Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

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Baked Parmesan crusted tilapia is a simple oven dinner with flaky fish, a lemon mayonnaise layer, and a buttery Parmesan-panko topping. It serves four and takes 25-30 minutes from start to finish, making it a practical change of pace for a weeknight meal.

The topping goes on the top of each fillet, so there's no need to bread both sides or turn the fish during baking. A squeeze of lemon at the table is all it needs.

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Ingredients You'll Need

• Tilapia fillets: thaw frozen fillets completely and blot both sides dry.
• Finely grated Parmesan cheese: use a fine grate for the crumb mixture.
• Panko bread crumbs: combine with Parmesan and softened butter for the topping.
• Salted butter: soften it so it can be worked evenly through the crumbs.
• Mayonnaise: spread the seasoned mixture over the fish before adding the topping.
• Fresh lemon juice: mix into the mayonnaise.
• Finely grated lemon zest: adds lemon flavor to the mayonnaise layer.
• Seasoned salt: adjust if the lemon pepper blend also contains salt.
• Lemon pepper: check the seasoning blend's label for salt.
• Nonstick cooking spray: lightly coat the foil-lined pan.

Tilapia

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Grated Parmesan

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Panko Breadcrumbs

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Salted Butter

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Mayonnaise

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Lemon

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Lawry's Seasoned Salt

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Lemon Pepper

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Cooking Spray

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See the recipe card below for measurements. This recipe serves four.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Cod, haddock, or flounder can replace the tilapia; adjust the baking time for the thickness of the fish. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free panko and check the remaining ingredient labels for suitability.

Thaw frozen fillets completely and dry them thoroughly before topping. Keep the butter softened rather than pouring melted butter over the fish; the tested method works it into the crumb mixture with a fork.

Tools That Make It Easier

• Oven
• Large rimmed baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Two mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine zester
• Fork
• Paper towels
• Spoon or small spreading spatula
• Instant-read food thermometer
• Oven mitts
• Wide spatula

Baking Sheet

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Foil

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Measuring Cups and Spoons

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Paper Towels

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Meat Thermometer

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Oven Mitts

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How to Make Baked Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Bake the topped fish on the center rack at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, using the fillets' thickness and a 145°F internal temperature to judge doneness. Prepare the crumb topping and lemon mayonnaise separately before assembling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 - Prepare the fish and pan. Heat the oven to 425°F, line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil, and lightly coat it with cooking spray. Blot both sides of the tilapia dry, then arrange the fillets in a single layer with a little space between them.

Step 2 - Mix the crumb topping. Combine the panko, finely grated Parmesan, and softened butter in a bowl. Work the butter through the crumbs with a fork until evenly distributed.

Step 3 - Make the lemon mayonnaise. Blend the mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, seasoned salt, and lemon pepper in a separate bowl. Stir until evenly combined.

Step 4 - Add the two layers. Divide the lemon mayonnaise among the fillets and spread it over the top of each piece. Spoon on the Parmesan crumb mixture and press gently to help it adhere.

Step 5 - Bake and serve. Bake on the center rack for 15-20 minutes, until the topping is lightly browned, the fish separates easily with a fork, and the thickest portion reaches 145°F. Lift the fillets onto plates with a wide spatula and serve immediately.

Tips for the Parmesan-Panko Topping

Dry fish and gently pressed crumbs help the two layers stay together. Blot both sides of thawed fillets thoroughly, spread the mayonnaise over the top, and press the crumbs lightly rather than packing them down hard.

Check the seasoning labels before adding all the seasoned salt. Parmesan, seasoned salt, and lemon pepper can each contribute salt, so reduce the seasoned salt if the lemon pepper blend is salted.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours and use within 3 days. Reheat on a baking sheet at 350°F until the center reaches 165°F; cover loosely with foil if the topping browns too quickly.

For longer storage, freeze cooled portions in a single layer until firm, then transfer to an airtight freezer container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The crumb topping may soften after freezing.

What to Serve with Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Rice pilaf, asparagus, green beans, or a green salad make useful sides for this lemony fish. Offer lemon wedges alongside it.

For specific JenniferCooks recipes, try Easy Lemon Garlic Asparagus, Orange Cranberry Rice Pilaf, or Classic Homemade Caesar Salad. Roasted Green Beans are another vegetable option when you prefer roasted vegetables to steamed.

Questions Before You Bake

Should I broil the fish to brown the topping?

This tested recipe uses baking at 425°F without a broiling step. Check for a lightly browned topping and a 145°F internal temperature to confirm doneness.

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More Recipes You Might Like

For more ways to cook tilapia, try Lemon Dill Tilapia or Pumpkin Seed Crusted Tilapia. For another seafood dinner, try BBQ Grilled Shrimp Skewers.

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