Ingredients
Tilapia and Seasoning
- 4 (4-ounce) tilapia filets (fresh or frozen, thawed and patted dry)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (avoid extra virgin olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Cheese Crust
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
Garnish and Serving
- ¼ cup diced green onions (optional)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Oil the Tilapia: Drizzle the tilapia filets evenly with olive oil, ensuring each piece is lightly coated to help the Parmesan crust adhere and to keep the fish moist.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, lemon pepper seasoning, kosher salt, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix thoroughly to blend the flavors.
- Coat the Fish: Press the Parmesan mixture onto each tilapia filet gently with your fingers, making sure it sticks well and covers the surface evenly.
- Add Extra Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese lightly over the coated filets to enhance the crust’s texture and flavor.
- Bake the Fish: Place the baking sheet with the coated tilapia into the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque in the thickest part and flakes easily with a fork.
- Broil for Crispness: Switch the oven to broil and broil the fish for an additional 5 minutes. Watch carefully to ensure the cheese crust turns golden brown and crispy without burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the tilapia from the oven, top with diced green onions if desired, and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Notes
- Do not use extra virgin olive oil for drizzling; regular olive oil works best for this recipe.
- Kosher salt enhances flavor without overpowering the delicate fish; adjust salt according to taste especially if using salted Parmesan or lemon pepper blends.
- Keep a close eye during the broiling step to prevent burning the cheese crust.
- Tilapia filets should be thawed completely and patted dry for best crust adherence and even cooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat