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- 4 tilapia fillets - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup panko bread crumbs - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 2 large eggs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Lemon wedges for serving - Fresh parsley for garnish Gathering the right ingredients is key. For the main part, you need four tilapia fillets. They should be fresh or thawed if frozen. Next, grab one cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese gives a great flavor and helps the crust stick. You will also need one cup of panko bread crumbs. These crumbs create a light and crunchy crust that makes this dish shine. For seasoning, you will need some garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. Just two teaspoons of garlic powder and one teaspoon each of onion powder and oregano will enhance the taste. Add half a teaspoon of salt and black pepper to balance the flavors. To bind everything, you will use two large eggs. Beating the eggs helps the crumbs stick well to the fish. Finally, two tablespoons of olive oil will help with frying and add richness to the dish. To serve, I recommend lemon wedges. They add a fresh zing to the fish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes the dish look beautiful and adds a bit of color. Each ingredient plays a key role in making your Parmesan crusted tilapia crisp and flavorful. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the fish cook evenly. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray. This prevents sticking. 3. In a shallow dish, combine the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all dry ingredients blend well. 1. In another bowl, beat the two large eggs until they are mixed well. 2. Take each tilapia fillet and dip it into the egg wash. Ensure the entire fillet is coated. 3. Next, dredge the fillet in the breadcrumb and cheese mixture. Press lightly to make the crust stick well. 1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Wait until the oil is hot before adding fish. 2. Add the coated tilapia fillets to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. 3. Once browned, transfer the fillets to the prepared baking sheet. 4. Bake them in the oven for 10-12 minutes. The fish should flake easily with a fork and have a crispy crust. 5. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the fillets rest for a couple of minutes before serving. How to achieve a crispy crust To get that perfect crispy crust, use panko bread crumbs. They give a light crunch. Mix them with grated Parmesan cheese and spices. Dip the tilapia in the egg wash first. This helps the crust stick well. When frying, make sure the oil is hot. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Baking the fillets after frying makes them even crispier. Best oil for frying tilapia I recommend using olive oil for frying. It adds a nice flavor. You can also use vegetable oil if you prefer. Just make sure the oil is hot before adding the fish. This helps seal in the moisture and keeps the fish tender. Ideas for side dishes Parmesan crusted tilapia pairs well with many sides. Try serving it with steamed broccoli or asparagus. A fresh salad with citrus dressing also works great. You can add rice or quinoa for a hearty meal too. Presentation tips for a beautiful plate To make your dish look stunning, drizzle some olive oil on the plate. Place the tilapia fillet in the center. Add lemon wedges on the side for color. A sprig of fresh parsley on top adds a nice touch. This simple plating makes the dish pop! Best practices for refrigeration Store any leftover tilapia in an airtight container. It will last for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure it cools down first before sealing. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. Reheating tips for optimal taste To reheat, place the tilapia in the oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. This helps keep the crust crispy. You can also use an air fryer for quick reheating. Just a few minutes will do! Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh tilapia fillets for the best flavor and texture. Check for a mild smell and firm flesh when selecting fish. Perfect Crust: For an extra crispy crust, let the coated tilapia sit for about 5 minutes before cooking. This helps the breading adhere better. Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices in the breading mix. Adding paprika or cayenne pepper can give a nice kick! Serving Suggestions: Pair the tilapia with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A tangy sauce like tartar or remoulade also complements the dish well. {{image_2}} You can add fun flavors to your Parmesan crust. Try mixing in dried herbs like thyme or basil. A pinch of red pepper flakes brings heat. For a fresh twist, use lemon zest in the crust. Cheese alternatives also work well. Instead of Parmesan, try cheddar or even a mix of Italian cheeses for a unique taste. Want a quicker cooking method? Use an air fryer! Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Cook the fillets for about 8-10 minutes. You’ll still get that crispy crust. If you love grilled flavors, try grilling your tilapia. Brush it with olive oil and grill for 3-4 minutes on each side. The smokiness adds depth to the dish. If you need a gluten-free option, swap panko with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. This keeps the crispy texture. For low-carb variations, use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs. It gives a nice crunch without the carbs. You can enjoy this dish while sticking to your diet! Each serving of Parmesan crusted tilapia has about 400 calories. This dish is rich in protein, with roughly 30 grams per serving. The fat content is around 20 grams, mainly from olive oil and cheese. Carbohydrates are about 25 grams, coming from the panko and seasonings. Tilapia is a great source of protein. It is low in calories and has healthy fats. Eating tilapia can help build and repair body tissues. Parmesan cheese adds flavor and calcium, essential for strong bones. Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat. It can lower bad cholesterol levels and provide antioxidants. For a balanced meal, serve one tilapia fillet per person. Pair it with vegetables or a salad to add fiber and vitamins. If you have special dietary needs, cut back on the cheese or oil. For a lighter option, serve half a fillet with more veggies. How long can I store leftover Parmesan Crusted Tilapia? You can store leftover Parmesan crusted tilapia in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the fish fresh and moist. When you are ready to eat it again, reheat gently in the oven or on the stove. Can I freeze cooked tilapia? Yes, you can freeze cooked tilapia. Wrap each fillet in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as described above. What can I use instead of tilapia? If you want to try another fish, you can use cod or haddock. Both have a mild taste and flake well. They also work great with the Parmesan crust. You can even use chicken breasts if you prefer poultry. How to tell when tilapia is fully cooked? You can tell tilapia is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. The flesh should turn from translucent to opaque. A safe internal temperature is 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. What sides go well with Parmesan Crusted Tilapia? Parmesan crusted tilapia pairs well with many sides. Consider serving it with steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans. A light salad or wild rice also complements the dish nicely. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prepare the crust and coat the tilapia ahead of time. Store the coated fillets in the fridge for up to 2 hours before cooking. This helps save time when you're ready to eat. Just remember to bake the fillets fresh for the best taste and texture. This blog post covered how to make Parmesan Crusted Tilapia. We explored ingredients like tilapia, cheese, and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparation and cooking. You learned tips for a crispy crust and how to store leftovers. As you try this recipe, remember you can customize flavors and cooking methods. Enjoy your meal with lemon and fresh parsley! This dish is simple and tasty, making it perfect for any occasion.

Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

A delicious tilapia dish with a crispy Parmesan crust, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets tilapia
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste none lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
  • In a shallow dish, combine the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the dry ingredients.
  • In another shallow bowl, beat the two large eggs until well combined.
  • Dip each tilapia fillet first in the egg wash, ensuring it's fully coated, then dredge it in the breadcrumb and cheese mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the crust.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated tilapia fillets, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your skillet.
  • Transfer the browned fillets to the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake the tilapia in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust is crispy and golden.
  • Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the tilapia to rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with lemon wedges and a sprig of fresh parsley for garnish.
Keyword baked, Parmesan, seafood, tilapia