Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia Recipe

Introduction

This Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy flaky, tender fish with a crispy, flavorful coating. Perfect for seafood lovers looking for an easy yet impressive meal.

Ingredients

• 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth.
4. Step 4: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
5. Step 5: Dip each fillet into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then press gently into the breadcrumb mixture until coated. Repeat for all fillets.
6. Step 6: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
7. Step 7: Carefully place the coated fillets in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding and cook in batches if necessary.
8. Step 8: Flip the fillets gently and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until both sides are crispy and golden.
9. Step 9: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
10. Step 10: Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the fillets to a serving platter.
11. Step 11: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets and sprinkle with extra chopped parsley.
12. Step 12: Serve with lemon wedges on the side, along with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or rice/quinoa.

Tips & Variations

• Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier crust.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a mild spicy kick.
• Replace Dijon mustard with whole grain mustard for a different flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
• Serve with tartar sauce or a dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with herbs for extra tang.

Storage

Store leftover Parmesan-crusted tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) to preserve the crispiness, or use a skillet over medium heat. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the tilapia without pan-frying first?

Yes, you can bake the fillets directly, but pan-frying first ensures a crispier, golden crust. Baking alone may result in a softer texture.

What can I serve with Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia?

This dish pairs well with fresh salads, steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 77 reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Halal

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Description

Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia is a flavorful and easy seafood recipe featuring tilapia fillets coated with a crispy parmesan and breadcrumb crust, pan-fried to golden perfection and finished in the oven for a tender, flaky interior. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for seafood lovers.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fish and Coating

• 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Wet Mixture

• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Cooking and Serving

• 3 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for finishing the cooked tilapia fillets after pan-searing.
2. Prepare Coating Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create an even coating mixture for the fish.
3. Make Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth to create the binding mixture for the crust.
4. Season Fish: Pat the tilapia fillets dry using paper towels to ensure the coating adheres well. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
5. Coat Fillets: Dip each fillet into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then transfer to the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the crust adheres evenly. Repeat this step for all fillets.
6. Heat Oil: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot enough for searing.
7. Pan-Fry First Side: Carefully place the coated fillets into the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving them to develop a golden brown crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
8. Pan-Fry Second Side: Gently flip the fillets using a spatula and cook the second side for another 3-4 minutes until the coating is crispy and golden on both sides.
9. Oven Finish: Transfer the skillet with the pan-seared fillets directly into the preheated oven. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
10. Remove and Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Transfer the fillets to a serving platter. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets and sprinkle with extra chopped parsley for added freshness and flavor.
11. Garnish and Serve: Serve the parmesan-crusted tilapia with lemon wedges on the side. Complement with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or your choice of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Notes

• Patting the fish dry before coating helps the crust stick better and ensures a crispy texture.
• Using panko breadcrumbs adds extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
• Do not overcrowd the skillet when frying to maintain the oil temperature and achieve an even crispiness.
• Check the fish’s internal temperature to ensure it is safely cooked and flaky.
• Add fresh lemon juice right before serving to brighten the flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: tilapia recipe, parmesan crusted fish, seafood dinner, crispy fish fillet, easy tilapia, pan-fried tilapia, baked fish, quick seafood recipe