My Easy Baked Tilapia Recipe
Let’s make a quick fish dinner for two. This is my easy baked tilapia recipe. It feels fancy but is so simple. You just need one pan. I love that.
The secret is the crispy topping. We use Italian seasoned Panko bread crumbs and Parmesan. It makes the fish golden and delicious. Your kitchen will smell amazing. Do you have a favorite weeknight dinner recipe? I would love to hear it.
A Cheesy Little Trick
This recipe taught me a fun trick. It uses a spiralizer to grate the cheese! I still laugh at that. My spiralizer recipes used to be just for veggies.
But it makes the lightest, fluffiest Parmesan shreds. They stick to the fish perfectly. *Fun fact: This tip came from the Hamilton Beach Test Kitchen recipe team.* It matters because the right cheese texture makes the best crust. Have you ever used a kitchen tool in a new way?
How to Bake Tilapia Just Right
Learning how to bake tilapia is easy. The oven does most of the work. First, you coat the fillets with a tiny bit of mayonnaise. This is the glue for the crumbs.
Then you shake them in a bag with the cheesy crumbs. Press any extra crumbs on top. Bake for about 12 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes with a fork. This method keeps it moist. It’s a healthy white fish recipe that doesn’t taste dry.
Why This Simple Meal Matters
This baked Parmesan fish is more than food. It’s a promise to yourself. You can make something good on a busy night. That matters.
Using a few good ingredients shows care. This Parmesan Crusted Tilapia recipe proves that. Simple cooking brings people together. Will you make this with someone special this week?
Your Turn in the Kitchen
Now you have the full recipe. Give it a try. The Italian seasoning makes it so cozy. I like to serve mine with buttery spring peas.
That bright green looks so pretty next to the golden fish. It matters because we eat with our eyes first. What vegetable would you pair with it? Tell me your plan. I am already smiling thinking of your dinner.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Parmesan cheese | 2 ounces | Grated using a spiralizer |
| Italian seasoned Panko bread crumbs | 1/4 cup | |
| Italian seasoning | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Ground black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon | |
| Mayonnaise | 1 tablespoon | |
| Tilapia fillets (or other white fish) | 2 fillets (about 4 oz each) |
Instructions
Step 1: First, get your oven nice and hot. Set it to 425°F. Grab your baking pan and give it a quick spray. This Easy baked tilapia recipe starts with a warm welcome. Doesn’t that smell amazing already?
Step 2: Now, let’s make our crust. Use your spiralizer to grate the Parmesan cheese. I love finding new Spiralizer recipes. Put the cheese in a big bag with the Italian seasoned Panko bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Give it a good shake to mix.
Step 3: Spread a little mayonnaise on each tilapia fillet. This helps the crust stick. Gently place each fillet into your bag. Seal it and shake until coated. (A little mayo makes the crispiest crust!) This Hamilton Beach Test Kitchen recipe is a family favorite.
Step 4: Take the fish out of the bag. Press any extra crumbs from the bag right onto the fish. This makes a perfect crust. Place your Baked Parmesan fish on the prepared pan. Are you a fan of extra-crunchy fish? Share below!
Step 5: Bake your fish for 12 to 14 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it flakes easily. This Quick fish dinner for two is ready so fast. I still laugh at how simple this Healthy white fish recipe is. It’s the best Weeknight dinner recipe.
Creative Twists
Lemon-Herb: Add lemon zest and fresh dill to the breadcrumb mix. It’s so fresh and bright.
Spicy Kick: Mix a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Panko. It gives a nice little warmth.
Nutty Crunch: Swap half the Panko for finely chopped almonds. The toasty flavor is wonderful.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
Serve your Parmesan Crusted Tilapia recipe with buttery spring peas. They are a perfect match. A simple lemon wedge on the side adds a nice, bright squeeze. For a fuller plate, add roasted baby potatoes. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Fish Fresh and Tasty
Let’s talk about storing this easy baked tilapia recipe. First, let any leftovers cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container. They will keep in the fridge for two days. You can also freeze the cooked fish for one month. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap first.
