Can I use frozen tilapia fillets?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat them dry very well before coating. Excess moisture will prevent the crust from getting crispy.

What can I substitute for lemon pepper seasoning?

If you don't have lemon pepper, mix 1 teaspoon lemon zest with 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and a pinch of garlic powder. This creates a similar flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the Parmesan.

My family doesn't like fish. Will they eat this?

This recipe is a fantastic gateway fish dish! The Parmesan crust adds familiar, comforting flavors that often win over even the most dedicated fish-avoiders. The milk soak tip also helps remove any fishy flavor that might turn off picky eaters.

Can I make this without an oven?

Yes! You can pan-fry these fillets in a non-stick skillet with a bit of olive oil over medium heat, about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. The crust won't be quite as even, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe

Name: Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 (4-ounce) tilapia filets; ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt (optional, depending on your preference); 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ¼ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup diced green onions (optional); 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Description

Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is a flavorful, quick, and easy dish perfect for any weeknight meal. Juicy, flaky tilapia fillets coated with a golden, crispy Parmesan crust are baked to perfection in under 20 minutes. With hints of zesty lemon pepper and fresh parsley, this dish offers a delightful combination of flavors. Serve it with lemon wedges for a fresh citrus kick!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Tilapia

4 (4-ounce) tilapia filets
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt (optional, depending on your preference)
1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese

For Garnish

1/4 cup diced green onions (optional)
1 lemon, cut into wedges

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Instructions

Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and set it aside.
Prepare the Parmesan mixture
In a medium bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon pepper seasoning, parsley, and kosher salt. This mixture will coat the tilapia filets to create the flavorful crust.
Coat the fillets
Drizzle olive oil over the tilapia filets to help the cheese mixture stick. Press the grated Parmesan mixt gently onto the fish, ensuring an even coating on all sides. Sprinkle with the shredded Parmesan cheese for added texture and flavor.
Bake
Transfer the coated tilapia filets onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake the fish in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the thickest part of the filets turns opaque. The exact baking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fish.
Broil for crispiness
If you prefer a crispier crust, switch your oven to the broil setting and broil the tilapia for an additional 5 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning!
Garnish and serve
Top the cooked tilapia with diced green onions and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Parmesan Crusted Tilapia!

Notes

Salt Tip: The Parmesan cheese already adds a salty flavor, so you can skip the kosher salt entirely if you prefer a less salty dish.
Remove ‘fishy’ taste: If you’re concerned about a fishy flavor, soak the raw tilapia filets in milk for about 15 minutes before cooking. Pat them dry afterward before applying the coating.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for the best texture, avoiding the microwave to maintain the crust’s crispiness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 filet
Calories: 260
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 85mg