Bushra Griffith
Parmesan-crusted tilapia is a simple, quick, and healthy dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. The tilapia fillets are usually coated with a mixture of parmesan, butter, breadcrumbs, and seasonings such as lemon pepper, paprika, parsley, and garlic salt. The fish is then baked or broiled until the cheese forms a crispy crust and the fish is cooked through, which takes around 10 to 20 minutes. This dish can be served with various sides, such as lemon slices, green vegetables, or white rice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recipe | Parmesan-crusted tilapia |
| Ingredients | Tilapia fillets, Parmesan cheese, lemon, parsley, paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil, butter, mayonnaise, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon pepper, Italian seasoning, blackened seasoning, cilantro, tarragon, Creole seasoning, basil, bread crumbs, croutons, dried basil, celery salt, smoked paprika, Panko bread crumbs |
| Preparation | Coat tilapia fillets with a mixture of Parmesan cheese, seasonings, and other ingredients; bake until fish is opaque in the thickest part (approximately 10-20 minutes); broil for a crispy crust |
| Cooking Time | 15-30 minutes |
| Serving Suggestions | Lemon slices, green beans, cherry tomatoes, broccoli, white rice, polenta, roasted potatoes, salad greens |
| Leftovers | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days; freeze for up to three months |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the ingredients
To prepare the ingredients for Parmesan-crusted tilapia, you will need the following:
- Tilapia fillets: If using frozen fillets, be sure to fully thaw them before cooking.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended, but pre-grated or shredded Parmesan can also be used. You can also mix in Italian seasoning or another type of shredded cheese for added flavour.
- Seasonings: Suggested seasonings include lemon pepper, paprika, parsley, garlic powder or garlic salt, salt, and pepper. You can also add onion powder, basil, or celery salt.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs will give the dish a crispy texture. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- Butter: Use melted butter, either salted or unsalted.
- Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is recommended, but other types of oil can also be used.
- Lemon: Lemon slices or lemon juice can be used to garnish or to add a tangy flavour to the dish.
Optional ingredients include mayonnaise, milk, and various herbs and spices such as cilantro, tarragon, or Italian seasoning.
To prepare the ingredients, start by mixing the Parmesan cheese with your desired seasonings in a large bowl. You can also add breadcrumbs and butter to this mixture. Coat the tilapia fillets with the cheese and seasoning mixture, using your hands to pat it into the fish if needed. If using breadcrumbs, you can dip the coated fillets into breadcrumbs for an extra crispy crust.
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Coating the tilapia fillets
To make parmesan-crusted tilapia, you'll want to coat the tilapia fillets with a mixture of parmesan cheese and seasonings. Here is a step-by-step guide to coating the tilapia fillets:
- If using frozen tilapia fillets, make sure to fully thaw them before beginning the coating process.
- Prepare the parmesan mixture by combining grated parmesan cheese with seasonings of your choice. Some popular seasoning options include lemon pepper, paprika, parsley, garlic powder, garlic salt, and onion powder. You can also add in bread crumbs or panko for a crispier crust.
- Take each tilapia fillet and dredge it in the parmesan mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Use your hands to pat the cheese and seasonings onto the fish, ensuring a thorough coating.
- For an extra cheesy crust, you can sprinkle additional shredded or grated parmesan cheese on top of the coated fillets.
- Before baking, you can also brush the fillets with olive oil or melted butter to add moisture and enhance the flavour.
Once the fillets are coated to your liking, they are ready to be baked in the oven. Feel free to add or adjust seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
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Baking the tilapia
Once the fillets are coated, place them on a baking sheet or pan. If you're using a pan, line it with aluminium foil first. You can also grease the baking sheet or pan if desired.
Now, put the tilapia in the oven and bake for around 10 to 20 minutes. The baking time will depend on the size of the fillets and your desired level of doneness. For a normal-sized tilapia fillet, baking for about 10 minutes should be enough. The fish is done when it turns opaque in the thickest part. If you want a crispier crust, you can broil the fish for an additional 5 minutes after baking.
Keep a close eye on the tilapia while it's broiling to prevent burning. You'll know the tilapia is ready when the crust is golden brown and the fish is white and flaky. Remove the tilapia from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Parmesan-crusted tilapia!
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Browning the tilapia
You can also pan-fry the tilapia before baking to make it crispier. This method will give the tilapia a golden brown crust and ensure the cheese is melted and slightly crispy.
If you prefer a more well-done tilapia, you can leave it to cook for a few extra minutes. However, be cautious as overcooking the fish can make it dry and less flavoursome.
Once your tilapia is browned to your liking, it's ready to be served! Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal.
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Storing leftovers
Firstly, it is important to note that cooked tilapia can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. To do this, place your leftover tilapia in an airtight container and store it in the fridge.
If you wish to store your tilapia for a longer period, freezing is a great option. It is best to freeze the tilapia before baking. To do this, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Alternatively, you can place the unbaked fish in an airtight container and freeze it. Frozen tilapia can be stored for up to three months.
When you are ready to enjoy your frozen tilapia, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake it as usual. For cooked leftovers, reheat them in an oven preheated to 275°F until warmed through. It is important to note that if your tilapia includes a panko breading, it may not crisp up as much when reheated, but it will still taste delicious!
Now you can enjoy your tilapia with parmesan cheese fresh from the oven, even if it is a day or two after cooking!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 10 to 20 minutes to cook tilapia with parmesan cheese.
The ingredients required are parmesan cheese, tilapia fillets, butter, lemon, parsley, olive oil, and seasonings like paprika, pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
Some side dishes that go well with tilapia with parmesan cheese include lemon broccoli, sauteed green beans with cherry tomatoes, white rice, cheesy Parmesan polenta, or Parmesan roasted potatoes.
