Go Back
- 4 tilapia fillets - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 lemon, thinly sliced for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish tasty. The tilapia fillets provide a mild, flaky base. Parmesan cheese adds a rich, salty flavor. Panko breadcrumbs create a crunchy crust. Dried oregano and basil bring a fragrant herb note. Garlic powder gives warmth and depth. Salt and black pepper balance the flavors. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Olive oil keeps the fish moist and enhances flavor. Lemon slices brighten the dish with a zesty finish. When choosing tilapia, look for bright, clear eyes and shiny skin. The fish should smell fresh, not fishy. Check for firm, springy flesh that bounces back when pressed. If possible, buy from a reliable source or fish market. Always ask about the fish's origin for the best quality. Remember, fresh tilapia leads to a better meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for a crispy crust. Next, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and keeps the fish from sticking to the pan. Grab a mixing bowl and add these ingredients: - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped Mix these well. You want the herbs and spices to spread evenly. This will give your tilapia great flavor. Now, lay out 4 tilapia fillets on your lined baking sheet. Space them out evenly. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over each fillet. Use a brush or spoon to cover them well. This adds moisture and flavor. Take your Parmesan herb mixture and press it onto the top of each fillet. Make sure every inch is covered. This will create a tasty crust when baked. Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. The tilapia is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden brown. After baking, take the tilapia out of the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle inside the fish. For a fresh touch, garnish with thin slices of lemon before serving. This adds a nice, zesty flavor that brightens the dish. To get a crispy crust, use panko breadcrumbs. They add crunch that regular breadcrumbs lack. Mix the panko well with Parmesan cheese and herbs. Press it firmly onto the fish. This helps it stick better during baking. Drizzle olive oil over the fillets before adding the crust. This adds moisture and helps with browning. Bake the tilapia at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. A golden brown crust means it’s ready to eat! Baking is a great way to cook tilapia while keeping it moist. The high heat in the oven cooks the fish evenly. If you prefer, you can also pan-sear tilapia. Use a non-stick skillet and heat some olive oil. Cook the fillets for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This method gives a nice, golden color. Always check that the fish flakes easily with a fork to ensure it is done. Serving tilapia can be fun and creative! Place it on a colorful plate. You can serve it on a bed of sautéed spinach or with roasted veggies. This adds color and nutrients. Don’t forget the lemon slices! They brighten up the dish and add freshness. A drizzle of olive oil can enhance the flavors even more. Make sure to present it nicely to impress your guests! Pro Tips Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh herbs instead of dried can elevate the flavor of your crust. If you have access, use fresh oregano and basil for a burst of freshness. Perfect Panko Texture: Toast the panko breadcrumbs in a skillet with a bit of olive oil before mixing them with the Parmesan. This will enhance their crunchiness when baked. Check for Doneness: Fish is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. Keep an eye on your tilapia to avoid overcooking, which can make it dry. Garnish for Flavor: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving adds brightness and enhances the overall flavor of the dish. {{image_4}} You can switch up the herbs to bring new flavors to your tilapia. Instead of oregano and basil, try using thyme or dill. These herbs add a fresh taste that complements the fish well. You can also mix in some lemon zest for a bright kick. If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes. This twist will spice things up and give your dish an exciting flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, you can replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers. This keeps the crunchy texture while making it safe for those avoiding gluten. For a dairy-free version, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. It gives a cheesy flavor without the dairy. You can also use a dairy-free butter substitute for the olive oil if you prefer. These swaps make the dish friendly for various diets without losing the tasty essence. This tilapia dish pairs wonderfully with many sides. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the meal. You can also serve it with sautéed spinach or roasted asparagus for a healthy touch. If you want something heartier, consider garlic mashed potatoes or quinoa. These sides provide a nice base to soak up the fish's flavors. Don’t forget a wedge of lemon on the side to brighten every bite! Store leftover tilapia in an airtight container. Place the fillets in the fridge. They stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days. Make sure they cool down before sealing them up. This helps keep the crust crispy. To reheat, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the tilapia on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Heat for 10 to 15 minutes. This keeps the fish moist and the crust crunchy. You can also use a skillet. Heat it on medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes per side. You can freeze the tilapia for later use. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Label it with the date. Frozen tilapia can last for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for the best flavor. Yes, you can use frozen tilapia fillets. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can leave them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for a quick thaw. Once thawed, pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the crust stick and makes for a better texture. I love serving this dish with sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables. They add color and nutrition. You could also pair it with a light salad or garlic mashed potatoes. These sides complement the tilapia's flavors and balance the meal. The tilapia is done when it flakes easily with a fork. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes in the oven. The crust should be golden brown. You can also use a food thermometer. The fish should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Yes, you can definitely use an air fryer! Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the crusted tilapia for about 10-12 minutes. Check for doneness just like in the oven. The air fryer gives it a nice crispy finish with less oil. This blog post covered the key steps for making Parmesan Herb Crusted Tilapia. We discussed the ingredients and their roles, and I shared tips on selecting fresh fish. You learned how to bake tilapia perfectly and achieve a crispy crust. We explored variations, storage, and answered common questions. Cooking should be fun and tasty. Enjoy experimenting with the recipe and impress your family and friends!

Parmesan Herb Crusted Tilapia

A delicious tilapia dish with a crispy Parmesan herb crust.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets tilapia
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon thinly sliced for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it's hot enough for a perfectly crispy crust on the tilapia.
  • In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix these ingredients well, ensuring that the herbs and spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  • Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will help with cleanup and prevent the fish from sticking.
  • Lay the tilapia fillets out on the lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
  • Drizzle the olive oil generously over each fillet, using a brush or back of a spoon to ensure they're evenly coated for maximum moisture and flavor.
  • Take the Parmesan herb mixture and press it firmly onto the top of each fillet, creating a substantial and even crust. Make sure every bit of the surface is covered to enhance the flavor and texture.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the tilapia for approximately 15-20 minutes. The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and the crust has turned a delightful golden brown.
  • Once baked, remove the tilapia from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This step helps the juices redistribute within the fish.
  • For a bright and zesty finish, garnish the tilapia with the fresh lemon slices just before serving.

Notes

Elevate your dining experience by serving the tilapia atop a vibrant bed of sautéed spinach or alongside a medley of colorful roasted vegetables. For an added touch, drizzle a bit of extra olive oil or squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish just before serving. Enjoy!
Keyword baked, fish, herb crust, Parmesan, tilapia