Parmesan Crusted Tilapia : This crispy, golden, and irresistibly delicious recipe perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Tender tilapia fillets are coated in a flavorful blend of grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and simple seasonings, then baked or pan-fried to perfection. Serve it with a side of fresh veggies, pasta, or rice for a meal the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and a short cook time, you’ll have dinner on the table fast.
- Healthy: Tilapia is a low-calorie, high-protein fish, and the addition of Parmesan cheese adds calcium and flavor without being overly heavy.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the seasonings and crust to suit your taste.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
- Dry Your Fish Well: Patting the tilapia dry removes excess moisture and ensures the crust adheres properly.
- Use a Wire Rack: If you have one, baking the fillets on a wire rack set over the baking sheet helps the bottom crust stay crispy.
- Don’t Overcook: Tilapia cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it. Overcooked fish can become dry and lose its delicate texture.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Add a pinch of cayenne for heat or Italian herbs for a more Mediterranean twist.
Variations
- Herb-Crusted Tilapia: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil to the Parmesan mixture for an herby flavor boost.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the panko breadcrumbs for crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Cook the crusted fillets for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a wonderfully crispy exterior.
How to Serve Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
- With Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a simple side salad pair beautifully with the crispy fish.
- Over Rice: Serve with fluffy white rice, wild rice, or quinoa for a hearty meal.
- With Pasta: Lemon butter pasta or garlic mashed potatoes make for an indulgent dinner.
- Tacos: Flake the cooked tilapia and serve in tortillas with cabbage slaw and a drizzle of lime crema for fish tacos.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerating: Store leftover Parmesan Crusted Tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place the fillets on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 10-12 minutes. This helps maintain the crust’s crispiness.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use another type of fish?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with other mild white fish like cod, haddock, or even flounder.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative, though the flavor will be slightly different.
What can I serve with Parmesan Crusted Tilapia?
Think fresh and light! Lemon garlic green beans, a simple cucumber salad, or roasted Brussels sprouts are excellent choices.
Do I have to use panko breadcrumbs?
No, but panko breadcrumbs create the crispiest crust. If you only have regular breadcrumbs, the crust will still be delicious, just a bit less crunchy.
Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Parmesan Crusted Tilapia : This crispy, golden, and irresistibly delicious recipe perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Tender tilapia fillets are coated in a flavorful blend of grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and simple seasonings, then baked or pan-fried to perfection.
Ingredients
- 3-4 tilapia fillets (size depending)
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- If using frozen fillets, thaw and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- On a plate, combine breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers), grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- On a separate plate, pour lemon juice. Dip each fillet in the lemon juice, and sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and a little extra garlic powder.
- Dredge each seasoned fillet in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
- Place the crusted fillets in an oiled baking dish. Drizzle or spray with a touch of olive oil, and sprinkle extra lemon juice for added flavor.
- Bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the edges are golden brown. For a faster bake, set the oven to 450°F.
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 623Total Fat 21gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 205mgSodium 681mgCarbohydrates 16gFiber 2gSugar 1gProtein 95g
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
Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is truly a game-changer for weeknight dinners. It’s quick, delicious, and versatile, making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. The perfect blend of crunchy Parmesan and flaky fish is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Try these other Tilapia recipes:
