Easy Parmesan Panko Crusted Tilapia Recipe
This Easy Parmesan Panko Crusted Tilapia recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to prepare tender tilapia fillets with a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping enhanced by fresh garlic and herbs. Baked to perfection, this dish balances a crunchy exterior with moist, flaky fish inside, making it an impressive yet simple meal for any weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Fish
- 6 tilapia loins or fillets
Topping
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or other fresh herbs (optional)
Other
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Prepare the fish: If using frozen tilapia, thaw completely and pat dry with a paper towel. Arrange the tilapia loins or fillets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Season each piece evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Make the garlic herb mixture: Melt the butter in the microwave. While waiting, finely chop the crushed garlic and fresh herbs by pulsing in a food processor or mincing by hand.
- Combine the topping: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated parmesan cheese, panko bread crumbs, and chopped garlic herb mixture. Pour the melted butter over the mixture and stir thoroughly until well blended.
- Apply the crust: Evenly spread the parmesan and panko mixture over the top of each tilapia fillet, pressing gently to adhere.
- Bake the tilapia: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. For thinner fillets, start checking for doneness at around 12 minutes.
- Optional broiling: If the fish is fully cooked but the crust hasn’t reached your desired golden brown, place the baking dish under the broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve and store: Allow the tilapia to cool slightly before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Thaw frozen tilapia completely and pat dry to prevent excess moisture affecting the crust’s crispiness.
- Use fresh garlic and herbs for the best flavor, but dried parsley can be substituted if needed.
- Adjust the baking time for thinner or thicker fillets to avoid overcooking.
- Broiling at the end enhances browning but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and gently reheated in the oven to retain crispness.
