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Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia Recipe

4.5 from 89 reviews

This Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia recipe delivers a crispy, golden crust bursting with flavor, perfect for seafood lovers seeking an easy yet elegant dinner option. Combining a crunchy Parmesan and breadcrumb coating with a hint of garlic, paprika, and fresh parsley, the tilapia is pan-fried to perfection before finishing in the oven for a tender, flaky interior.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish and Seasoning

  • 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Parmesan Coating

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Egg Wash

  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Cooking

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the tilapia after searing.
  2. Prepare Coating Mixture: In a large bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a well-blended crust mixture.
  3. Make Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  4. Season Tilapia: Pat each tilapia fillet dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  5. Coat Fillets: Dip each seasoned fillet into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Then press the fillet into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly. Repeat for all fillets ensuring an even crust on each.
  6. Heat Oil: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot enough for frying.
  7. Sear Tilapia: Place coated fillets carefully into the hot skillet without overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown and crispy.
  8. Flip and Sear Other Side: Gently flip the fillets using a spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the second side is equally crispy and golden.
  9. Bake to Finish: Transfer the skillet with tilapia into the preheated oven. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  10. Remove from Oven: Carefully take the skillet out of the oven and transfer the tilapia fillets onto a serving platter.
  11. Garnish: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets and sprinkle extra chopped parsley on top for added flavor and color.
  12. Serve: Serve the Parmesan-crusted tilapia with lemon wedges and your choice of fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or rice/quinoa for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Using panko breadcrumbs helps achieve an extra crispy crust.
  • Ensure the skillet is oven-safe before transferring it to the oven.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to maintain crispiness.
  • Tilapia is a delicate fish; handle gently when flipping to keep the crust intact.
  • Check for doneness by using a fork to flake the fish or a thermometer to ensure 145°F internal temperature.

Keywords: Parmesan crusted tilapia, crispy fish recipe, easy seafood dinner, pan fried fish, baked tilapia