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- 4 tilapia fillets - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/4 cup creamy mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - Extra virgin olive oil for finishing Gathering the right ingredients is key for this dish. I love using fresh, high-quality Parmesan cheese because it melts beautifully. The Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs add great flavor and texture. Fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds a nice pop of color. Make sure you have garlic powder and onion powder on hand; they enhance the taste without overpowering the fish. The mayonnaise and lemon juice mix together to create a creamy base. This mixture helps the crust stick and adds flavor. Don't forget the extra virgin olive oil! It gives a delicious finish and helps the crust crisp up. Once you have everything ready, you can dive into the cooking process. Each ingredient plays a role in making the tilapia delicious. Enjoy the journey of creating this tasty meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Set oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) - Prepare baking sheet with parchment paper First, I preheat the oven to 400°F. This helps the tilapia cook evenly. I also line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleaning up much easier later. - Mix Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and spices - Ensure thorough incorporation of ingredients Next, I grab a bowl and combine 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, and spices. I add 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. After that, I stir it all together well. This mixture gives the crust its tasty flavor. - Combine mayonnaise and lemon juice - Whisk to achieve creamy consistency Now, I take another bowl and mix 1/4 cup of mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. I whisk them until they blend into a smooth and creamy mix. This creamy base helps the crust stick. - Pat fillets dry with paper towels - Spread mayonnaise mixture evenly on fillets I take 4 tilapia fillets and pat them dry using paper towels. This step is key. It helps the crust stick better. Then, I spread about a tablespoon of the mayonnaise mix on each fillet. I cover the entire surface for great flavor. - Sprinkle Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture over mayo-coated fillets - Press down to adhere the crust Next, I sprinkle the dry mixture over the mayo-coated fillets. I make sure to cover them well. Then, I press down lightly to make sure the crust sticks. - Arrange on baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil - Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown I place the crusted tilapia fillets on the baking sheet. I drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over each fillet. This helps it brown nicely. I then bake them for 12 to 15 minutes. They are ready when they flake easily and the crust is golden brown. To get a great crust, dry the fish first. Use a paper towel to pat each tilapia fillet dry. This step helps the crust stick better. After spreading the mayo mix, press the crust mixture firmly onto the fillets. This ensures it stays put while baking. Bake the tilapia until it turns flaky and golden brown. This usually takes about 12-15 minutes. To check for doneness, use a fork. Gently flake the fish. If it comes apart easily, your tilapia is ready to enjoy. Pair your tilapia with vibrant vegetables for color and flavor. Think bright greens or roasted carrots. Adding lemon wedges on the side brightens the dish. A squeeze of lemon adds a fresh, zesty touch. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh tilapia fillets for the best flavor and texture. Frozen fillets can work, but ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry. Customize the Crust: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or herbs in the crust for a unique twist on the flavor profile. Check for Doneness: To test if the tilapia is cooked through, use a fork to flake the fish. If it flakes easily and is opaque, it’s ready! Make it Ahead: You can prepare the crust and coat the tilapia several hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake! {{image_4}} You can spice things up with this tasty twist. Just add crushed red pepper flakes to your dry mixture. Start with about one teaspoon. This will give your dish a nice kick without overpowering the flavor of the fish. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. The warmth of the spices pairs well with the creamy mayonnaise and rich cheese. Herbs can take your tilapia to the next level. Try adding fresh thyme or dill to the dry mixture. Use about one tablespoon of finely chopped herbs for a fresh taste. Thyme offers a subtle earthiness, while dill gives a light and bright flavor. These herbs work well with the other ingredients, adding layers of flavor to each bite. Don’t hesitate to get creative with cheese! You can use different cheeses like feta or mozzarella. Feta adds a tangy kick, while mozzarella gives a milder, stretchy texture. If you choose feta, crumble it finely and mix it with the breadcrumbs. For mozzarella, shred it and mix it in with the Parmesan. This way, you can find the perfect cheese combo that suits your taste. To keep your Parmesan crusted tilapia fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Place the fish in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. It's best to eat the leftovers within two days for the best taste. When reheating, I recommend using an oven or air fryer. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). This will help keep the crust crispy. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the crust soggy. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can freeze cooked tilapia for later. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the fish in the fridge overnight. This helps maintain its texture and flavor. Parmesan crusted tilapia has a rich and savory flavor. The cheese adds a salty and nutty taste. The crispy crust provides a nice texture. Inside, the tilapia is tender and flaky. The lemon juice gives a bright and fresh note. Garlic and onion powder enhance the overall taste. Together, these flavors create a delightful dish that excites your palate. Yes, you can use frozen tilapia fillets. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight. If you need them quickly, submerge them in cold water for about 30 minutes. After thawing, pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the crust stick better. Using frozen fish can save time, and it still tastes great! Parmesan crusted tilapia pairs well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Steamed broccoli - Roasted asparagus - Creamy mashed potatoes - Quinoa salad - Fresh spinach salad - Rice pilaf These sides add color and flavor to your meal. They also balance the richness of the tilapia, making for a well-rounded dinner. This blog post covered the ingredients and steps for making Parmesan Crusted Tilapia. You learned about drying the fish, preparing the coat, and baking it. I also shared tips for perfecting your dish and ways to store leftovers. Finally, feel free to experiment with flavors by adding spices or herbs. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this easy, tasty recipe!

Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Delight

A delicious tilapia dish coated with a crispy Parmesan and breadcrumb crust.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets tilapia
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
  • 0.25 cup creamy mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 drizzle extra virgin olive oil for finishing

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will make cleanup effortless.
  • Prepare Dry Mixture: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are well incorporated.
  • Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the mayonnaise and lemon juice. Whisk them together until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. This mixture will serve as a flavorful binding agent for the crust.
  • Prepare Tilapia Fillets: Use a paper towel to gently pat each tilapia fillet dry. This ensures that the crust adheres better to the fish.
  • Coat with Mayonnaise: Spread about a tablespoon of the mayonnaise mixture evenly on top of each tilapia fillet, making sure to cover the entire surface for optimal flavor.
  • Add the Crust: Generously sprinkle the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture over the mayo-covered fillets. Press down lightly to ensure the coating sticks well.
  • Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the crusted tilapia fillets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle a touch of extra virgin olive oil over each fillet to facilitate browning and add extra depth of flavor.
  • Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The tilapia is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and the crust is a beautiful golden brown and crispy.
  • Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the tilapia from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

Notes

Elevate your dish by arranging the tilapia on a vibrant bed of fresh spinach or alongside colorful steamed vegetables. Garnish with a few lemon wedges for a burst of color and an extra zing of flavor!
Keyword baked, Parmesan, seafood, tilapia