Crispy Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

$- 4 tilapia fillets - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko) - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Salt to taste - 2 eggs, beaten - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Olive oil for drizzling The ingredients for Parmesan crusted tilapia create a wonderful dish. First, I use fresh tilapia fillets. These fillets are mild and flaky, making them perfect for this recipe. Next, I choose high-quality grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese gives the fish a rich, nutty flavor. I also prefer panko breadcrumbs for their extra crunch. They help create that beautiful crispy exterior. I add fresh parsley to the coating. It brings a bright color and fresh taste. The garlic and onion powders add depth to the flavor. Paprika gives a subtle warmth, while black pepper adds a bit of spice. I always adjust salt to my taste, making sure not to overdo it. For the binding mixture, I whisk together two eggs and lemon juice. This mixture helps the coating stick well to the fish. A drizzle of olive oil before baking ensures a golden, crispy finish. All these ingredients work together to make a delicious, flavorful dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This helps cook the fish evenly. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This keeps the fish from sticking. 3. In a bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Add chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt for flavor. 1. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and add lemon juice. This mixture will help the coating stick. 2. Take each tilapia fillet and dip it into the egg mixture. Let any extra egg drip off to avoid sogginess. 3. Next, coat each fillet with the Parmesan and breadcrumb mix. Press down lightly to help it stick well. 1. Arrange the coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they have space in between. 2. Drizzle a little olive oil over each fillet. This helps create a golden crust. 3. Bake the fillets in the oven for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they are golden and crispy. To get that perfect crunch, always use panko breadcrumbs. They create a light and airy crust. Drizzle the fillets with olive oil before baking. This helps them brown evenly and adds flavor. You can make this dish even better by adding spices. Try a pinch of cayenne for heat or some lemon zest for brightness. Fresh herbs like dill or basil also add a lovely touch. Pair your tilapia with mixed greens for a fresh bite. Roasted vegetables bring a nice balance too. For a stylish meal, serve the fillets on a bright platter. Add lemon wedges and sprinkle with parsley for color. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh parsley and high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Breadcrumb Variety: Panko breadcrumbs provide extra crunch, but feel free to mix in some regular breadcrumbs for a different texture. Perfect Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the tilapia while baking to ensure it doesn’t overcook; it should be flaky and tender. Serving Suggestions: Pair with a light salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the Parmesan crust. {{image_2}} You can switch up the fish in this dish. While tilapia works well, try using cod or haddock for a different taste. These options can bring a new texture and flavor to your meal. If you want a cheesy twist, substitute the Parmesan with gouda or cheddar. Both cheeses melt nicely and add rich flavors. Gouda gives a nutty taste, while cheddar adds sharpness. Experimenting with cheese can make each bite exciting! Baking is a great method, but you can also pan-fry the tilapia. Heat some olive oil in a skillet, then cook the fillets for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This method creates a golden crust and keeps the fish juicy. If you like grilling, try it outdoors! Brush the fillets with olive oil, then grill for 4-5 minutes per side. This method adds a nice smoky flavor that elevates the dish. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Almond flour gives a nutty taste and is low in carbs. Gluten-free breadcrumbs provide a crispy texture without gluten. These swaps help everyone enjoy this tasty dish! To keep your Parmesan crusted tilapia fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent the fish from drying out or absorbing other odors. Store it in the fridge right after it cools down. You can keep the leftovers for up to three days. If you need to store it longer, consider freezing. To reheat tilapia without losing its crispiness, I suggest using an oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the fillets on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the crust nice and crunchy. You can use a microwave, but the fish may become soggy. If you choose this method, cover the fish with a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts. Check often to avoid overheating. Yes, you can freeze the coated fish! Wrap each fillet in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This keeps the crust intact and fresh for up to two months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw the fillets in the fridge overnight. After thawing, you can bake them directly or let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook evenly. Cooking tilapia is quick and easy. If you bake it, plan for 12-15 minutes. If you pan-fry, it may take about 4-5 minutes per side. Always check if the fish flakes easily with a fork. This means it is ready. Cooking time may vary based on fillet thickness. Pair your tilapia with tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Mixed greens with a light dressing - Roasted vegetables like carrots and zucchini - Garlic mashed potatoes for a comforting touch - Quinoa or rice for a healthy grain option - A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette These sides enhance the dish and create a balanced meal. Yes, you can use frozen tilapia fillets! Just remember to thaw them first. Place the fillets in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for faster thawing. Pat them dry before coating. This helps the breading stick better. Frozen fish can taste great if handled right. This blog post shared a simple, tasty way to prepare Parmesan crusted tilapia. We covered the key ingredients, from fresh fillets to flavorful herbs, and outlined step-by-step cooking instructions. I offered tips for achieving perfect crispiness and suggested variations to meet your taste. Finally, we discussed how to store and reheat leftovers to keep them delicious. Enjoy making this dish, and feel confident to explore your own flavors and ideas.$

A delicious and crunchy tilapia dish coated with Parmesan and breadcrumbs, perfect for a quick meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Ingredients

4 fillets tilapia
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
2 eggs beaten
1 tablespoon lemon juice
to taste salt
for drizzling olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
In another bowl, whisk the eggs and add the lemon juice. This will serve as a binding mixture.
Dip each tilapia fillet first into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it generously in the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating adheres.
Place the coated fillets onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle a little olive oil on top of each fillet to help them crisp up in the oven.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and the crust is golden and crispy.
Once done, remove from the oven and let the fish rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with lemon wedges and a side of mixed greens or roasted vegetables.

Keyword baked, fish, Parmesan, seafood, tilapia