Looking for a quick and easy dinner idea that’s both flavorful and satisfying? This Parmesan-crusted tilapia is the perfect meal to whip up on busy nights. The mild flavor of the tilapia pairs beautifully with a crunchy, golden Parmesan crust that adds a burst of flavor in every bite. With a handful of simple ingredients, this dish comes together in just a few easy steps, making it a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this Parmesan-crusted tilapia will impress with its tender inside and crispy outside. Plus, it’s baked in the oven, so there’s minimal cleanup involved—what’s not to love?
The fish is seasoned perfectly with a blend of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and a few simple spices. It’s then baked to golden perfection, resulting in a crust that’s both crunchy and savory. Serve with a side of your favorite vegetables, a crisp salad, or some fluffy rice for a complete, well-rounded meal.
This dish is versatile enough for a weeknight dinner or even as a dish to serve at a family gathering. With just a few minutes of prep, you’ll have a delicious, healthy dinner ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1⁄2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1⁄4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1⁄2 tsp paprika
- 1⁄4 tsp salt
- 1⁄4 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Crust: In a small bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, finely chopped parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Prepare the Tilapia: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the crust adhere better.
- Coat the Fish: In a small saucepan or microwave, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, let it cool slightly before brushing each fillet generously with the butter on both sides. Make sure the fillets are completely covered.
- Crust the Fish: Dredge each butter-coated fillet into the Parmesan crust mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crust sticks evenly on both sides.
- Bake the Fish: Place the coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil or extra melted butter over the top to help achieve a crispier, golden crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust turns golden brown. If you like your crust extra crispy, switch the oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
- Serve: Once done, serve the tilapia immediately, garnished with fresh lemon wedges for an extra pop of flavor.
This Parmesan-crusted tilapia is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation, offering a light, delicious, and healthy option that your whole family will love!
