Description
This Fast and Easy Parmesan Crusted Tilapia recipe offers a quick, flavorful way to prepare a light and crispy fish dish. The tilapia filets are coated with a zesty mixture of panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs, then baked to golden perfection. Perfectly balanced with fresh lime juice and a drizzle of olive oil, this dish makes a healthy and satisfying weeknight dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Fish and Marinade
- 4 tilapia filets (thawed and patted dry)
- Juice of one lime
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Breading Mixture
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
Additional
- 2 tbsp olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for crisping the tilapia crust.
- Prepare the Breading Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, chopped parsley, salt, and freshly ground pepper. This mixture will add a flavorful crust to the fish.
- Marinate the Fish: Pour lime juice into a separate shallow dish. Dip each tilapia filet into the lime juice, coating both sides thoroughly, then season them lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Bread the Filets: After marinating, dredge each filet in the breadcrumb and cheese mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even, full coating on both sides. Place the breaded filets on a foil-lined and greased baking sheet to prevent sticking and facilitate cleanup.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle olive oil over the crusted filets to help achieve a golden, crispy texture while baking.
- Bake the Tilapia: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Bake until the crust is browned and the fish flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is cooked through.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the tilapia for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted with dried parsley if needed, use about 1 teaspoon.
- If fresh lime juice is not available, lemon juice can be used as an alternative for marinating the fish.
- Make sure the tilapia filets are patted dry before marinating to help the breading stick better.
- This recipe pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tilapia filet
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
