Baked Parmesan Tilapia : This is the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, making it an easy weeknight dinner that feels anything but ordinary. Tender tilapia fillets are coated with a golden, crispy Parmesan crust that adds just the right amount of crunch and cheesy goodness.
Why You’ll Love Baked Parmesan Tilapia
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Tilapia is a lean, protein-packed fish with omega-3 fatty acids.
- Deliciously Crispy: The Parmesan crust adds a golden, cheesy layer that’s irresistibly good.
- Customizable: You can adjust the flavors and ingredients to your liking.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Baked Parmesan Tilapia
- Choose Fresh Tilapia: Fresh fillets offer the best flavor, but frozen tilapia works well if thawed properly.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking can make the fish dry. Keep an eye on it and remove it as soon as it flakes easily.
- Customize the Coating: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or swap breadcrumbs for crushed almonds for a gluten-free version.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Fish is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Variations
- Herb-Crusted Tilapia: Mix fresh parsley, dill, or thyme into the Parmesan crust.
- Spicy Parmesan Tilapia: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the coating mixture.
- Low-Carb Version: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or grated coconut.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Add shredded mozzarella or Gruyere to the Parmesan mixture for extra cheesiness.
How to Serve Baked Parmesan Tilapia
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:
- Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a fresh garden salad.
- Grains: Fluffy quinoa, brown rice, or herbed couscous.
- Potatoes: Mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or crispy potato wedges.
- Sauces: Serve with tartar sauce, a dollop of garlic aioli, or a light yogurt dill sauce.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store leftover tilapia in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Freeze: Wrap individual fillets in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it may make the crust soggy.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other types of fish?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with cod, haddock, or flounder. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets.
Is tilapia a healthy fish?
Yes, tilapia is a lean protein that’s low in calories and high in omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy choice for most diets.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the Parmesan coating and coat the fish in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even Dijon mustard are excellent substitutes.
Why is my crust not crispy?
Make sure the oven is fully preheated, and consider broiling the fish for the last 2 minutes to crisp up the top.
Baked Parmesan Tilapia
Baked Parmesan Tilapia : This is the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, making it an easy weeknight dinner that feels anything but ordinary. Tender tilapia fillets are coated with a golden, crispy Parmesan crust that adds just the right amount of crunch and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
For the Coating:
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup prepared ranch dressing
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup dry breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp each: seasoned salt, black pepper, celery salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ¼ tsp dried basil
Main Ingredient:
- 8 (6-ounce) tilapia fillets
- Cooking spray for preparation
Instructions
Prep the Oven & Baking Sheet:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray.
Mix Coatings:
- Combine milk and ranch dressing in a shallow bowl.
- Place flour in another shallow bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and all seasonings.
- Spray this mixture lightly with cooking spray, whisk, and repeat three times until it’s slightly damp for better adhesion.
Bread the Tilapia:
- Coat each tilapia fillet in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the ranch mixture.
- Place the fillets in a resealable bag with the breadcrumb mix. Seal and shake until evenly coated.
Bake to Perfection:
- Arrange the breaded fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 185Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 11mgSodium 603mgCarbohydrates 19gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 5g
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
Baked Parmesan Tilapia is a delightful, foolproof recipe that anyone can master. It’s flavorful, nutritious, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re new to cooking seafood or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Try these other Tilapia recipes:
