Parmesan Crusted Tilapia : Crispy, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious, this Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is a game-changer for easy weeknight dinners. Coated in a savory blend of Parmesan cheese and spices, then baked to golden perfection, this dish delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite
What Makes This Recipe Special?
Tilapia, a mild and versatile fish, takes on flavors beautifully. In this recipe, we combine finely grated Parmesan cheese with a blend of ancient herbs like thyme, rosemary, oregano, and sage. These herbs aren’t just flavorful; they also pack a punch of antioxidants and nutrients that have been cherished across civilizations for centuries. When paired with the crispy, golden crust, the fish becomes a showstopper.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Perfect Crust: For an ultra-crispy crust, you can switch on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Avoid Overcooking: Tilapia cooks quickly, and overcooking can make it dry. Check for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
- Enhance the Flavor: Marinate the fish in a splash of lemon juice and a pinch of salt for 15 minutes before coating.
Parmesan Crusted Tilapia – Variations to Try
- Herb Swap: Experiment with other ancient herbs like marjoram or tarragon for a unique flavor twist.
- Cheese Options: Substitute Parmesan with Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Nutty Crust: Add finely chopped nuts, like almonds or pistachios, to the breadcrumb mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the crust mixture if you like a bit of heat.
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
- With a Side of Greens: A simple arugula or spinach salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the fish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or baby carrots roasted with olive oil and herbs.
- Rice or Quinoa: For a more filling meal, serve the tilapia over herbed rice or fluffy quinoa.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it may make the crust soggy.
- Freeze: You can freeze the crusted, uncooked tilapia for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with other white fish like cod, haddock, or halibut. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Panko or crushed crackers are excellent alternatives for a crispy texture. For a gluten-free option, try almond flour or crushed cornflakes.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, tilapia is a lean source of protein, and the use of ancient herbs provides added nutritional benefits. You can make it even healthier by opting for olive oil instead of butter.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese alternative, although the flavor may differ slightly.
Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Parmesan Crusted Tilapia : Crispy, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious, this Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is a game-changer for easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 4 oz each)
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400ºF and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
- Mix Parmesan, paprika, parsley, and salt in a shallow bowl. This cheesy blend gives the fish a beautifully crisp crust.
- Drizzle olive oil over the tilapia fillets to help the coating stick. Then, dredge each fillet in the Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly so it adheres well.
- Bake on the prepared baking sheet for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 334Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 113mgSodium 567mgCarbohydrates 5gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 50g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Our Ancient Herb and Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is a crowd-pleaser that brings gourmet flavors to your dinner table without any hassle. With its crispy, golden crust and aromatic herbs, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the ease of a quick meal with the rich satisfaction of a flavorful fish dish!
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