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- 4 tilapia fillets - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1/4 cup melted butter Choosing fresh tilapia is key for great taste. Look for fish that is firm and has a mild smell. Fresh tilapia should have a shiny appearance and bright eyes. Always buy from a trusted source to ensure quality. Fresh herbs make a big difference in flavor. Use parsley that is vibrant and green. Dried herbs can work, but fresh gives a better taste. If you need gluten-free options, try gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work well in this recipe. You can find them at most grocery stores. For those who avoid dairy, look for dairy-free cheese. Many brands offer great alternatives. They can provide a similar taste and texture to Parmesan. - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup later. - In a shallow bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well so all the dry ingredients blend evenly. - In another bowl, combine the melted butter and lemon juice. - Dip each tilapia fillet into the butter-lemon mixture, making sure the fish is well coated. - Next, take the buttered fillet and press it into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. This helps ensure the coating sticks well. - Place the coated fillets on the baking sheet. - Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. You know it’s done when the tilapia is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy. - To check for doneness, use a fork to flake the fish; it should be opaque and separate easily. To make the best crust, use panko breadcrumbs. They give a nice crunch. Mix the dry ingredients well. This helps the flavors blend. When coating, press the mixture firmly onto the fish. This keeps the crust from falling off during cooking. Serve your tilapia with bright sides. Sautéed vegetables or a light salad work well. For a pop of color, garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley. This makes your dish look inviting and fresh. Avoid overbaking the fish. Check it at 15 minutes. The fish should be flaky and not dry. Handle the fish gently to keep it intact. This way, your tilapia stays beautiful and tasty. {{image_2}} Spices for a kick You can spice up your tilapia with some heat. Try adding cayenne pepper or chili powder. A touch of cumin can also add depth. These spices bring warmth and make the dish exciting. Herbs for different flavor profiles Fresh herbs can change the taste of your dish. Basil and oregano give a nice Italian twist. For a fresh taste, try dill or cilantro. Each herb adds its own unique flavor. Making Parmesan crusted tilapia in an air fryer Using an air fryer is quick and easy. Coat the fillets just as you would for baking. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 10-15 minutes. The crust will be crispy without much oil. Grilling vs. baking Grilling adds a smoky flavor. To grill, preheat your grill and oil the grates. Cook the fillets for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Baking is easier for a more consistent cook. You can choose based on your mood! Mediterranean twists For a Mediterranean flair, add lemon zest and olives to the topping. You can serve it with a side of couscous for a complete meal. This twist makes it fresh and bright. Asian-style variations An Asian twist includes soy sauce and sesame seeds. Mix these into your breading for a unique flavor. Serve with steamed rice and broccoli for a full meal that is both tasty and different. To keep your Parmesan crusted tilapia fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the fillets in an airtight container. Make sure to cover them tightly. This helps keep the fish moist and tasty. If you want to freeze it, wrap each fillet in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can to avoid freezer burn. When reheating, you want to keep that crispy crust. The best way is to use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the tilapia on a baking sheet and cover it lightly with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the crust crunchy. If you use a microwave, the crust may get soggy. Heat it in short bursts, checking often. If you store cooked tilapia in the fridge, it lasts about 3 days. Always check for signs of spoilage. Look for any off smells or changes in texture. If the fish feels slimy or has a strong odor, it's best to throw it away. Parmesan crusted tilapia is a delicious fish dish. It features a crispy topping made of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. This dish is easy to make and packed with flavor. You will love how the cheese adds depth to the light tilapia. Here are the main ingredients in this dish: - 4 tilapia fillets - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1/4 cup melted butter Yes, you can use other fish! Salmon, cod, or haddock work well as substitutes. The key is to choose a fish that cooks evenly and stays moist. For a mild flavor, stick to white fish like cod. If you want a richer taste, go for salmon. Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the fillet. Thicker fish may need more time, while thinner fish may cook faster. Parmesan crusted tilapia can be a healthy choice. Tilapia is low in calories and high in protein. It has essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. Here’s a quick look at its benefits: - Low in fat - Rich in protein - Contains vitamins B12 and D This dish can fit well in a balanced diet. Just watch the butter and cheese portions to keep it light. In this blog post, we explored how to make Parmesan crusted tilapia, covering ingredients, preparation, and cooking tips. Key elements include using fresh tilapia and the right herbs. I shared advice on alternative ingredients and methods, ensuring you can adapt this dish to suit your needs. Perfecting the crust and avoiding common mistakes will elevate your cooking. With the right techniques, you can serve a delicious meal that impresses anyone. I hope this inspires you to enjoy making and sharing this tasty dish!

Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Savor the delicious flavors of Parmesan Crusted Tilapia with this easy recipe! In just 30 minutes, you can create a crispy, golden fillet that's perfectly complemented by garlic and lemon. This dish is not only simple to make but also packed with flavor, making it a delightful meal for any occasion. Click through to explore this fantastic recipe and impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality dish at home!
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Ingredients
  

4 tilapia fillets

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

    In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

      In another bowl, combine the melted butter and lemon juice.

        Dip each tilapia fillet into the butter-lemon mixture, ensuring they are well coated.

          Next, place the buttered fillet in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing the coating onto the fish firmly so it adheres well.

            Place the coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet.

              Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the tilapia is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy.

                Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the Parmesan crusted tilapia on a platter, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh parsley sprigs for a vibrant presentation. Consider pairing with a side of sautéed vegetables or a light salad.