Ingredients
- Tilapia Fillets: 4 (about 6 ounces each) – The star of the show! Tilapia is a mild, white fish that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. Look for fillets that are about the same thickness for even cooking. Fresh or frozen (thawed completely) will work.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, finely grated – Provides that signature salty, nutty flavor and creates the crispy crust. Freshly grated parmesan is highly recommended for the best taste and texture.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup – Japanese-style breadcrumbs that are coarser and lighter than regular breadcrumbs, resulting in a wonderfully crispy crust. If you must substitute, regular breadcrumbs will work, but panko is ideal.
- Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup – Acts as a binder for the parmesan and panko mixture, helping it adhere to the fish and adding moisture. Use your favorite brand of mayonnaise.
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed – Brightens the flavor of the fish and cuts through the richness of the parmesan. Freshly squeezed juice is always preferred for the best flavor.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon – Adds a savory depth to the crust and complements the parmesan and lemon.
- Dried Parsley: 1 teaspoon – Provides a touch of herbaceousness and visual appeal. You can also use dried Italian seasoning or a mix of your favorite dried herbs.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon – Enhances all the flavors and seasons the fish. Adjust to your taste.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon – Adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon – Used to lightly grease the baking dish to prevent sticking and can be drizzled over the fish for extra moisture, though it’s optional in this recipe.
- Optional Garnish: Lemon wedges, fresh parsley – For serving and adding a fresh, bright touch.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for baking the tilapia quickly and achieving a crispy crust without drying out the fish. While the oven is preheating, take a baking dish – a 9×13 inch dish works well, or any dish large enough to comfortably hold the tilapia fillets in a single layer. Lightly grease the baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. This step is crucial to prevent the tilapia from sticking to the dish and ensures easy removal after baking. You can also line the dish with parchment paper for even easier cleanup, but greasing is usually sufficient.
- Prepare the Parmesan Crust Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the grated parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and form a slightly damp, crumbly mixture. The mayonnaise is key here as it binds the dry ingredients together and helps the crust adhere to the tilapia. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if necessary – you might want a little more salt or pepper depending on your preference. This mixture is what will create that delicious, crispy, and flavorful crust that everyone loves.
- Pat Dry the Tilapia Fillets: Take your tilapia fillets and gently pat them dry with paper towels. This is an important step because removing excess moisture from the surface of the fish will help the parmesan crust adhere better and become crispier during baking. Excess moisture can steam the fish instead of allowing it to bake and crisp up. Lay the fillets on a clean surface and use paper towels to gently press down on both sides, absorbing any surface moisture.
- Apply the Parmesan Crust to the Tilapia: Now, it’s time to coat the tilapia fillets with the parmesan crust mixture. Take a fillet and place it in the bowl with the parmesan mixture. Using your hands or a spoon, evenly distribute the parmesan mixture over the top of each tilapia fillet. Gently press the mixture onto the fish to ensure it adheres well. You want to create a good, even layer of the crust, but don’t make it too thick, as a very thick crust might not cook through properly before the fish is cooked. Make sure the entire top surface of each fillet is covered with the parmesan mixture for maximum flavor and crispiness.
- Arrange Tilapia in Baking Dish: Carefully place the parmesan-crusted tilapia fillets in the prepared baking dish. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding can cause the fish to steam instead of bake properly and may result in uneven cooking. Leave a little space between each fillet to allow for good air circulation and even browning. If you have a lot of fillets, you may need to use two baking dishes or bake in batches.
- Bake the Tilapia: Place the baking dish with the tilapia in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the tilapia is cooked through and the parmesan crust is golden brown and crispy. The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of your tilapia fillets and your oven. Tilapia is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is no longer translucent. Start checking for doneness around the 12-minute mark. You can gently flake a piece with a fork to test if it’s ready. Be careful not to overbake the tilapia, as it can become dry.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional): If you want an even crispier and more golden brown crust, you can broil the tilapia for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Keep a very close eye on it while broiling, as it can brown very quickly and even burn if left unattended. Broiling is an optional step, but it can enhance the texture and appearance of the crust. Position the baking dish about 4-6 inches from the broiler element and broil just until the crust is nicely browned and crispy.
- Serve Immediately: Once the Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is cooked to perfection, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Let it rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the fish to finish cooking and the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful fillet. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and fresh parsley, if desired, for a bright and fresh finish. Serve immediately while it’s hot and the crust is still crispy. This dish is best enjoyed right away.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 400
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 22
- Protein: 35