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To make this tasty dish, gather these ingredients: - 4 fresh tilapia fillets - 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice You can swap some ingredients to fit your taste or diet: - For tilapia, use any mild white fish like cod or haddock. - Instead of panko, use regular breadcrumbs for a different texture. - Swap fresh parsley with dried herbs like oregano or basil. - If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works fine. - Use lemon zest instead of lemon juice for a stronger flavor. Each serving of Parmesan crusted tilapia offers: - Calories: 350 - Protein: 30 grams - Fat: 20 grams - Carbohydrates: 12 grams - Fiber: 1 gram - Sugar: 0 grams This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein to keep you full. Enjoy the crispy crust while knowing it fits into a balanced meal! First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is key for crispiness. Next, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will help with sticking. Now, grab a medium bowl. In it, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and cracked black pepper. Mix well until the dry ingredients blend together nicely. Take the tilapia fillets and pat them dry with a paper towel. This is important to remove moisture. Moisture can make the crust soggy. Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the fillets. Make sure to coat both sides well. Now, take the Parmesan mixture and press it onto each fillet. Rub it all over, ensuring an even coat. Gently press down so the crust sticks well. Place the coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet, crust-side up. Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake the tilapia for 12 to 15 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Also, the crust should turn golden brown and crispy. To make sure your tilapia cooks just right, keep an eye on the time. Every oven is different. If you're unsure, use a fork to check the fish. It should flake easily. Another tip is to use fresh tilapia. Fresh fish tastes better and cooks evenly. For the crispiest crust, don’t skip the drying step. It helps the crust stick and stay crunchy. To get a crispy crust, use panko breadcrumbs. They are light and airy. Mix them with grated Parmesan for a tasty topping. Make sure to press the mixture firmly onto the fish. This helps it stick. A drizzle of olive oil adds flavor and helps it brown. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for a golden finish. When cooking fresh tilapia, start with dry fillets. Pat them with a paper towel. This removes moisture and helps the crust stick. Use olive oil and lemon juice. This adds flavor and keeps the fish moist. Bake the fish skin-side down on parchment paper. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking. One common mistake is skipping the drying step. Moist fish will not hold the crust well. Another mistake is not pressing the crust onto the fish. If it’s loose, it may fall off during baking. Lastly, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Space out the fillets for even cooking and browning. {{image_4}} For a gluten-free version of Parmesan crusted tilapia, swap panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use crushed cornflakes as a crunchy base. Both options keep the same great texture and flavor. You can add a twist to your dish by mixing in different herbs or spices. Try adding dried oregano or thyme for an Italian flair. For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or chili powder. Fresh herbs like dill or basil can also brighten the flavors nicely. If you prefer cooking with an air fryer, it’s simple! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the crusted tilapia for about 8 to 10 minutes until golden and crispy. If grilling, make sure to use a grill basket to keep the fish from falling through. Grill each side for about 4 to 5 minutes. Both methods yield a tasty, crispy result. To store leftover tilapia, let it cool to room temperature. Place the fish in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it tightly. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you know you won’t eat it soon, freezing is a great option. When you’re ready to eat your leftover tilapia, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tilapia on a baking sheet. Heat it for about 10 minutes. This helps keep the crust crispy and the fish moist. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the fish soggy. To freeze tilapia, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can store it in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. You can serve this dish with many sides. I love pairing it with mixed greens. A light salad with lemon vinaigrette works great. You can also try rice or quinoa. Roasted veggies add color and taste. Mashed potatoes can make it feel hearty. For a fresh touch, add some lemon wedges. Tilapia is done cooking when it flakes easily with a fork. The flesh should look opaque and white. You can also check the internal temp; it should reach 145°F (63°C). If you see any raw, shiny spots, give it more time. Always be careful not to overcook, as it can dry out. Yes, you can use other fish for this dish. Cod or haddock work well and have a similar texture. Salmon can also be a tasty option, but it has a different flavor. Just adjust the cooking time if needed. Each fish can bring its own unique taste. You now have everything you need to make Parmesan crusted tilapia. Remember the key ingredients, easy steps, and cooking tips. This dish is crisp, tasty, and simple. It can suit different diets, too. Don’t forget to store leftovers properly and reheat them right. This way, you’ll enjoy your meal again. With these methods, your tilapia will be a hit. Enjoy cooking!

Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Savor the deliciousness of Crispy Parmesan Crusted Tilapia! This easy recipe brings the perfect blend of flavors and crunch to your dinner table. With just a few simple ingredients, including fresh tilapia fillets, Parmesan cheese, and panko breadcrumbs, you can create a mouthwatering dish in under 30 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family with this tasty seafood delight!
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Ingredients
  

4 fresh tilapia fillets

1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for added depth)

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

    In a medium mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir well until all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.

      Pat each tilapia fillet dry using a paper towel to eliminate any excess moisture, which will help the crust adhere better. Drizzle a mix of olive oil and lemon juice over the fillets, making sure to coat both sides evenly.

        Carefully rub the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture all over each fillet, ensuring an even coating. Press down gently so the crust adheres well, especially on top of the fish.

          Place the coated tilapia fillets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are arranged crust-side up for optimal browning.

            Bake the fillets in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust is a beautiful golden brown and crispy.

              Once the tilapia is baked to perfection, carefully take the baking sheet out of the oven and allow the fish to cool for about a minute before transferring to a serving platter.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 25 min | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching presentation, serve the crispy tilapia on a vibrant bed of mixed greens lightly dressed with a homemade lemon vinaigrette. Finish with garnishes of lemon wedges and extra sprigs of fresh parsley to make the dish pop with color and freshness.