I remember my first time freezing fish. I was so worried it would taste funny. It reheated perfectly! Just pop it back in a 350°F oven until warm. This makes for a very quick fish dinner for two on a busy night. Batch cooking matters because it gives you a gift on a tired day. You deserve a break.
Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups
Sometimes our cooking doesn’t go as planned. That’s okay! Here are three easy fixes. First, if your crumbs won’t stick, pat the fish dry first. A damp fish makes the coating slide right off. I once made that mistake. My crust ended up in the pan, not on the fish!
Second, if your crust is not browning, move the rack up. The top heat helps the Italian seasoned Panko bread crumbs get golden. Third, if your fish seems bland, add a little more seasoning. A pinch of salt on the fillets before coating helps a lot. Fixing these small issues builds your cooking confidence. It also makes the flavor so much better. Good flavor makes everyone happy at the table.
Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What is the best way to cook tilapia?
Baking is the best way for this healthy white fish recipe. It is simple and keeps the fish tender. Just heat your oven to 425°F. Coat the fish and bake for about 12 minutes. This how to bake tilapia method is foolproof. The fish will be flaky and delicious. It is a perfect weeknight dinner recipe for anyone.
Can I use frozen peas for spring pea puree?
Yes, frozen peas work wonderfully. They are picked at their peak and frozen fast. This locks in their sweet flavor and bright green color. Just thaw them in warm water first. Then you can blend them into a smooth puree. It makes a lovely, vibrant side for your baked Parmesan fish. It’s a great time-saver.
What can I substitute for Parmesan in the crust?
You can use grated Romano or Asiago cheese. They have a similar salty, nutty taste. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy flavor without the cheese. Your crust will still get nice and crispy. This tip helps make the recipe work for more people. Everyone should get to enjoy a good meal.
How do you make a crispy crust on fish?
The key is using a dry coating and high heat. Panko bread crumbs are perfect for crunch. Press the crumbs firmly onto the mayonnaise-coated fish. Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 425°F. The hot air will crisp the coating without burning it. A crispy crust makes this dish feel special and satisfying.
What sides go well with pea and parmesan crusted tilapia?
Simple sides are best. Try lemon rice or roasted baby potatoes. A crisp green salad is always a good choice. Steamed asparagus or green beans also pair nicely. These sides keep your meal light and balanced. They let the flavor of the Parmesan Crusted Tilapia recipe shine. A fun fact: this is a Hamilton Beach Test Kitchen recipe, designed for ease.
Is tilapia a healthy fish to eat?
Yes, tilapia is a healthy white fish. It is a great source of lean protein. Your body uses protein to build and repair muscles. This fish is also low in fat and calories. Baking it, like in this recipe, keeps it healthy. It’s a smart choice for a nourishing meal any night of the week.
Which tip will you try first?
My Kitchen Table is Always Open
I hope you love this baked Parmesan fish as much as I do. It reminds me of sunny spring days. My kitchen is my favorite place to be. I love sharing these spiralizer recipes and simple joys with you. Trying new things in the kitchen is such a happy adventure.
Have you tried this recipe? I would love to hear all about it. Tell me your story in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going. Sharing our kitchen tales is the best part.
Happy cooking!
—Grace Hollander.
Spring Pea and Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Description
A simple, flavorful baked fish with a crispy Parmesan and Panko crust.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425°F. Spray baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Using a spiralizer, grate Parmesan cheese and place in a large resealable plastic bag. Add Panko bread crumbs, Italian seasoning and black pepper. Seal and shake bag.
- Spread mayonnaise on both sides of fish fillets. Add fish to bag and shake until coated with crumb mixture.
- Press remaining crumbs from bag onto fish. Place on prepared baking pan.
- Bake until fish flakes easily with a fork, 12 to 14 minutes.
Notes
- Nutrition calculated per serving is an estimate. For a crispier crust, you can lightly spray the coated fillets with cooking spray before baking.