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- 4 tilapia fillets (approximately 6 ounces each) - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch - 2 garlic cloves, finely minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend (combining oregano, basil, and thyme) - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick) - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 2 tablespoons olive oil for drizzling For this dish, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Tilapia fillets are mild and flaky, making them perfect for this recipe. The Parmesan cheese gives a rich, nutty flavor that pairs well with the fish. Panko breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch. You can use garlic to build a nice base flavor. Italian herbs enhance the dish with a classic taste. If you like heat, try adding red pepper flakes. They give a nice kick, but it's optional. For binding, eggs and lemon juice help the crust stick well. Olive oil adds moisture and helps the crust become golden brown. Once you gather these ingredients, you're ready to create a tasty meal. Remember, you can find the full recipe for step-by-step guidance on how to make this Parmesan crusted tilapia. - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). - Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheating the oven helps ensure even cooking. The parchment paper stops the fish from sticking. This step makes clean-up easier, too. - Combine dry ingredients in a shallow dish. - Mix until well combined. In a shallow dish, mix the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Italian herbs, optional red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture gives the fish a rich flavor. - Whisk eggs and lemon juice. - Coat fillets in egg mixture and then breadcrumbs. In a bowl, whisk the eggs and lemon juice until smooth. Take each tilapia fillet and dip it into the egg mix. Let excess egg drip off before moving to the breadcrumb mixture. Press the fillet into the crumbs so they stick well. - Arrange fillets on baking sheet. - Drizzle with olive oil. - Bake until golden brown. Place the coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over each fillet for extra crispiness. Bake for 15-20 minutes. The fish should be opaque and flaky, and the crust should turn golden brown. For full details, check the Full Recipe. Enjoy these steps for a tasty meal! To get that lovely crispy crust, use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts better and adds great flavor. Always ensure you coat the fish evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. This helps every bite stay crunchy. Press down gently when you coat the fillets. This makes sure the crust sticks well. If you use frozen tilapia, adjust your cooking time. Frozen fillets need a few extra minutes in the oven. Always check for doneness by looking for opaque fish that flakes easily with a fork. This ensures your tilapia is cooked just right. Garnishing your tilapia with fresh herbs adds color and flavor. Parsley or dill works well. Serve the tilapia with lemon wedges for a fresh twist. Guests can squeeze lemon juice over the fish, making each bite bright and tasty. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} Adding citrus zest can really boost the flavor. I love using lemon or lime zest. Just mix it into the cheese and breadcrumb mix. The zest adds a bright, fresh taste that pairs well with tilapia. You can also try other zests, like orange, for a unique twist. Incorporating different cheese types can add depth. Try using Pecorino Romano or a blend of cheeses. Each type brings its own flavor profile. Mixing cheese can make the dish richer and more exciting. If you want to switch things up, you can use cod or salmon. Both fish can work great in this recipe. Cod has a mild taste and flaky texture. Salmon offers a richer flavor. When using cod, follow the same steps as for tilapia. For salmon, you might need a slightly longer cook time. Keep an eye on the fish, as it should flake easily when done. The air fryer is a fantastic option for this dish. It cuts down on cooking time and gives you a nice crisp. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Check for doneness to ensure it’s flaky and golden. If you prefer pan-searing, you can do that too. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Cook the fillets for about 4-5 minutes on each side. This method gives a lovely crust and a rich flavor. For the full recipe, check the details provided earlier. To keep leftovers fresh, store the tilapia in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. This method helps maintain its flavor and texture. You can store it for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. For the best crispy texture, reheat in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tilapia on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-12 minutes, until warmed through. This method revives the crunchiness of the crust. If you're in a hurry, you can use a microwave. Place the tilapia on a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes on medium power. This method is quick but may soften the crust. You can freeze tilapia before cooking. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They last for up to three months. When ready, just thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking. If you have cooked tilapia left, it can also be frozen. Allow it to cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly and store it in a freezer bag. This will help preserve its flavor. Cooked tilapia can stay good for up to two months in the freezer. For the best results, use the Full Recipe for perfect cooking before freezing. The best side dishes include: - Steamed broccoli - Roasted asparagus - Garlic mashed potatoes - Quinoa salad - Simple green salad These sides add flavor and balance to the meal. They bring color and nutrients too. Yes, you can use other fish. Here are some options: - Cod - Haddock - Salmon - Snapper Each fish offers a unique taste. Adjust cooking times based on thickness. To make this dish gluten-free, use: - Gluten-free breadcrumbs - Ground almonds or nuts These options create a crispy crust without gluten. They also add a nice flavor twist. Parmesan crusted tilapia is a healthy choice. It offers: - High protein content - Omega-3 fatty acids from fish - Vitamins from herbs and seasonings This dish is low in carbs and packed with nutrients. For a crispier crust, try these tips: - Use fresh Parmesan instead of pre-grated. - Double-coat the fish with egg and breadcrumbs. - Bake on a wire rack. These methods help achieve that perfect crunch. Enjoy the texture with each bite! This blog post shared how to make delicious Parmesan crusted tilapia. You learned about the key ingredients, like tilapia, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The step-by-step guide helped you see how to prepare and bake the fish. Tips for perfecting the crust and variations expanded your options. Keep these methods in mind for tasty meals. With practice, you'll create dishes that impress everyone. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Indulge in a delightful dinner with this Crispy Parmesan Crusted Tilapia recipe! Perfectly baked and bursting with flavor from herbs, garlic, and Parmesan, this dish is both simple and impressive. In just 25 minutes, you'll have a delicious meal that the whole family will love. Get ready to savor each bite and elevate your weeknight dinners. Click to explore this easy recipe and learn how to make this crispy sensation tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 tilapia fillets (approximately 6 ounces each)

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch

2 garlic cloves, finely minced

1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend (combining oregano, basil, and thyme)

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil for drizzling

Lemon wedges for serving, enhancing flavor and presentation

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

    In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, finely minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, optional red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.

      In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and fresh lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

        Taking one tilapia fillet at a time, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess egg to drip off before moving on to the breadcrumb mixture. Coat the fillet generously with the Parmesan and breadcrumb mix, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well.

          Position the coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spread out to allow even cooking. Drizzle the olive oil over the top of each fillet to aid in achieving a golden, crispy crust.

            Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tilapia is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the crust has turned a beautiful golden brown and crisp.

              Once baked to perfection, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the fillets rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | Serves 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Arrange the crispy tilapia fillets elegantly on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and place lemon wedges beside the fish, inviting your guests to squeeze fresh lemon juice over their portions for a zesty finish. Enjoy!