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.
Kenani says
This was very good, but I added oregano, and some garlic. Thank you, by the way I’ve not been able to straighten it out, but I go by my Hebrew name which is Kenani Ya’aqob Genre. Thanks again
Lisa says
Love, love!! My kids were in love too…they went back for seconds and said “mommy, pls make this again!! We need to keep this recipe!!” I actually cooked for 20 mins at 400 and thought it was more than perfect..the flavor was Devine and so so easy and quick ..ty for sharing this wonderful recipe!
Deborah says
I love it when even the kids love the recipe! I’m so happy you all enjoyed it!
j Hol says
I made this previously. Really an easy and great recipe. Tonight I made it and used it for fish tacos. It was amazing. I wrapped the fish and a slaw/salad mixture in a tortilla shell (I buy the uncooked shells at Costco and they take a minute to warm up…wonderful). We all loved this!
Deborah says
I love the idea of using it in fish tacos! Yum!
Trish H says
I love this recipe. It is easy, delicious and looks beautiful right out of the oven. Thank you for sharing.
Deborah says
I’m so glad you liked it!
KyLee says
I don’t usually eat fish unless it’s fish sticks, haha but because of my New Years resolution I picked up a bag of Tilapia from ALDI yesterday. They’re frozen. Do I thaw them before battering them with the parmasean? Or keep them frozen?
Deborah says
Yep – thaw it first. I just thaw according to the package directions and then follow the recipe. Hope you love it!
Alana says
Made this single-serve style for myself this evening. The fillets I bought from Walmart are individually wrapped in the bag, so I just pulled one out, ran it under warm water for 5 minutes and cooked up a bag of frozen veggies while I waited. Then put a little bit of paprika, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, and parmesan in a bowl to mix up. I cooked one side of the fillet for a few minutes in a frying pan, then flipped it over, put the burner on medium low, added the spice mixture on top, and cooked until it was done. Not as crispy as baking in the oven, but great flavor, healthy, and very few dishes. Win all around 🙂 Thanks for the idea!
Nikole says
I have never liked any kind of fish. I detest it. However, I decided to try it once again. I decided to try this recipe & I actually liked it. Thank you! My family enjoyed it also. I will definitely make this again. For a non fish lover this was not fishy & extremely easy to make.
Robin says
I made this tonight and it was a total hit with my family! I added more Parmesan cheese, more paprika, as well as Italian bread crumbs, garlic powder, and lastly lemon pepper (which totally made the dish!). I will definitely be making this again.
Deborah says
I’m totally trying the lemon pepper next time! So glad you liked the recipe!
Kecia says
Tried it tonight and I absolutely love it. Thinking of trying with chicken as well.
Pep says
Great, we loved it, and will cook it again.
Jenn says
This was amazing. I paired it with a rosemary and olive oil quinoa. I’ll definitely be making this again! Thanks for the delicious recipe!
Kelly says
I pinned this since it looks and sounds so good, I’m trying to cook more fish at home. I followed this recipe and my fish came out so mushy and water, I used fresh tilapia too, any suggestions
Deborah says
I’m guessing it was the fish. Unless you are buying your fish straight off of the boat, most fish is previously frozen. If you buy it from the fresh case at the grocery store, it was most likely frozen and then has sat in the case, which can result in mushy fish sometimes. I almost always buy it frozen so that I can thaw it right before cooking it. That is the only thing I can think of!
Jessalyn says
Currently making this! Excited to see how it turns out. So far it’s been the quickest prep of the week 🙂 Soon it will be added to my “I did this one” board on Pinterest. Can’t wait to taste it. Thank’s for the recipe
Kathlyn says
I buy Monterrey Talapi ands never buy any other and I crush onion and sour cream potato chips and coat fish and drizzle some olive oil on top and bake until a golden brown and it is just as good. Kathlyn
Natalie Benkovic says
Made this tonight! I bought everything at Whole Foods and I added some crushed Parmesan crisps to the mixture before rolling the Tilapia in it (to make it extra crispy!) Thank you for this simple and delicious recipe!!
Alisa says
Saw on FB – looks good for the little ones. Thanks for sharing it.