Description
This Parmesan Crusted Tilapia recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to prepare tilapia filets with a crispy, cheesy crust. The combination of Parmesan cheese, lemon pepper seasoning, and fresh parsley creates a deliciously savory coating that bakes to golden perfection in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, this dish is served with optional green onions and lemon wedges for a fresh, zesty finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 (4-ounce) tilapia filets (fresh or frozen, thawed and patted dry)
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (avoid extra virgin olive oil)
- ¼ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup diced green onions (optional)
- 1 lemon (cut into wedges)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to ease cleanup and ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Tilapia: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the tilapia filets to help the seasoning adhere and to keep the fish moist during baking.
- Mix Seasoning: In a bowl, combine the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, lemon pepper seasoning, chopped parsley, and kosher salt. This mixture will form the flavorful crust on the fish.
- Coat Fish: Press the cheese and seasoning mixture gently but firmly onto the tilapia filets with your fingers, making sure it sticks well to the surface for a crispy crust.
- Add Extra Cheese: Sprinkle the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese over the coated filets for an additional cheesy layer that will brown nicely during baking.
- Bake Fish: Place the prepared tilapia on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the fish becomes opaque in the thickest part and flakes easily with a fork.
- Broil for Crispiness: For a golden, slightly crispy crust, broil the fish on high for approximately 5 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the finished tilapia with diced green onions if desired, and serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over the fish for a bright, acidic finish.
Notes
- Use kosher salt to control seasoning, but adjust if using table salt as it is saltier.
- Do not use extra virgin olive oil as its strong flavor can overpower the mild tilapia.
- Watch the fish carefully while broiling to avoid burning the cheese crust.
- Tilapia can be fresh or frozen; if using frozen, make sure to thaw completely and pat dry.
- Optional green onions add freshness but can be omitted if preferred.
