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- 4 fresh tilapia fillets - 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper - 2 large eggs, beaten - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - Lemon wedges For this recipe, fresh tilapia fillets are key. They provide a mild taste and a tender texture. The Parmesan and panko mix gives a crunchy, golden crust. The garlic powder and herbs add a burst of flavor, while smoked paprika introduces a hint of warmth. Don't forget the lemon wedges! They brighten the dish when squeezed over the fish. You can spice things up with different herbs and spices. Consider adding: - A pinch of cayenne for heat - Fresh parsley for a pop of color - A squeeze of lime instead of lemon For side accompaniments, try serving the tilapia with: - Steamed seasonal vegetables - A fresh green salad - Roasted potatoes for a hearty touch Feel free to mix and match these optional ingredients to suit your taste or occasion. This flexibility makes the dish fun and unique. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions on how to prepare this delightful meal! To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the fish cook evenly and gives a nice crust. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step makes cleanup easy and keeps the fish from sticking. In a shallow dish, mix these ingredients: - 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Stir until everything combines well. In another bowl, beat 2 large eggs. Dip each tilapia fillet in the eggs first. Let excess egg drip off. Then, press the fillet into the cheese mixture. Make sure both sides are well coated for a tasty crunch. Place the coated fillets on the lined baking sheet. Drizzle a tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil over each fillet. This oil keeps the fish moist while baking. Bake the tilapia for 15-20 minutes. Watch for a golden brown crust and ensure the fish flakes easily with a fork. This is when it’s done. Remove the baking sheet and let the tilapia rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the fish juicy. For a great coating, start with dry fish. Pat your tilapia fillets with paper towels. This helps the coating stick well. Use a shallow dish for the cheese mix. Spread the grated Parmesan and breadcrumbs evenly. When coating, press down gently. This ensures an even layer. To avoid clumping, mix the cheese and breadcrumbs with a fork. You want a smooth blend. You can boost flavors with herbs and spices. Add fresh parsley or dill to the cheese mix. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the dish. Always choose high-quality Parmesan cheese. The flavor of fresh cheese is much better. Grate it yourself for a richer taste. Try adding a pinch of cayenne for a little heat. Pair your tilapia with sides like rice or quinoa. Steamed broccoli or green beans also work great. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. For a drink, try a crisp white wine. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are perfect matches. They enhance the fish's flavor without overpowering it. Enjoy your meal with a zesty lemon wedge. Squeezing lemon over the fish adds a refreshing touch. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_4}} You can use other fish if you don't have tilapia. Some great options include: - Cod - Haddock - Catfish - Sole These fish can also take on the Parmesan crust well. Just adjust cooking times as needed. For thicker fish, you may need a few extra minutes in the oven. You can try air frying for a quick and crispy dish. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the fillets for about 10-12 minutes. Check for a golden crust. Grilling is another fun way to cook this dish. Preheat your grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Cook the fillets for about 4-5 minutes per side. Watch closely, as fish cooks fast on the grill. Making this dish gluten-free is easy. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko. You won’t lose the crunch! For a dairy-free version, try using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. It adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Adjust the seasoning to keep it tasty and flavorful. Explore these variations to keep your meals exciting! For the full recipe, check out the details. To keep your leftover tilapia fresh, follow these best practices: - Refrigeration: Place the tilapia in an airtight container. This prevents air from drying it out. - Maximum Storage Time: Consume the leftovers within 3 days. This keeps the fish tasting great and safe to eat. When reheating, you want that crispy crust to stay intact. Here are my recommended methods: - Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tilapia on a baking sheet and warm it for about 10 minutes. This method helps keep the crust crunchy. - Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil, then cook the tilapia for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This way, it stays moist and crisp. Tips for Avoiding Dryness: Always monitor the reheating time. Overheating can dry out the fish. If it feels dry, consider adding a splash of broth or a bit of olive oil before reheating. Enjoy your tasty leftovers! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section! To know if your tilapia is cooked, look for a few signs. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. You can also use a food thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. Checking these indicators helps prevent undercooking or overcooking. Yes, you can prepare the Parmesan crust in advance. Mix the cheese and breadcrumbs, then store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for a few days. You can also freeze the mixture for longer storage. Just remember to thaw it before using. This makes dinner prep quicker on busy nights. There are many sides that pair well. Here are some ideas: - Steamed broccoli or green beans - A fresh garden salad - Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes - Quinoa or rice for a filling option You can change sides based on the season. For summer, a light salad works well. In winter, roasted veggies add warmth. Choose sides that you love and that balance the meal. Enjoy your tasty Parmesan crusted tilapia with your favorite sides for a complete meal! This article covered how to make delicious Parmesan crusted tilapia. We discussed essential and optional ingredients, along with easy step-by-step instructions. I shared tips for perfecting the dish and suggested variations for different diets and cooking methods. Don’t forget to try different sides that elevate your meal. With these methods, you can enjoy a tasty dish that suits your taste. Whether you make it tonight or later, this recipe is sure to impress!

Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Discover the mouthwatering recipe for Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Delight that’s sure to impress! This easy dish combines fresh tilapia fillets with a crispy coating of Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, and fragrant herbs, all baked to perfection. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this meal is not only delicious but also quick to prepare. Click through to explore this recipe and elevate your dinner game today!
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Ingredients
  

4 fresh tilapia fillets

1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for an irresistible crunch)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme blend)

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a hint of smokiness)

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 large eggs, beaten well

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Lemon wedges, for a zesty finish

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). For effortless cleanup, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

    In a shallow dish, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until all the components are uniformly blended.

      In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until they are fully combined and slightly frothy for an even coating.

        Take each tilapia fillet and dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Next, press the fillet into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, ensuring that both sides are thoroughly coated – the more coating, the better!

          Arrange the coated tilapia fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle a tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil over each fillet to enhance moisture and flavor during baking.

            Bake the tilapia in the preheated oven for approximately 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye out for the crust to become golden brown and for the fish to flake easily when gently pierced with a fork.

              Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the tilapia to rest for a couple of minutes to maintain its juiciness before serving.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Present each tilapia fillet on individual plates paired with a vibrant side of steamed seasonal vegetables or a fresh green salad. Garnish with lemon wedges, inviting diners to squeeze the bright citrus over the fish just before enjoying, enhancing the flavors beautifully.