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To make Lemon Parmesan Crusted Tilapia, you need the following ingredients: - 4 tilapia fillets - 1 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons melted butter - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients work together to create a dish that is light, crispy, and full of flavor. Tilapia fillets are mild and flaky, making them perfect for this crust. The Parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty taste. Breadcrumbs give a lovely crunch, especially if you use panko. Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten up the dish and bring that zesty flavor. Garlic powder and oregano add depth to the seasoning. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. Finally, melted butter helps the crust stick to the fish and adds richness. Don’t forget the fresh parsley for garnish! It not only looks pretty but adds a fresh taste. Now you have everything you need to create this delicious meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key to getting a crispy crust. While the oven heats, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up easy. Next, in a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix these ingredients well. Now, add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and the zest of 1 lemon. Mix again until everything is moist and well combined. This mixture gives the fish a burst of flavor. Before coating, pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps the coating stick better. Brush one side of each fillet with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Next, press this buttered side into the Parmesan mixture. Make sure to cover the fillet well for a great crust. Place the crusted fillets on the prepared baking sheet with the coated side facing up. Bake them in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Check for doneness by using a fork; the fish should flake easily. The crust should be golden brown and crispy. Once baked, remove the tilapia from the oven. Let it rest for one minute. You can garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your tasty lemon Parmesan crusted tilapia! To get that perfect crust on your tilapia, follow a few simple steps: - Best practices for coating: First, ensure your tilapia fillets are dry. Pat them with a paper towel. This helps the coating stick. Brush one side with melted butter. Then, press it into the Parmesan mixture. Make sure to cover it well. - Cheese and breadcrumb ratio: A good mix is key. Use one cup of Parmesan cheese and half a cup of breadcrumbs. This ratio gives you a great crunch and flavor. Panko breadcrumbs work best for extra crunch. Getting the cooking time right is crucial. - Avoiding overcooking: Bake the tilapia at 400°F (200°C). Check it after 12 minutes. If it flakes easily with a fork, it’s done. Overcooking can make it dry. - Understanding doneness indicators: Look for a golden brown crust. If the fish is opaque and flakes easily, it is ready. Want to add more flavor? Here are some ideas: - Additional herbs and spices suggestions: Try adding thyme or basil to the coating. A pinch of cayenne can give it a nice kick. - Pairing flavors for sides: Serve with steamed veggies or a fresh salad. Lemon wedges on the side boost the dish’s citrus flavor. Cooked rice or quinoa also pairs well with this dish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients can elevate the dish significantly. Adjust the Crust: For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture. Check for Doneness: Tilapia cooks quickly; keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. It should flake easily when done. Pairing Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or steamed vegetables, enhancing the meal without overpowering the fish. {{image_2}} You can change the crust on your tilapia for fun. Try using different cheeses. For a creamier taste, use mozzarella or goat cheese. If you like a stronger flavor, go for cheddar. You can also add nuts or seeds to the crust. Ground almonds or walnuts make a great crunch. Simply mix them in with the breadcrumbs and cheese. They add a nice flavor and texture. Pair your tilapia with tasty sides. Steamed broccoli or green beans go well with fish. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. Sauces can enhance your dish too. A lemon butter sauce adds more zest. You can also try a light tartar sauce for a classic touch. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They still give you that nice crunch. You can also try crushed cornflakes for a different texture. For dairy-free variations, skip the cheese. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also try a dairy-free butter for the coating. After you enjoy your Lemon Parmesan Crusted Tilapia, store the leftovers right. First, let the fish cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation and sogginess. Next, use airtight containers to keep the fish fresh. Glass containers work well, but plastic ones are fine too. Just make sure they seal tightly. Leftover tilapia stays good in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, keep the tilapia crispy. The best way is to use an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the fish on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes. This helps keep the crust crunchy. You can use a microwave, but it may make the fish soggy. If you do use a microwave, heat in short bursts. This gives you better control. You can freeze tilapia if you want to save some for later. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Frozen tilapia stays good for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw the fish in the fridge overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature; this keeps the fish safe. You can tell tilapia is ready when it flakes easily with a fork. The fish should turn opaque and lose its raw look. The crust will be golden brown and crispy. This usually takes about 12 to 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). If you see these signs, it is done and ready to enjoy! Yes, you can use frozen tilapia. First, it is best to thaw your fish in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, you can also run it under cold water. Once thawed, pat the fillets dry with a paper towel. This step helps the coating stick better. If you don't have Parmesan cheese, try using Pecorino Romano. It has a similar taste and texture. You could also use a blend of mozzarella and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Both choices will give you a nice flavor. Yes, this recipe works great for meal prep. You can bake the tilapia ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to let it cool before sealing it in a container. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the crust crispy. Serve with fresh sides for a delicious meal. This blog covers how to make Lemon Parmesan Crusted Tilapia. You learned about key ingredients like tilapia, cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. I provided step-by-step cooking instructions, plus tips to ensure a perfect crust. You also discovered variations and smart storage methods for leftovers. In my final thoughts, remember that cooking is fun! Experiment with flavors, and enjoy the process. Your tasty crusted tilapia awaits. Happy cooking!

Zesty Lemon Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

A delicious tilapia dish with a crispy Parmesan crust and a zesty lemon flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets tilapia
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 lemon zest of
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  • Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest into the breadcrumb and cheese mixture until well combined. The mixture should be slightly moist from the butter and lemon.
  • Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel. Brush each fillet on one side with melted butter and then press the buttered side into the Parmesan mixture, ensuring a generous coating.
  • Place the crusted fillets on the prepared baking sheet with the coated side facing up. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the tilapia flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven, and let it rest for a minute. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Notes

Serve with lemon wedges for extra flavor.
Keyword baked, lemon, Parmesan, seafood, tilapia