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To make Parmesan Crusted Tilapia, gather these fresh ingredients: - 4 tilapia fillets - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme) - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 eggs, beaten - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Lemon wedges for serving Each ingredient plays a key role in building flavor. The tilapia fillets are tender and mild. Parmesan cheese brings a salty, nutty taste, while panko breadcrumbs add that delightful crunch. Using garlic powder and Italian herbs makes the dish aromatic and savory. Paprika adds a hint of warmth without being too spicy. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Beaten eggs help the coating stick, creating a golden crust. Olive oil adds moisture and richness, ensuring the fillets do not dry out while baking. Finally, lemon wedges provide a fresh burst of acidity, brightening each bite. For the best results, use fresh ingredients. The quality of tilapia fillets can greatly affect the taste. You can find the full recipe to get started on this delicious dish. 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps create a crisp crust. 2. Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy. 3. Mix the dry ingredients in a shallow dish. Combine grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until smooth. 4. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl. Make sure they are well mixed and ready for dipping. 1. Dip each fillet in the eggs. This helps the crust stick. Let any extra egg drip off. 2. Coat the fillet in the Parmesan mixture. Press down to cover both sides. This gives a nice, thick layer of flavor. 3. Place the coated fillets on the baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced out for even cooking. Drizzle olive oil over the top for added taste. 1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. This ensures the fish cooks through. 2. Check doneness with a flakiness test. Use a fork to see if the fish flakes easily. If it does, your dish is ready! Now you're all set to enjoy your Parmesan Crusted Tilapia! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. When you pick tilapia, look for fillets that are bright and moist. Fresh tilapia should smell light and clean, like the sea. If you see any discoloration or a strong fishy scent, skip it. Fresh tilapia offers the best taste. If it's not available, frozen tilapia is a good choice. Just make sure it stays frozen until you are ready to cook. Thaw it in the fridge overnight for the best results. To get that crispy crust, do not skip the egg wash. The eggs help the cheese and breadcrumbs stick. Press the fillets into the mixture firmly. This will give you a nice thick crust. Avoid common mistakes like overcrowding the baking sheet. Each fillet needs space to get crispy. If they touch, they will steam instead of bake. For sides, steamed vegetables and fresh salads pair well with tilapia. You can also serve it with a light sauce, like a lemon butter sauce, for extra flavor. For a lovely presentation, serve the tilapia on individual plates. Add a side of colorful vegetables and a lemon wedge. The lemon not only looks good but adds a tasty zing when squeezed over the fish. For the full recipe, check the above section. {{image_2}} You can change the fish if you want. Try using cod, haddock, or even salmon. Each fish has a unique taste. They can all work well with the Parmesan crust. If you need a cheese swap, consider using romano or asiago. These cheeses have strong flavors and can add a twist to your dish. Adding spices makes a big difference. You can try cumin or chili powder for heat. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can brighten the flavor. You can also add toppings. Try sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a dollop of pesto. Sauces like lemon butter or a tangy yogurt sauce can elevate the dish too. You can pan-fry the tilapia instead of baking. Heat olive oil in a pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side. This method gives a nice golden crust. Grilling is another fun option. Preheat your grill and cook the fillets for about 4-5 minutes on each side. This adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the cheese. For the full recipe, check out the complete details! To store leftover Parmesan crusted tilapia, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. The fish can last in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cool it down before storing. This keeps moisture from building up in the container. If you want to freeze the tilapia, wrap each piece in plastic wrap first. Then place the wrapped fillets in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. This method helps prevent freezer burn. The tilapia can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw the fish in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture nice. To reheat, the best method is using the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the tilapia on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the crust crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the fish rubbery. Check the fish often to make sure you do not overcook it. Enjoy your meal! To keep the crust crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. They have a larger surface area, which helps create a great crunch. Bake the tilapia on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around the fish, keeping the crust crispy. Avoid covering the fish after baking, as steam can make it soggy. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Coat the tilapia fillets and place them on a baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 2 hours. This lets the flavors blend. However, for the best crust, bake it fresh just before serving. Parmesan Crusted Tilapia pairs well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus - A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette - Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes - Quinoa or rice for a heartier option While panko breadcrumbs are not mandatory, they greatly enhance the texture. Regular breadcrumbs work too but may not give the same level of crunch. If you prefer a finer texture, you can mix both types for a balanced crust. Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses. Romano or aged cheddar can add unique flavors. Try a mix of cheeses for added depth. Just remember that different cheeses may alter the taste and texture slightly. For a classic taste, stick with Parmesan as your base. This blog post outlines how to make Parmesan Crusted Tilapia. We covered the key ingredients, preparation steps, and baking instructions. I shared tips for choosing fresh fish, achieving a crispy crust, and serving ideas. You can also explore ingredient swaps and cooking alternatives. Lastly, I explained how to store leftovers and reheat them properly. Enjoy making this dish, and don’t hesitate to try new flavors. Happy cooking!

Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Discover the irresistible flavors of Parmesan Crusted Tilapia! This easy recipe transforms tender tilapia fillets into a crunchy, cheesy delight in just 35 minutes. Coated with a flavorful mixture of Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and herbs, this dish is perfect for any dinner table. Ready to impress your family or guests?
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Ingredients
  

4 tilapia fillets

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 eggs, beaten

2 tablespoons olive oil

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy clean-up.

    In a shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly combined.

      In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs until well mixed.

        Dip each tilapia fillet into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then press the fillet into the Parmesan mixture, coating both sides generously.

          Place the coated fillets onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil over the top of each fillet for added moisture and flavor.

            Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the tilapia flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden brown.

              Remove from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the tilapia on individual plates with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad, garnished with lemon wedges to squeeze over the fish for extra brightness.