep the dish tasty while fitting your needs. {{ingredient_image_1}} Gather all your ingredients before starting. This makes cooking easier. You will need: - 4 tilapia fillets - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko works best) - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 lemon for garnish First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for a crispy crust. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a mixing bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything mixes well. This mixture gives the fish a great flavor and crunch. Now it is time to prepare the tilapia. Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel. Dry fillets help the crust stick better. Place the tilapia on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over each fillet. Make sure each piece gets a good coat. Next, take your Parmesan mixture and press it firmly onto the top of each fillet. This creates a nice crust when baked. Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden brown. Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the tilapia cool for about a minute. This short wait helps the crust set. For a bright touch, garnish with lemon wedges. Squeezing lemon juice over the fish adds a fresh flavor. Serve the tilapia on a platter with veggies or a salad. Enjoy your tasty dinner! To make the crust just right, use panko breadcrumbs. They give a crunchy bite. Press the Parmesan mix firmly onto the fish. This helps it stick. Bake at 400°F for a golden finish. Keep an eye on the fish. It will be done when it flakes easily. To get flaky tilapia, pat the fillets dry first. This removes extra moisture. When you cook, don’t overdo it. Fish cooks fast. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Check for doneness with a fork. If it flakes, it’s ready to eat. Serve your tilapia on a bright platter. Add steamed veggies or a fresh salad. Lemon wedges add a nice touch. Squeeze some juice over the fish before serving. This brightens the dish. For drinks, pair it with white wine or sparkling water. Enjoy! Pro Tips Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crunchy and delightful texture, opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Pat Fish Dry: Ensure the tilapia fillets are patted dry with a paper towel to achieve a crispier crust. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the fish while baking; remove it from the oven as soon as it flakes easily to prevent dryness. Herb Variations: Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil or dill for a unique flavor twist in the crust. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese for different flavors. Try using Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. Feta cheese can add a tangy twist. If you want a creamy touch, go for a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor to the dish. Mixing in veggies or fresh herbs can enhance the dish. Try adding chopped spinach or kale for extra nutrients. You can also sprinkle some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of taste. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can brighten the dish. Just add them to the cheese mix or as a garnish. You can bake or air fry your tilapia. Baking gives a lovely golden crust and is easy to do. Air frying cooks the fish faster and keeps it crispy. If you choose to air fry, set it to 375°F for about 8-10 minutes. Both methods yield delicious results, so pick what you prefer! To keep your Parmesan crusted tilapia fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps maintain the taste and texture. You can freeze the tilapia if you want to save it for later. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, put them in a freezer-safe bag. It can last for up to two months in the freezer. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking. When you're ready to eat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tilapia on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes. Just be careful not to overcook it! Yes, you can use other fish. Good options are cod, haddock, or flounder. All these fish have mild flavors. They also cook well with a crispy topping. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets. Thicker fish may need a bit more time in the oven. To make this dish gluten-free, swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free options. You can use gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers. Look for brands that clearly label their products as gluten-free. This change keeps the crunch while making it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters. Several sides pair nicely with Parmesan crusted tilapia. Try steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. A fresh green salad also works great. You might serve it with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. A squeeze of lemon over the top adds a nice touch, too. This article covered the essential ingredients for making Parmesan Crusted Tilapia. We discussed the nutritional value, ingredient swaps, and preparation steps. I shared tips for achieving a perfect crust and ideas for different variations. We also looked at how to store and reheat your dish. In closing, this meal is simple yet delicious, and it can fit any taste. Try it out and enjoy a tasty dish that you made yourself.$

Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

A delicious and crispy tilapia dish coated with a flavorful Parmesan breadcrumb crust.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets tilapia
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined evenly.
Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Drizzle the olive oil over each tilapia fillet, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Press the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the top of each fillet, coating them evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute before serving.
Garnish with lemon wedges for a fresh zest while serving.

Notes

Serve the tilapia on a platter alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving to enhance the flavors.

Keyword baked, Parmesan, seafood, tilapia