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- 4 tilapia fillets - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon juice When making Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia, the ingredients shine. The tilapia fillets serve as a light and flaky base. Panko breadcrumbs create a crunchy topping that contrasts perfectly with the fish. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the dish. For spices, garlic powder gives a strong aroma, while onion powder adds a sweet touch. Paprika brings warmth and a hint of color. Fresh parsley brightens everything, making the dish look lively. The liquids are just as important. Olive oil helps the topping stick and adds healthy fats. Lemon juice brings brightness, cutting through the richness of the cheese. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a flavorful and easy meal. You can mix and match spices based on your taste. This recipe is flexible and easy to customize. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This makes the cooking fast and even. 2. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This keeps the fish from sticking. 3. Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Mix 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, and add salt and pepper. Stir this well so that all the flavors blend. 1. Prepare the tilapia fillets. Place 4 fillets on the prepared baking sheet. 2. Mix olive oil and lemon juice in a small bowl. Use 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Whisk them together. 3. Brush the tilapia with the olive oil and lemon juice mixture. Make sure each fillet gets good coverage. 4. Coat the tilapia with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Spoon it evenly on top of each fillet. Press down gently so it sticks well. 1. Bake the tilapia in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. 2. Check for doneness by using a fork. The fish should flake easily. The crust must turn golden brown. If it is not done, give it a few more minutes. This method ensures your Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia comes out perfect every time! To get a crispy crust on your tilapia, follow these steps: - Use panko breadcrumbs. They are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. - Mix in fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavor. - Press the breadcrumb mixture onto the fish. This helps it stick well. - Brush the fillets with olive oil and lemon juice. This adds moisture and flavor. - Bake at 400°F (200°C) for the best results. This temperature crisps the coating nicely. For even cooking, place the baking sheet in the center of the oven. This helps air circulate around the fish. Avoid the bottom rack, as it may cause uneven cooking. To serve your tilapia nicely, try these tips: - Place the fillets on a bed of fresh spinach or mixed greens. The greens add color and crunch. - Garnish with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This adds a fresh look. - For side dishes, pair the tilapia with steamed vegetables or a light salad. Rice or quinoa also works well. These suggestions will make your meal look and taste great. Enjoy your flavorful dish! {{image_2}} You can change up the cheese in this recipe. Instead of Parmesan, try mozzarella or cheddar. Each cheese brings a unique taste. You can also use different breadcrumbs. Try regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a different texture. Adding herbs or spices can boost flavor. Basil, thyme, or dill work great with tilapia. For some heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Mix these in with the breadcrumbs for a tasty twist. You can grill or fry the tilapia for a different style. For grilling, preheat your grill to medium heat. Brush the fillets with olive oil and season as usual. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until cooked through. If you prefer frying, heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the coated fillets for about 4-5 minutes on each side. This method gives a crispy crust and a warm, juicy inside. Using an air fryer is also an option. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat the tilapia with olive oil. Place the fillets in the basket and cook for 8-10 minutes. This method reduces oil use while keeping the crust crisp. Store leftover baked tilapia in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh longer. Place the container in the fridge. Baked tilapia stays good for up to three days. Always check for any off smells before eating. If it smells bad, toss it out. You can also place the tilapia on a plate, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. To reheat baked tilapia, use the oven for best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tilapia on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it tends to dry out the fish. Check if it’s warm all the way through before serving. This method keeps the crust crispy and the fish tender. Can I use frozen tilapia fillets? Yes, you can use frozen tilapia fillets. Just make sure to thaw them first. Thawing helps ensure even cooking. You can place them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water for a quicker option. How do I know when tilapia is fully cooked? Tilapia is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. The fish should turn opaque and firm. You can also use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Is this recipe gluten-free? No, this recipe is not gluten-free due to panko breadcrumbs. However, you can substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs. This change keeps the flavor while making it safe for those with gluten allergies. Can I substitute for dairy-free options? Yes, you can make this dish dairy-free. Use dairy-free cheese instead of Parmesan. Nutritional yeast also adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. This blog post covered a simple and tasty baked tilapia recipe. You learned about the key ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking tips to get a crispy crust. We also explored different cooking methods and ingredient swaps for added flavor. Remember to store any leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Whether you are grilling, frying, or using the oven, this dish is easy to make. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this delicious fish!

Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Discover the deliciousness of baked Parmesan crusted tilapia with this easy recipe! In just 25 minutes, you can create a flavorful dish that's perfect for any dinner. With crispy panko breadcrumbs and a cheesy Parmesan topping, this tilapia is sure to impress. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds. Click to explore this mouthwatering meal and elevate your seafood game!
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Ingredients
  

4 tilapia fillets

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    In a mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

      In another small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice.

        Place the tilapia fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each fillet generously with the olive oil and lemon juice mixture.

          Evenly spoon the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture over the top of each fillet, pressing down gently to make it adhere.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the tilapia is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the crust is golden brown.

              Remove from the oven and let it rest for a minute before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the tilapia on a bed of fresh spinach or mixed greens, and garnish with additional lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.