This Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is a simple fish recipe that is done in 20 minutes and will even impress non-fish lovers!
I always feel a little fancy when we eat fish at home, so serve this with some Vanilla Bean Rice Pudding with Raspberries and Salted Caramel, and your date night in is planned!!
Before I started blogging, I don’t think I ever made fish. Thinking that it was hard. Not knowing what to do.
I was so wrong.
Once I actually tried it, I realized that it is actually really easy. And really fast.
I am now a huge fan. Especially when it comes to a recipe as easy as this Parmesan Crusted Tilapia!
What You’ll Need:
- Parmesan Cheese – freshly grated definitely works the best for this recipe, in my opinion. But others have made this with the canned Parmesan and have liked it!
- Paprika – this adds flavor and color. I will sometimes use smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
- Parsley – for color and freshness.
- Salt – I like things salty, so I like to add a little salt. Feel free to leave this out if the Parmesan is salty enough for you.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – you’ll need this so that the cheese mixture will stick to the fish.
- Tilapia – I used tilapia because it is easy for me to get, but any firm, white fish will work.
- Lemon – in my opinion, you can never go wrong with a squeeze of fresh lemon on fish. It holds true on this recipe, as well.
How to Make It
MIX: Combine the parmesan, paprika, parsley, and salt. I like to do this in a shallow bowl or on a plate.
DRIZZLE: Cover both sides of the fish with the olive oil.
COAT: Dredge each piece of fish in the parmesan mixture, coating both sides. Use your hands to pat the cheese and seasonings into the fish, if needed.
BAKE: Bake the filets until the fish is opaque in the thickest part of the fish. For a normal sized tilapia filet, this should take about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
This is a super simple dish, so I think a couple super simple side dishes are all you need. I love this Lemon Broccoli or these Sauteed Green Beans with Cherry Tomatoes. I would just keep it simple!
I think one common misconception with this recipe is that it should be crispy. u0022Crustedu0022 in this instance just means that it is covered in Parmesan. I have had people say that they pan fry it first before baking, which will make it a little more crispy. You could also add some bread crumbs, if you want more of a crispy crust.
Yes! If you are using frozen fish, just make sure to fully thaw it before cooking. I like to thaw frozen fish in the refrigerator overnight.
I have made this with other firm, white fish (like halibut) but my guess is that as long as it is a firm fish, this would be delicious!
One thing that I love about this recipe is that it is easy to change it up. I mentioned that I like to use smoked paprika, but lemon pepper, old bay seasoning, a bit of cajun seasoning, or garlic powder would be delicious. Feel free to play around with the recipe and make it your own!
More Delicious Seafood Recipes
Take a trip back to your childhood with this classic Tuna Casserole recipe.
When I’m craving salmon, this Soy Ginger Salmon is the one that always pops into my mind.
In the mood for tacos? Try these Fried Fish Tacos for a bit of Tex-Mex at home.
This Moo Shu Shrimp is packed with flavor and are perfect any night of the week.
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Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ,optional
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tilapia filets ,about 4 oz each*
- lemon ,cut into wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet with foil.
- In a shallow bowl, mix together the Parmesan, paprika, parsley and salt. Drizzle the tilapia with the olive oil, then dredge in the cheese mixture, pressing it in lightly with your fingers if necessary. Transfer to the baking sheet.
- Bake until the fish is opaque in the thickest part, 10-12 minutes. Serve with the lemon slices.
Mara says
Can I bake it in it’s own individual foil pack? If so for how long?
Deborah says
I have not tried, so I’m not sure. Sorry!
Eileen says
Foil packs are more for steaming.
If you want it crispy, ditch the foil.
Hope says
I made this! I love it!! The only thing I did different was exchanged salt with garlic salt:) the man loved the recipe as well!
Deborah says
Yay – so glad it was a hit!
Michelle @ Modern Acupuncture says
Gorgeous photo! Pinned! Can’t wait to give this a try tonight. I’m also getting a little tired of chicken. Looking forward to shaking things up a bit!
MMike says
Fast, simple and healthy. What more can I ask for?
Bri says
Does the paprika give it any heat? My husband is very sensitive to spicy food.
Deborah says
I didn’t think it was spicy at all, but maybe cut back on the amount if you are worried.
Brandi says
I am making this tonight. I do not have fresh Parmesan cheese, so i will be using the kind in the bottle.
Rosa says
I was wondering if I could use frozen fish or if it had to be fresh? I don’t normally cook fish, but I was scrolling through recipes and my boyfriend stopped me and was practically drooling! If I can use frozen, what should I do to it to prepare for the recipe (thaw, etc).
Thanks!
Deborah says
You can definitely use frozen – that’s what I used. Just make sure it is completely thawed and you will be good to go!
Regina says
It sounds delicious Deborah. I’ve already pinned the recipe and I’m going to try it tonight.
Thank you.
elizabeth says
made this for my husband tonight! we loved it! although my tilapia was pretty watery… i’m thinking next time i will pan sear it and then throw it in the oven to finish and get a little crispy. this definitely goes into my dinner rotation. if anyone wants the nutrition breakdown, i calculated it per 4oz serving:
226 calories
11.3g fat
3.8g saturated fat
69mg cholesterol
30g protein
Deborah says
Thank you for providing that!!
Leslie says
I made this last night when I saw tilapia at the store and remembered thinking this looked good (I shuffled around some menu planning to switch it to last night’s dinner haha) – now I had to come comment that it was so delicious!! Definitely will be rotated into my future menus. Love fast, easy and delicious recipes! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Deborah says
Yay! Glad you loved it!
Teresa says
My Family really enjoyed the parmesan crusted tilapia. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
Deborah says
I’m glad you loved it!
Nutmeg Nanny says
My husband loves tilapia 🙂 this parmesan crusted recipe sounds amazing!
Joanne says
It definitely is awesome how simple this is to throw together..and yet it still feels like a fancy restaurant meal!
Jessica @ Jessiker Bakes says
This tilapia looks so good and easy to make. Pinning!
Deborah says
Thanks for the pin!!
Kammie @ Sensual Appeal says
I was just talking about tilapia with a friend yesterday – I need to make some. This recipe might be it!
Chels R. says
Looks delicious! I pinned it, so hopefully I’ll get a chance to try it out soon.
Deborah says
Thanks for the pin!