Crispy Baked Panko & Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe
Crispy Baked Panko & Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe
If you are looking for a meal to add to your healthy recipes, look no further! This Crispy Baked Panko & Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe has all the cheesy, crunchy goodness of fried fish without the oil. It is also quick and easy to put together making it a great option for a restaurant quality weeknight meal that the entire family will enjoy.
This super easy to prepare recipe is a perfect to way to include more fish your diet. Tilapia is a very mild tasting fish and here it is dipped in panko breadcrumbs, a hearty helping of shredded Parmesan cheese, and some Italian seasoning. The surprise ingredient is a light coating of mayonnaise that helps keep the fish moist and the bread crumb mixture sticking.
Why You Should Give This Recipe a Try
Quick and easy – Spend less time in the kitchen with this quick and easy to put together recipe. A little brush of mayo, a dip in Parmesan and panko bread crumbs, a spritz of cooking spray and into the oven it goes. With some practice you can get this meal on the dinner table in 30 minutes max!
Simple ingredients – Your local grocery store should have everything you need.
Frozen fish – works just as well as fresh, so just head over to the freezer case.
Not used to eating fish? – This is a great fish recipe for first time fish eaters because tilapia is a very mild fish. If you are afraid to start with something too “fishy” tasting, this is perfect.
Recipe Ingredients
12 oz tilapia filets
1 cup Panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan
3 tbsp mayonnaise
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp oregano
Nonstick cooking spray
Lemon wedges (optional)
Fresh parsley (optional)
Ingredient Notes
Fresh vs. frozen fish – You can use either fresh of frozen fish. If using frozen, make sure it is defrosted in advance and pat it completely dry with paper towels before using.
Shredded Parmesan is a staple in most grocery stores. It is such a time saver!
Nonstick cooking spray – a little spritz of nonstick cooking spray will help ensure that a crispy, golden-brown crust forms.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Lightly spray a rimmed sheet pan with nonstick cooking spray or line the pan with parchment paper.
3. Prepare the Panko bread crumb mixture by placing the panko, Parmesan, thyme, and oregano in a shallow dish. Mix with a fork or your hands. Set aside.
4. Thoroughly pat each piece of fish dry with paper towels.
5. Brush both sides of the fish with mayonnaise.
6. Press each side into the panko and Parmesan mixture.
7. Place each coated fish fillet onto the prepared baking sheet.
8. Lightly spray the surface of the prepared fish with nonstick cooking spray.
9. Cooking time is dependent on the thickness of the fish, but 14-18 minutes should be sufficient. It will be golden brown and will flake easily with a fork.
10. Snip some fresh parsley over the surface of the fish. (optional)
11. Lightly drizzle with lemon juice right before serving if desired.
Storage
Store the leftover tilapia in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Tips & Tricks
Not sure if your fish is done? If you have an instant read thermometer, you can check the temperature. Tilapia is adequately cooked at an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
Defrost frozen tilapia in your fridge. This may take more than 24 hours, so be sure to give yourself some time.
You can purchase shredded Parmesan – my preference – but you can also grate your own and store it in the fridge to use whenever you need it. It will save lots of time when you are ready to cook and is a good thing to have on hand.
FAQs
What side dish goes well with tilapia?
Tilapia pairs well with many side dishes because it doesn’t have a very strong taste. Sautéed or roasted veggies like Brussel sprouts or asparagus are a great option. A green salad also works very well. If you are looking for a starch, I find rice (I generally use flavored rice like Parmesan rice) is one of my favorite ways to serve tilapia. Include some crusty bread and a glass of white wine for a quick and easy meal for family or friends.
Can you cook tilapia while frozen?
Technically you can cook tilapia while frozen but I do not suggest it. Cooking the fish while frozen will produce too much moisture and will make the coating soggy.
Did you enjoy this Crispy Baked Panko & Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe? Why not try another great seafood recipe. This super easy shrimp scampi is a restaurant quality meal that is quick and delicious!
Crispy Baked Panko & Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz tilapia filets about 12 oz total
- 1 cup panko
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- cooking spray
- 1 tbsp parsley optional
- lemon wedges optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Lightly spray a rimmed sheet pan with nonstick cooking spray or line the pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Panko break crumb mixture by placing the panko, Parmesan, thyme, and oregano in a shallow dish. Mix with a fork or your hands. Set aside.
- Thoroughly pat each piece of fish dry with paper towels.
- Brush both sides of the fish with mayonnaise.
- Press each side into the panko and Parmesan mixture.
- Place each coated fish fillet onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the surface of the prepared fish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cooking time is dependent on the thickness of the fish, but 14-18 minutes should be sufficient. It will be golden brown and will flake easily with a fork.
- Snip some fresh parsley over the surface of the fish. (optional)
- Lightly drizzle with lemon juice right before serving if desired.
