5-Ingredient Baked Parmesan Tilapia
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Looking for a quick and tasty dinner? You can make delicious 5-Ingredient Baked Parmesan Tilapia in just 20 minutes. This easy recipe combines tilapia fillets with Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and a few simple seasonings.
The result is a crispy, flavorful fish dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll love how the Parmesan forms a golden crust on top of the tender fish. It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters enjoy!
Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty 5-Ingredient Baked Parmesan Tilapia:
• 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
Can’t find tilapia? No problem! You can use other mild white fish like cod, halibut, or sole instead.
Don’t have Panko? Regular breadcrumbs work too. For a low-carb option, try crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
Out of Parmesan? Grated Romano or Asiago cheese make good substitutes. They’ll give your fish a similar savory flavor.
Fresh garlic works in place of garlic powder. Just mince 2-3 cloves finely.
For a dairy-free version, skip the Parmesan and use nutritional yeast. It adds a cheesy flavor without the milk.
Remember, these swaps may change the taste a bit. But they’ll still give you a yummy baked fish dish!
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat will help create a crispy crust on the fish.
Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. This step is important for getting a nice crust.
Place the fillets in a baking dish. Make sure to leave some space between each piece of fish.
In a small bowl, mix together:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Garlic powder
Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the tilapia fillets. Press it down gently to help it stick.
Spray the coated fish lightly with cooking oil. This will help the crust brown and crisp up.
Bake for about 15 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden brown.
Serve your Parmesan-crusted tilapia hot from the oven. It goes great with a side of lemon wedges and your favorite vegetables.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Pat the tilapia dry before cooking. This helps the coating stick better and creates a crispier crust.
Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Grate it yourself if possible.
Don’t overcook the fish. Tilapia cooks quickly, usually in about 10-15 minutes.
For extra crunch, try adding some crushed nuts to the coating mix.
Leftovers? Store your cooked tilapia in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to 3 days.
To reheat, use the oven or toaster oven. This helps maintain the crispy coating better than microwaving.
Make a double batch of the Parmesan mixture. Store the extra in a sealed container for quick future meals.
Try different seasonings in the coating. Italian herbs or lemon zest can add nice flavor.
Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty touch.
For a lighter version, use olive oil spray instead of melted butter.