Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

$To make Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia, you will need: - 4 tilapia fillets - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons melted butter - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) I recommend using high-quality ingredients for the best taste. For Parmesan cheese, look for brands like Kraft or BelGioioso. They offer great flavor and texture. For panko breadcrumbs, try Kikkoman or Progresso. These brands provide a nice crunch. For olive oil, choose extra virgin varieties from brands like Pompeian or California Olive Ranch. They have rich taste and quality. If you have dietary needs, there are easy swaps. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko. You can also use nutritional yeast if you want a dairy-free option. Replace the tilapia with salmon or cod for a different fish flavor. If you can't use butter, try using coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. These swaps let everyone enjoy this tasty dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 4 tilapia fillets - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons melted butter - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for crispy crust. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly. This will help with easy cleanup. In a bowl, mix the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all the dry ingredients blend together. In another bowl, mix the melted butter and olive oil. Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps the crust stick better. Dip each fillet into the butter and oil mix. Make sure to coat both sides. Now, transfer the coated fillets to the breadcrumb mix. Press gently so the crumbs stick well. This gives the tilapia a nice crunch. Arrange the coated tilapia fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven. Set a timer for 12 to 15 minutes. The fish should flake easily with a fork when done. Look for a golden brown crust, which means it’s ready. Once baked, take the fillets out and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley and add lemon wedges on the side. This dish is now ready to impress! To get that perfect crust on your tilapia, start with dry fillets. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the coating stick well. Use a mix of panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. The panko adds a nice crunch. Press the fillets into the breadcrumb mix firmly. Make sure both sides are coated well. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes. Look for a golden crust that is crispy and inviting. One common mistake is not drying the fish. Moisture prevents the crust from sticking. Another mistake is using too much oil. If you soak the fish in oil, it can become greasy. Also, avoid overbaking. Check for doneness using a fork. Once the fish flakes easily, it’s ready. Lastly, don’t skip the herbs and spices. They add great flavor to your dish. To boost flavor, try adding lemon zest to your breadcrumb mix. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can brighten the dish. You can also mix in some crushed red pepper for heat. If you want a tangy kick, serve with a lemon wedge. A drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving adds a nice touch too. Remember, simple tweaks can elevate your meal. Enjoy experimenting with flavors! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tilapia will yield a better flavor and texture than frozen. Look for fillets that are translucent and moist. Customize the Coating: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture for a personalized touch. Paprika or cayenne can add a nice kick! Check for Doneness: To ensure the fish is perfectly cooked, check that it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let it Rest: Allowing the tilapia to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the juices redistribute, keeping it moist and flavorful. {{image_2}} You can switch up the fish for this recipe. While tilapia is mild and flaky, other fish work well too. Cod is a great choice because it has a similar texture. It also absorbs flavors nicely. You might try haddock, which has a firm, white flesh. If you want something richer, salmon adds a nice touch. Just remember to adjust the baking time. Thicker fish may need a bit longer in the oven. If you are gluten-free, don’t worry! You can still enjoy this dish. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko. Many brands make tasty gluten-free options. Another choice is to use crushed cornflakes. They give a nice crunch too. Just check the label to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, you can savor every bite without the gluten. Herbs and spices can change the flavor profile of your dish. For a fresh twist, add chopped dill or cilantro to the breadcrumb mix. If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. You can also try lemon zest for a citrus kick. Mixing in smoked paprika will give it a wonderful depth. These variations can make your meal more exciting and personal. Experiment to find your favorite combination! After enjoying your baked Parmesan crusted tilapia, you may have some leftovers. To store them, let the fish cool down first. Place the fillets in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. If you want to keep the tilapia longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze the tilapia for up to three months. Remember to label the bag with the date. To reheat your tilapia, the oven is your best bet. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the fillets on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but the oven keeps the crust crispy. Enjoy your meal again without losing its tasty charm! You can tell tilapia is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. The fish will look opaque and firm. Usually, this takes about 12 to 15 minutes in the oven at 400°F (200°C). If you have a food thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). This ensures the fish is safe to eat and delicious. Yes, you can use fresh Parmesan cheese instead of grated. Fresh cheese will give a richer flavor. Just grate it finely so it mixes well with the breadcrumbs. Keep in mind that fresh cheese may melt differently, affecting the crust's texture. But it will still create a tasty dish. Baked Parmesan crusted tilapia goes well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed green beans - Garlic mashed potatoes - Roasted asparagus - A fresh garden salad - Quinoa or rice pilaf These sides balance the flavors and make a complete meal. In this article, we explored delicious baked Parmesan crusted tilapia. We covered ingredients, including top brands and substitutions for dietary needs. Step-by-step instructions helped with preparation, coating, and baking. Tips included ways to achieve that perfect crust and avoid common mistakes. We also discussed variations with different fish and flavor boosts. Finally, I shared storage and reheating tips for leftovers. Enjoy your cooking journey with tilapia, and remember, simple changes can lead to great meals!$

Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

A delicious and crispy tilapia dish coated with Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets tilapia
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt
to taste pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
for serving lemon wedges

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all dry ingredients are evenly incorporated.
In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter and olive oil together.
Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel, then dip each fillet into the butter and oil mixture, ensuring they are coated on both sides.
Immediately transfer the coated fillets to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating on both sides.
Arrange the crusted tilapia fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the tilapia in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for added brightness.

Notes

Serve with lemon wedges for added brightness.

Keyword baked fish, easy recipe, parmesan, seafood, tilapia