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.
jheckie says
Is cream dory possible?
BrokeB!tch says
Can I use chicken cutlets instead? I forgot the fish at the store and can’t afford it now 🙁
Deborah says
I haven’t tried chicken, but I’m guessing it would be delicious!
Ruhanika says
This was absolutely delicious! I will definitely make this again!
Nancy Clements says
Can you grill this tilapia on a grill mat?
Donna W says
I am adding fish to our weekly menu. This was very good and simple. Thanks
Heidi J says
My neighbor made this recipe for us the other evening. It was delicious. My only complaint is when I print the recipe, the text prints in such a light gray that it makes it difficult to read for my 62 year old eyes.
Shari B. says
This was absolutely delicious! I will definitely make this again!
Karen S says
Delicious and easy! Didn’t have paprika, used black pepper. Served with steamed asparagus with a sprinkle of Parmesan as well. Thank you for a healthy and affordable entree.
Something’s Cheesy says
This much cheese doesn’t belong on fish. Only ate one of the 4 fillets and my stomach is mad at me. With the 5 star ratings and the picture it sounded good! But I will stick with Gordon Ramsey on the “cheese doesn’t belong on fish”
Sorry to the Chef who created this recipe. Just not for me.
verlie habacon says
How many minutes to bake?
Deborah says
It bakes for 10-12 minutes.
Patrick says
Excellent & easy to make🌹
Rolanda D. says
This was a quick & simple dinner, so easy to forget it’s healthy too 😃
Thx for sharing !
R. D.
Kris says
Wow! This s was incredible. I put the pan in the oven while it was heating up so the fish went in on a hot pan. It crisped up the bottom. I will be making this a lot, and it was so fast. Thank you!
christophe says
il fait le souper il fait le dessert
Leslie says
This is a great recipe and it freezes exceptionally well! I use this recipe for my frozen pickup service (freezer to microwave) for my catering business – thank you!! It’s a customer favorite!
Linda Moree says
My family loved this recipe! They said it was better than the store bought Parmesan Encrusted Talapia! We will be eating more fish!