This Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is a quick, flavorful dish that delivers restaurant-quality taste in just 30 minutes. The golden, crispy crust made with savory Parmesan and herbs perfectly complements the tender, flaky fish inside. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and a burst of umami richness that’s both satisfying and light.
With only 217 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a protein-packed meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. The subtle tang of lemon and aromatic garlic elevate the flavors, making this dish a weeknight favorite. Ready in no time, it’s perfect for busy evenings when you crave something special without the fuss.
What You’ll Need
- 4 (4-ounce) tilapia fillets (thawed if frozen)
- ¼ cup crushed Ritz Crackers (or substitute with panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated works best)
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 Tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- Olive oil (for drizzling or spraying)
How to Make Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking pan with foil and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare the tilapia: If frozen, thaw the fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. This ensures the coating sticks well.
- Make the coating: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz Crackers, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Season the fish: Pour 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice onto a plate. Place a fillet on the plate, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then flip it to season the other side.
- Coat the fillets: Press each seasoned fillet into the Parmesan mixture, patting it gently to ensure an even coating on all sides.
- Arrange and prepare for baking: Place the coated fillets on the prepared baking pan. Drizzle or lightly spray them with olive oil, then sprinkle a little extra lemon juice over the top.
- Bake: Cook in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the edges are golden brown.
- Optional garnish: Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving, if desired.
Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas
Elevate your Parmesan Crusted Tilapia with a drizzle of lemon butter sauce—simply melt 2 tablespoons of butter, mix with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and a pinch of garlic powder. For a creamy twist, try a dollop of tzatziki or garlic aioli. Fresh toppings like chopped parsley, capers, or a squeeze of extra lemon juice can add a bright, zesty finish.
Serve It Right: Delicious Side Dishes
Pair this flavorful fish with roasted asparagus or garlic mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. A light Mediterranean quinoa salad or steamed green beans also complement the dish beautifully. Don’t forget a slice of crusty bread to soak up any extra lemon and Parmesan flavors!
Quick Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fillets on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crispy. For longer storage, freeze the cooked fillets for up to 1 month and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Recipe Variations to Try
Swap out the Ritz crackers for panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture, or use almond flour for a low-carb option. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the coating mix for a spicy kick. You can also substitute tilapia with cod or haddock for a different flavor profile.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
Prep the Parmesan-cracker mixture ahead of time and store it in a sealed container for up to 3 days. If you’re short on time, skip thawing frozen fillets by baking them directly—just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. Line your baking pan with parchment paper instead of foil for easier cleanup!
Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Ingredients
- 4 4 ounce tilapia fillets
- ¼ cup crushed Ritz Crackers
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 Tablespoons lemon juice
- olive oil
Instructions
- Thaw and wash the Tilapia fillets if frozen. Pat them dry.
- Combine crackers, Parmesan, Italian seasoning and garlic powder in a small bowl and mix well.
- On a plate, pour 1 Tablespoon lemon juice.
- Place a fillet on the plate in the lemon juice and sprinkle with desired amount of salt and black pepper. Turn the fillet over in the lemon juice and sprinkle on the other side.
- Place the fillet in the Parmesan mixture, patting it all over to coat.
- Put the covered fillets in a foiled lined pan, then spray the pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Sprinkle a little lemon juice over the fillets, and drizzle or spray them lightly with olive oil.
- Bake at 425 degrees F for about 20 minutes or until they easily flake with a fork and edges are browning.
- Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top if desired.