Print

Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is a quick, easy, and delicious meal featuring tender, flaky tilapia fillets coated in a crispy, nutty Parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust. Ready in under 30 minutes, this family-friendly dish combines rich flavor and satisfying texture without heavy breading or excess oil. Perfect for weeknights, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and can be customized with herbs or spice.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish

  • 4 Tilapia fillets (fresh or thawed, about 6 oz each)

Coating Mixture

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (preferably freshly grated)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

For Cooking

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

To Serve

  • Fresh lemon wedges
  • Optional: freshly chopped parsley, dill, or basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly incorporated to create the crust mixture.
  2. Coat the Tilapia: Pat the tilapia fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels. Lightly brush each side of the fillets with olive oil or melted butter. Press each fillet firmly into the Parmesan mixture, coating both sides evenly.
  3. Cook the Fish: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil or butter. When the skillet is hot, carefully add the coated tilapia fillets. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until the crust turns golden and crispy, and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Finish with Lemon: Remove the cooked fillets from the skillet and transfer to a serving plate. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top to add a bright, fresh flavor that complements the rich crust.

Notes

  • Dry the fish well before coating to ensure the crust adheres and becomes crispy.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and browning results.
  • Cook the fillets in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which helps maintain an even heat and crisp crust.
  • Maintain medium heat to avoid burning the crust or undercooking the fish.
  • Use a thin spatula to flip the fillets gently to keep the crust intact.

Nutrition

Keywords: Parmesan crusted tilapia, crispy tilapia, easy fish recipe, quick dinner, weeknight meal, healthy fish, family friendly seafood