Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe

This Parmesan Crusted Tilapia transforms mild fish fillets into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort. The crispy, cheesy crust delivers incredible flavor while keeping the fish perfectly tender and moist inside. Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish, this foolproof recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something impressive but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Tilapia fillets: The mild, slightly sweet flavor makes them perfect for this recipe. They cook quickly and take on flavors beautifully.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: The foundation of our crust – always go for freshly grated for the best flavor and melting properties. Pre-grated won’t give you the same delicious results.
• Kosher salt: Just a touch enhances the overall flavors. Remember, Parmesan is already salty, so you don’t need much.
• Lemon pepper seasoning: Provides bright citrus notes and a hint of spice that perfectly complements the fish.
• Fresh parsley: Adds color and a fresh, herbaceous element that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
• Olive oil: Helps the cheese mixture adhere to the fish and promotes beautiful browning.
• Freshly shredded Parmesan: This second layer of Parmesan creates an extra crispy, golden crust when broiled.
• Green onions: Optional garnish that adds color and a mild, fresh flavor.
• Lemon wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the whole dish and balances the richness of the cheese.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious alternatives:

• Try different fish: This crust works beautifully on other mild white fish like cod, haddock, or sole. Just adjust cooking time based on thickness.
• Add herbs: Mix in some fresh dill, thyme, or basil to the Parmesan mixture for different flavor profiles.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a hint of heat.
• Mediterranean twist: Mix in some finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and olives to the Parmesan mixture.
• Gluten-free option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but you can add a tablespoon of almond flour to the mixture if you want a more substantial crust.

How to Make Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil. This makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking. Make sure your Parmesan is freshly grated for the best texture and flavor.

Step 2: Create the Parmesan Mixture

In a bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, lemon pepper seasoning, chopped parsley, and salt. Mix everything together until well blended. This mixture is your flavor powerhouse!

Step 3: Coat the Tilapia

Drizzle the tilapia fillets with olive oil on both sides. This helps the cheese mixture stick and promotes beautiful browning. Then press the Parmesan mixture onto each fillet, making sure to coat them thoroughly. Finish with a sprinkle of the shredded Parmesan for an extra crispy top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the coated fillets on your prepared baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes. The fish should be opaque in the thickest part when done. For that golden, crispy finish, broil for an additional 5 minutes – but watch carefully to prevent burning!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top your beautifully crusted tilapia with green onions if desired and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing. The fresh lemon juice adds the perfect finishing touch.

How to Serve

This Parmesan Crusted Tilapia pairs beautifully with so many sides! Here are some perfect companions:

Light and Fresh Sides:

Serve alongside a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, steamed asparagus, or roasted cherry tomatoes for a light, fresh meal.

Heartier Options:

For a more substantial dinner, pair with garlic mashed potatoes, lemon herb rice, or roasted fingerling potatoes.

Complete the Meal:

A glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors perfectly for an elegant dinner at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust won’t stay quite as crispy, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked tilapia for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to help restore some crispiness to the crust. Microwaving works in a pinch but will result in a softer texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Parmesan Crusted Tilapia proves that impressive, delicious meals don’t require hours in the kitchen or chef-level skills. With its perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender fish, it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation. The best part? It’s so simple that you can whip it up on even your busiest evenings, yet special enough to serve to guests. Give it a try tonight – your taste buds will thank you!

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