Description

Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is a quick and easy dinner recipe featuring tender tilapia fillets coated in a crispy, cheesy Parmesan and breadcrumb crust. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish balances crunchy texture with a savory, flavorful crust that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Healthy, customizable, and packed with protein, it’s a delicious choice for any seafood lover.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

4 tilapia fillets (4–6 ounces each), fresh or thawed
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup bread crumbs (panko or regular)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all the flavors.
Brush Tilapia with Oil or Butter: Lightly coat each tilapia fillet with olive oil or melted butter. This helps the crust adhere better and promotes a golden brown finish during cooking.
Coat the Fillets: Press each fillet firmly into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, ensuring both sides are well covered with the crispy coating.
Cook the Tilapia: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side until the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Serve Warm: Transfer the cooked fillets to plates and squeeze fresh lemon juice over them if desired, adding a bright, fresh contrast to the rich crust.

Notes

Use fresh or completely thawed tilapia for the best texture and even cooking.
Pat the fillets dry before coating to help the crust stick better and stay crispy.
Press firmly when applying the Parmesan mixture to ensure it adheres well.
Cook fillets without overcrowding the pan to maintain an even sear and a crisp crust.
Cook over medium heat to brown the crust perfectly without burning the fish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Frying (Alternative: Baking)
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fillet (approx. 5 oz)
Calories: 280
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 33g
Cholesterol: 75mg