![- 4 tilapia fillets - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - Fresh parsley, finely chopped The key to this dish is the tilapia. This fish is light and flaky, making it perfect for baking. The Parmesan cheese gives a rich flavor. Panko breadcrumbs add a lovely crunch. Garlic powder and oregano boost the taste, while smoked paprika adds depth. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish, and parsley makes it pretty. You can swap tilapia for cod or haddock. If you're out of Parmesan, try Asiago cheese instead. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can skip the garlic powder or use fresh garlic if you prefer. Don't have smoked paprika? Regular paprika works too. First, gather your ingredients for this tasty dish. You will need four tilapia fillets, Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. You will also need olive oil, a lemon, and fresh parsley for garnish. Next, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step gets your oven hot and ready for the fish. In a medium bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. This mix is the key to a crunchy crust. Now, pat each tilapia fillet dry using paper towels. This step helps the crust stick better. Place the tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This keeps the fish from sticking. Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over each fillet. Squeeze the lemon juice on top and add the zest for fresh flavor. Press the Parmesan and breadcrumb mix firmly onto each fillet. This step ensures a nice, even coating. Now, it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and the crust turns golden brown. Once done, take the tilapia out of the oven. Let it rest for a couple of minutes. This resting time helps the flavors settle. To get the best crust, make sure you press the topping firmly on the fish. If you want a crispier texture, you can broil the fish for the last minute of cooking. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Give each fillet enough space to cook evenly. For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs or spices to your breadcrumb mix. You can also use a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving. This simple recipe is a great way to enjoy healthy, gourmet fish at home. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. To get that great crust, start with dry tilapia fillets. Pat them well with paper towels. This helps the crust stick better. Mix the Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs well. The panko adds a nice crunch. Press the mixture firmly onto the fish. This step is key for a golden crust. One common mistake is not drying the fish. Wet fillets make it hard for the crust to stick. Another error is not preheating the oven. A hot oven ensures the fish cooks evenly. Make sure to avoid crowding the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around each fillet. To amp up flavor, try adding lemon zest or juice. It wakes up the dish nicely. You can also mix in fresh herbs like parsley or basil. A sprinkle of chili flakes can add a bit of heat. For a smoky touch, use smoked paprika. These simple tweaks can make your Parmesan crusted tilapia even more tasty. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} To spice things up, add a kick to your Parmesan crust. Mix in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture. You can start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to your taste. This adds heat without overpowering the fish. Serve with a side of cool ranch or yogurt sauce to balance the spice. If you love herbs, this variation is for you! Mix fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or dill into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mix. Use about 1 tablespoon of finely chopped herbs for a fresh taste. This adds color and a burst of flavor to your dish. It makes the crust more aromatic and lively. Not a tilapia fan? You can use other fish types. Cod, haddock, or flounder work great. These fish have a similar texture and flavor. Just adjust the baking time slightly, as thicker fillets need more time. Each alternative brings its own unique taste while keeping the dish simple and tasty. For more details on preparing Parmesan crusted tilapia, check out the Full Recipe. To keep your Parmesan crusted tilapia fresh, allow it to cool first. Place the fillets in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing. When you're ready to eat leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the fillets on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through. This method helps retain the crispy crust. You can also use a microwave, but the crust may lose its crunch. To freeze your tilapia, wrap the fillets tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. The tilapia can stay good in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. You can find the full recipe above to enjoy this delightful dish anytime! You can use other mild fish like cod or haddock. These options also hold up well to baking. If you seek a firmer texture, choose salmon or swordfish. Both will still taste great with the Parmesan crust. Just be mindful of cooking times, as thicker fish may need longer. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. At this point, the crust should look golden brown. You can also check the internal temperature. It should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe eating. If you have a meat thermometer, this is a good tool to use. Yes, you can prepare the crust mixture and coat the fish in advance. Store the coated fillets in the fridge for up to an hour before baking. This helps save time on busy nights. However, I recommend baking just before serving for the best texture. For the full recipe, refer back to the beginning of the article. This article covered key ingredients and how to prepare your dish. We explored options for substitutions and shared step-by-step cooking instructions. You learned tips for achieving a perfect crust and how to avoid common pitfalls. Various tasty variations on the dish were also discussed. Remember, storing leftovers and reheating properly keeps your meal fresh. Use these insights to make your next cooking experience enjoyable and successful. Happy cooking!](https://dailydishcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/0dad2d63-217a-444f-860e-5e634241017d-250x250.webp)
Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Elevate your dinner with this delightful Parmesan Crusted Tilapia! Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe features perfectly baked tilapia fillets topped with a crunchy crust of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and vibrant seasonings. Discover the easy steps to create a flavorful meal that impresses. Click through now to explore this mouthwatering recipe and make your next meal unforgettable!