Description
This Parmesan Crusted Tilapia recipe features tender tilapia filets baked to perfection with a flavorful crust made from freshly grated Parmesan cheese, lemon pepper seasoning, and fresh parsley. A quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, finished with green onions and lemon wedges for a bright, zesty touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Seasoning
- 4 (4-ounce) tilapia filets, fresh or thawed from frozen, patted dry
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (adjust as needed)
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Cheese Crust
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (avoid extra virgin olive oil)
- ¼ cup diced green onions (optional)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Oil the Tilapia: Drizzle the tilapia filets with olive oil to help the cheese mixture adhere and keep the fish moist during baking.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, lemon pepper seasoning, chopped fresh parsley, and kosher salt. Mix well to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Coat the Filets: Press the cheese mixture evenly and firmly onto each tilapia filet, making sure it sticks well to form a crust during baking.
- Add Extra Cheese: Lightly sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese on top of each coated filet to enhance the crust’s texture and cheesiness.
- Bake the Fish: Place the coated tilapia filets on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, about 10 minutes.
- Broil for Crispness: Switch the oven to broil and continue cooking the filets for about 5 minutes, watching closely, until the Parmesan crust is golden brown and crispy without burning.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from oven, sprinkle with diced green onions if using, and serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Notes
- Use regular olive oil rather than extra virgin olive oil for a milder flavor and better browning.
- If using frozen tilapia, make sure it is fully thawed and patted dry to ensure a crispy crust.
- Keep a close watch when broiling to prevent the cheese crust from burning.
- The lemon wedges add a fresh brightness that balances the richness of the Parmesan crust.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the lemon pepper seasoning does not contain any gluten additives.
