Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

$- 4 fresh tilapia fillets - 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 2 large eggs - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil The main ingredients are fresh tilapia fillets, Parmesan cheese, and panko breadcrumbs. These items create a crunchy and cheesy crust that makes the fish delightful. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth to the flavor. The dried Italian herbs give the dish a classic taste. - Fresh herbs like parsley or dill - Lemon wedges as a garnish - Roasted vegetables or a fresh salad You can use fresh herbs to brighten the dish. Parsley or dill adds a nice touch. Lemon wedges are perfect for squeezing over the fish. They enhance the flavor while adding a bright zest. For sides, you might pair this with roasted veggies or a crisp salad. They complement the dish well and add nutrition. If you want to get creative, you can try alternate coatings. Almond flour or crushed cornflakes can replace panko breadcrumbs for a unique twist. These options give the crust a different texture while still being tasty. For the full recipe, check out the detailed cooking instructions above. First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature gives the fish a nice golden crust. Next, grab a baking sheet and grease it lightly. You can use cooking spray, melted butter, or olive oil to stop the fish from sticking. In a big bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Combine 1 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir well to ensure an even blend. In another bowl, whisk 2 large eggs with 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix until combined and a bit frothy. Take each tilapia fillet and dip it into the egg mixture. Make sure both sides are coated well. Allow any extra egg to drip back into the bowl. Then, dredge each fillet in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mix. Gently press the coating onto the fish. This step helps it stick and adds a great crunch. Place the coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Space them apart for even cooking. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of melted butter or olive oil over each fillet. This helps with crispiness and flavor. Bake the fish for 15 to 20 minutes. It should be flaky and golden brown when done. For an extra crispy finish, turn on the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end. Watch closely to prevent burning. After baking, let the fillets rest for a few minutes before serving. This keeps them moist and tasty. To get a crispy crust, press the coating onto the fish. This helps it stick well. Use your fingers to gently push the mixture into the tilapia. After coating, drizzle melted butter or oil on top. This adds flavor and helps it crisp up. To check if your fish is done, use a fork. Flake the fish gently. If it flakes easily, it is ready. After baking, let the fish rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy and tasty. For plating, place the tilapia on a colorful plate. You can use sautéed spinach or vibrant roasted veggies as a base. Garnish your dish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill. A lemon wedge adds a bright touch and flavor, making it look even better. {{image_4}} If you can't find tilapia, don't worry! You can use other fish. Cod or haddock works well. Both have a nice texture and mild taste. If you prefer chicken, try chicken breasts. Cut them into similar sizes to tilapia. For a veggie option, use eggplant or zucchini. Both can be coated and baked just like the fish. To make this dish your own, change the herbs and spices. Basil and parsley can add bright notes. For a bold twist, add paprika or cayenne pepper. This adds a nice kick to the crust. You can also mix in lemon zest for a fresh flavor boost. Simply grate the zest of a lemon into the breadcrumb mix. Pair your tilapia with tasty sides. Quinoa, rice, or a fresh salad works well. You can also serve it with roasted veggies for color. For dips, try a zesty tartar sauce or a spicy aioli. These will enhance the flavor and add a fun touch to your meal. Enjoy experimenting with these ideas to make your dish unique! To keep your leftover tilapia fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps seal in moisture and flavor. Make sure to refrigerate it right away. Leftover tilapia stays good for up to three days. After that, the quality may drop, and it could spoil. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover tilapia, choose the oven for reheating. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the fish on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until it’s warm throughout. To keep the crust crispy, remove the foil for the last few minutes. You can also use an air fryer for a quick reheating option. This method keeps the crust nice and crunchy. The best fish for Parmesan crusting is tilapia. It has a mild flavor and a flaky texture. Other good options include cod, haddock, and sole. These fish also have similar textures. They hold up well under a crispy crust. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. You can coat the fish and store it in the fridge. Cover it with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. You can also mix the dry ingredients and store them in a separate bowl. This helps save time when you're ready to cook. To make this recipe gluten-free, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs. There are many brands available that taste great. You can also use crushed cornflakes or ground almonds as alternatives. For flour substitutes, try almond flour or coconut flour. These options will give a nice texture without gluten. In this post, we covered how to make Parmesan Crusted Tilapia. You learned about essential ingredients, prep steps, and baking techniques. We also shared tips for achieving a golden crust and suggested flavorful variations. Whether you're using tilapia or another fish, this recipe can fit your taste. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later, and reheat to keep that crunch. With these methods and ideas, you can create a tasty and satisfying dish with ease. It's time to get cooking and impress your family or friends!$

Discover the deliciousness of Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia! This easy recipe brings together fresh tilapia fillets and a crispy coating of Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs, delivering a delightful crunch in every bite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Click through to explore step-by-step instructions and tips for serving this flavorful fish that your family will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

4 fresh tilapia fillets

1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for that delightful crunch)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme works well)

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 tablespoons melted butter or high-quality olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lightly greasing it with cooking spray, melted butter, or olive oil to prevent sticking.

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to ensure an even mix of all the dry ingredients.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and freshly squeezed lemon juice until fully combined and frothy.

Take each tilapia fillet and dip it into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides thoroughly. Allow any excess egg to drip off back into the bowl.

Next, dredge each fillet in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing the coating onto the fish to ensure it adheres well for a crispy crust.

Place the coated fillets onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced evenly apart. Drizzle the melted butter or olive oil generously over the top of each fillet to promote crispiness and flavor.

Bake in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through, flaky, and the crust is a beautiful golden brown.

For an extra crispy finish, turn the oven's broiler on high for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. Keep a close watch during this step to avoid burning.

Once baked, remove the fillets from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in moisture and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the tilapia fillets elegantly on a bed of sautéed spinach or alongside vibrant roasted vegetables. For an added touch, garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley, providing a refreshing color contrast and a hint of zesty flavor.