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- 4 tilapia fillets - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon juice The ingredients for Parmesan crusted tilapia are simple yet flavorful. Tilapia is a light fish that cooks quickly, making it perfect for busy nights. The Parmesan cheese adds a rich taste, while panko breadcrumbs give a nice crunch. Fresh parsley brightens the dish, and garlic powder and paprika add warmth. Olive oil and lemon juice keep the fish moist and flavorful. Tilapia is a low-calorie fish that packs a protein punch. One serving of tilapia has about 140 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, and 30 grams of protein. The Parmesan cheese adds some fat and calcium, but it also boosts the flavor. Health Benefits of Tilapia and Parmesan Cheese: - Tilapia: This fish is a great source of lean protein. It is low in calories and has heart-healthy fats. - Parmesan Cheese: It contains calcium, which is vital for strong bones. It also adds flavor, so you can use less salt. With these ingredients, you can create a tasty meal that is both healthy and satisfying. Enjoy the process of cooking and the delicious results! 1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This helps cook the fish evenly and makes the crust crispy. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the tilapia from sticking and makes cleanup easy. 3. In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients: - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Mix until everything is well combined. 1. Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel. This step removes extra moisture that can make the crust soggy. 2. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the fillets. Use about 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. 3. Rub the olive oil and lemon juice evenly on both sides of each fillet. This helps the crust stick and adds flavor. 4. Press the Parmesan mixture on top of each fillet. Make sure to cover each fillet well to form a nice crust. 1. Place the coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet, crust-side up. This ensures that the crust gets crispy. 2. Bake for 12-15 minutes. The fish should be cooked through and the crust should be golden brown. 3. Check for doneness. The fish should flake easily with a fork. If it does, it's ready to eat! When you buy tilapia, look for bright eyes and firm flesh. The smell should be fresh, not fishy. If the fillets are still in their skin, check for a shiny sheen. This shows the fish is fresh. Store tilapia in the coldest part of your fridge. Use it within one to two days for the best taste. If you need to keep it longer, freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic. This helps avoid freezer burn. For a crispy texture, use panko breadcrumbs. They make the crust light and crunchy. Press the topping down well on the fish. This helps it stick and get crispy when baking. You can also try other toppings. For example, mix in crushed nuts or spices for a twist. A hint of lemon zest adds brightness too. To complement your tilapia, serve it with a light salad. A simple mix of greens and a lemon vinaigrette works well. Roasted vegetables or rice can also make great sides. For a beautiful presentation, place the fish on a bed of mixed greens. Add lemon wedges and sprinkle with extra parsley. This makes your dish colorful and inviting. {{image_2}} You can play with flavors in this dish. Adding herbs and spices gives a personal touch. Try mixing in fresh dill or basil for a fresh twist. You can also use a pinch of onion powder or lemon zest for more zest and flavor. If you like a bit of heat, add chili flakes to the Parmesan mix. This gives a nice kick. Just a little bit can enhance the taste and make it exciting. If you need gluten-free options, swap panko breadcrumbs for ground almonds or gluten-free breadcrumbs. This keeps the dish light but tasty. For those who want a dairy-free version, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. It gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also try vegan cheese for a similar taste. You have choices in cooking this dish. Pan-frying gives a golden crust and quick cooking. Just heat oil in a pan and fry each fillet until crispy. Baking is a great option too. It cooks evenly and is less messy. Just follow the recipe and bake at 425°F. For a smoky flavor, grilling is a wonderful method. It adds depth to the fish and makes it unique. Just grill for a few minutes on each side, and you are set. To keep your leftover Parmesan crusted tilapia fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Place the tilapia in an airtight container. This will help keep moisture in and prevent odors from other foods. - Duration: Cooked tilapia can last in the fridge for about 3 days. Make sure to eat it within this time for best taste and safety. When reheating your tilapia, you want to keep it crispy and tasty: - Methods: The best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tilapia on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy. - Frozen Leftovers: If you freeze leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic. They can last up to 2 months. To reheat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, follow the oven method for the best results. It takes about 12 to 15 minutes to cook tilapia at 425°F. The tilapia is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Make sure the crust is golden brown for the best flavor and texture. Yes, you can use frozen tilapia. Thaw it in the fridge overnight for best results. If you are in a hurry, you can run it under cold water for quick thawing. Pat the fillets dry before adding the olive oil and crust mix. This helps the crust stick better and cook evenly. You can use other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a similar taste. Both have a salty flavor and work well with the crust. If you want a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast. It has a cheesy flavor and pairs nicely with breadcrumbs. This blog post covered a simple yet tasty recipe for Parmesan crusted tilapia. We explored essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking directions, and helpful tips to enhance your dish. Remember to choose fresh tilapia and experiment with flavors to make it your own. With these easy methods and storage tips, you can enjoy a delicious meal anytime. Dive into this recipe, and impress your family today! Cooking should be fun and rewarding. Enjoy every bite!

Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Indulge in a delicious dinner with this Crispy Parmesan Crusted Tilapia recipe! This easy and flavorful dish features tender tilapia fillets coated with a golden, cheesy crust that brings a delightful crunch to your plate. Perfect for a weeknight meal, this recipe is quick to prepare and sure to impress. Click through for step-by-step instructions and presentation tips that will elevate your dining experience!
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Ingredients
  

4 tilapia fillets

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a medium bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; mix until well combined.

      Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, then drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over them. Rub the mixture evenly across both sides of each fillet.

        Press a generous amount of the Parmesan mixture on top of each fillet to create a crust.

          Place the coated fillets onto the prepared baking sheet, crust-side up.

            Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy.

              Once done, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the fish cool for a minute before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 25 min | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy tilapia on a bed of mixed greens drizzled with a simple lemon vinaigrette and garnish with lemon wedges and additional parsley for a colorful, appealing plate.