Tilapia is one of those fish that doesn’t taste too fishy and even non-seafood lovers enjoy. It is also easy to prepare and pretty healthy, in the traditional sense at least, especially this easy Parmesan Crusted Tilapia!
What is Tilapia?
Some don’t even think it is a real fish, but it is! However tilapia isn’t just one species of fish, it actually refers to over 100 different species of freshwater white fish that all have the same characteristics.
Most are fairly thin, small and have very little to offer as far as taste. Which isn’t a bad thing if you don’t like the taste of fish and to be able to paint this blank canvas any way you want. Think of tilapia as the tofu of fish.
What to Gather
You only need a handful of ingredients to make this parmesan crusted tilapia Most of which you might already have! For the full ingredient list, jump to the printable recipe card.
- Seasoned bread crumbs – You can use plain breadcrumbs or combine 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning with plain breadcrumbs to season them. You can also panko or even cracker crumbs like Ritz or saltine. If you do use a salted cracker, omit additional Kosher salt.
- Parmesan cheese – This adds both flavor, texture and moisture to our breadcrumb coating. I like to use grated cheese rather than shredded for the best texture.
- Garlic powder – Always in my spice cabinet and packed with flavor, this adds just the right touch to our breading. You can always opt for fresh garlic as well.
- Onion powder – A staple in my kitchen, this just gives that overall delicious and balanced flavor to the breading.
- Salt and pepper – I used a simple blend of coarse Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Butter – We use this in out breadcrumb mixture. Always opt for using unsalted butter so that you can control the amount of salt int he recipe.
- Large tilapia filets – You can get these at the seafood counter at your local grocery store. Keep in mind that sizing and weight may vary.
- Fresh lemon – I love spritzing any fish with some fresh lemon when serving. This is optional, but I always like to serve mine with a couple of lemon wedges.
Let’s Make It
Making parmesan crusted tilapia might be easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps.
- Prepare oven and baking sheet. Preheat the oven and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Make breadcrumb mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Parmesan cheese, Kosher salt and black pepper. When mixed, drizzle in the melted butter. It will resemble wet sand.
- Top fish with breadcrumb mixture. Place the fish onto the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the breadcrumb mixture over the top of each evenly.
- Bake. At the very end, turn on the broiler for a minute just to get a little browning. Watch carefully to not burn! Since it is so thin, check for doneness by using a fork to see if it easily flakes instead of taking an internal temperature.
- Remove and serve. Remove and serve with fresh lemon wedges or sauce of your choice. We like tartar sauce.
5S Philosophy 👩🏻
- Salt – Adding salt to a dish helps to bring out the other flavors. I use coarse Kosher salt in particular here. Keep in mind that different salts measure differently.
- Seasonings – I used a simple blend of garlic powder and onion powder, but feel free to use some Italian seasoning or fresh herbs in the breading to take things up a notch.
- Sauces – With almost any fish, I love using tartar sauce for dipping. You can also use an aioli if you’d like.
- Swaps – Turn this parmesan crusted tilapia into tacos! Bake tilapia as directed and then cut into strips for easy wrapping in tortillas. Pair with my favorite pico de gallo, pineapple salsa or just vinegar coleslaw and a few fresh jalapeno slices for the perfect taco.
- Senses – With its golden, crispy coating crackling slightly as you cut into it, and the aroma is irresistible—nutty, buttery Parmesan mingling with the mild, ocean-fresh scent of the flaky tilapia beneath.
Sidekicks That Shine
You can serve this parmesan crusted tilapia with just about anything, really. This recipe is so tasty, but also fairly simple so it can blend with so many flavors. I do like having a starch and a veggie, so here are my best picks.
For starches, either potatoes or rice are good picks, but this fish also tastes great on a bed of pasta with alfredo sauce. Try my Almond Rice Pilaf or Balsamic Roasted Veggies too.
Also go for green with cheesy baked kale, roast broccolini or even a nice leafy salad with ranch dressing.
Storage and Freezing
How to Store
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. I do not recommend freezing this fish after it is cooked.
Can I Freeze Parmesan Crusted Tilapia?
Chances are it was previously frozen and shouldn’t be refrozen. It will also be rubbery and dry when thawed and cooked again.
More Seafood Recipes
As a Maryland girl, I’m a huge seafood lover. If you are too, check out some of my favorite seafood recipes.
Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs*
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese , finely grated
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter , melted
- 4 large tilapia filets , sizing and weight may vary
- fresh lemon , for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs*, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon coarse Kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper. When mixed, drizzle in the melted 3 tablespoons butter. It will resemble wet sand.
- Place the 4 large tilapia filets onto the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the breadcrumb mixture over the top of each evenly.
- Bake the filets for 17-20 minutes. At the very end, turn on the broiler for 1 minute just to get a little browning. Watch carefully to not burn!
- Remove and serve with fresh lemon or sauce of your choice.
- If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or ratings.
Notes
Nutrition
This tilapia sounds perfect! I like the idea of putting it on pasta with alfredo sauce. Yum!
We have Tilapia all the time. Can’t wait to try this recipe. My husband’s gonna love it.
Tilapia is definitely one of our go to fish to eat! Love the parmesan crust on it!
Parmesan cheese makes everything so crunchy and tasty. I am looking for vegan parmesan and surely use it once I get it. Thanks for sharing.
Loved how this tilapia turned out! Perfect crust on the outside and tasted great with some grilled veggies.