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- 4 tilapia fillets - 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper to taste - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving - Additional herbs (e.g., oregano, thyme) - Spices for extra flavor (e.g., cayenne pepper) - Substitute for tilapia (e.g., cod, haddock) The key to making this dish shine is in the fresh ingredients. Start with tilapia fillets, which are mild and flaky. They soak up flavors well. Use finely grated Parmesan cheese for a rich taste. Panko breadcrumbs add a nice crunch. Fresh parsley and basil give color and freshness. You can play with the optional ingredients. Try adding oregano or thyme for a twist. A pinch of cayenne pepper can spice things up. If you can't find tilapia, cod or haddock works too. Just watch the cook time, as different fish may need more or less time. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to create a tasty meal that everyone will love! - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Get your oven hot first. This helps the fish cook evenly. The parchment paper makes it easy to clean up later. - Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. - Stir until well incorporated. In a large bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, parsley, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to blend all the flavors together. This herb crust adds a tasty crunch to the fish. - Pat tilapia fillets dry. - Drizzle olive oil on both sides. - Press the herb mixture onto the fillets. Use paper towels to dry the tilapia fillets. This step helps the crust stick better. Then, drizzle olive oil on both sides. Don't be shy with the oil; it adds flavor and moisture. Next, take the herb mixture and press it firmly onto the top of each fillet. You want a nice, thick layer for a perfect crust. - Transfer coated fillets to the baking sheet. - Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Carefully place the coated fillets on the baking sheet. Make sure the crusted side faces up. Bake in the hot oven for about 15 to 20 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily and the crust is golden brown. - Let the fillets rest for a minute. - Serve with fresh lemon wedges. After baking, take the baking sheet out of the oven. Let the fillets rest for a minute. This helps the juices settle. Serve with fresh lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of lemon adds a bright, fresh flavor that makes the dish even better. To get a crispy crust, fresh breadcrumbs work best. They help keep the crunch you want. I always use panko breadcrumbs for that extra crisp. Baking on the middle rack is key. It allows for even cooking and browning. Want a bit of heat? Add cayenne pepper to your crust mix. Just a little gives it a nice kick. If you want a unique flavor, smoked paprika is a great choice. It adds a subtle smoky taste that pairs well with the fish. You can prepare the crust ahead of time. Mix all your dry ingredients and store them. When you’re ready to cook, simply coat your tilapia. You can also refrigerate unbaked coated fillets. Just make sure you bake them within 24 hours for the best taste. {{image_4}} You can swap tilapia for other fish. Cod, catfish, or salmon work well. Each fish has a unique taste and texture. Cooking times may vary by fish type, so keep an eye on it. For cod or catfish, bake for about 15-20 minutes. Salmon usually takes a bit longer, around 20-25 minutes. Feel free to get creative with the herbs. Fresh herbs can add a nice touch. You might try dill, thyme, or even tarragon. For a zesty twist, make a lemon herb crust by adding lemon zest to the mix. This brightens the dish and adds a fresh flavor. If you need a gluten-free dish, you can make simple swaps. Substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. This change keeps the crunch while avoiding gluten. Be sure to check that your Parmesan cheese is gluten-free too. Many brands offer gluten-free options, so you can enjoy this tasty dish worry-free. To keep your Parmesan herb crusted tilapia fresh, refrigerate it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out. Eat the leftovers within 2-3 days for the best taste. For the best texture, reheat your tilapia in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy. If you need a quick option, use the microwave. Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking to avoid overcooking. You can freeze uncooked coated tilapia fillets. This is great for meal prep. Place the fillets in a single layer on a baking sheet, then freeze until solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you're ready to cook, thaw the fillets in the refrigerator before baking. This ensures even cooking and keeps your crust nice and crunchy. Bake the tilapia for 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This time frame helps create a crisp crust while ensuring the fish cooks through. It’s key to check it at the 15-minute mark, as ovens may vary. Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese alternatives for crusting. Many brands offer options that melt well and provide good flavor. Just make sure to check the flavor so it complements the herbs. I suggest serving it with steamed vegetables or a light salad. These sides balance the richness of the fish. A simple green salad can provide a refreshing contrast. Absolutely! You can try using shredded mozzarella or a cheese blend. Each cheese brings its own taste. Experiment to find your favorite combination. The fish should flake easily with a fork and be opaque in color. This is a clear sign that it is fully cooked. If it is still translucent, give it a few more minutes. In this post, we explored making Parmesan Herb Crusted Tilapia. You learned about the simple ingredients, step-by-step baking tips, and variations to try. Remember, you can customize flavors and even switch fish types, keeping things fresh. The key is to achieve a crispy crust while ensuring your fish is perfectly cooked. This dish is not just tasty but also easy to prepare. Enjoy sharing this meal with family or friends, and let each bite bring joy to your table. Happy cooking!

Parmesan Herb Crusted Tilapia

Indulge in a delicious dinner with this Parmesan Herb Crusted Tilapia that perfectly blends flavor and crunch! Made with tender tilapia fillets, a zesty Parmesan and herb crust, and a hint of smoked paprika, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's the ideal weeknight meal. Click through to explore this simple recipe and make your taste buds dance with delight!
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Ingredients
  

4 tilapia fillets

1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for an extra crunchy texture)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness

Salt and black pepper to taste

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, chopped basil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

      Using paper towels, pat the tilapia fillets dry to remove excess moisture. This will help the coating adhere better. Drizzle olive oil generously over each fillet, making sure both sides are well coated.

        Take the Parmesan herb mixture and press it firmly onto the top side of each tilapia fillet, ensuring a thick and even layer for a flavorful crust.

          Carefully transfer the coated fillets to the prepared baking sheet, placing them with the crusted side facing up.

            Bake the tilapia in the preheated oven for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and crispy.

              Once baked, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow the fillets to rest for about one minute before serving to let the juices redistribute.

                Serve your delicious Parmesan herb crusted tilapia with fresh lemon wedges on the side. Squeezing lemon over the fish adds a delightful brightness to the dish.

                  Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4