5-Ingredient Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Learn how to cook tilapia in just 15 minutes! This 5-Ingredient Garlic and Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is a delicious and easy dinner recipe that the whole family will love. Serve the tilapia fillets with rice, a loaf of crusty bread, or a simple green salad.

Easy Tilapia Recipe

Put an end to the crazy rush of mealtime with an easy tilapia recipe that the whole family can agree on! First of all, you only need 5 ingredients -- most of which are pantry staples. You can also keep the fish in the freezer until you're ready to use it, so this is one option that will save you a last-minute trip to the grocery store.

Second, the dinner is a lighter, healthier, protein-packed option, yet it's still made with delicious, familiar ingredients that your children will love. We're talking butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a very mild, tender white fish. Who wouldn't devour that?!

And finally (but perhaps most important), this Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is an easy and healthy dinner that only requires about 5 minutes of prep! We all have time for that!

Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

This is just a quick overview of the simple ingredients that you'll need when you learn how to cook tilapia. As always, specific measurements and complete cooking instructions are included in the printable recipe box at the bottom of the post.

• Tilapia fillets: a mild white fish.
• Butter: gives the tilapia rich flavor and helps it brown and crisp in the oven.
• Lemon: an acidic touch that brightens up the dish.
• Garlic powder: for savory flavor.
• Grated Parmesan: a sharp, salty, flavorful crust for the fish.

Plus salt and black pepper, of course!

How to Cook Tilapia

Learn how to cook tilapia fillets with an easy, 5-ingredient recipe that's ready from start to finish in about 15 minutes! For this dish, you'll cook the fish under the broiler. The high heat of the broiler gives the tilapia a nice golden brown, crusty exterior, while the inside of the fish stays moist and tender.

1. Combine melted butter, lemon juice, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
2. Brush the fish with the garlic butter mixture and place on a broiling pan, rimmed baking sheet, or even a large baking dish (if they fit).
3. Broil the tilapia for 5 minutes.
4. Flip the fillets, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and broil for 5-6 more minutes.
5. Taste and season tilapia with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.

How Long to Cook Tilapia

The tilapia will need a total of about 10-11 minutes under the broiler, flipping halfway through. Cooking times will vary depending on the size and thickness of your fish, the temperature of the fish when it goes under the broiler, and the proximity to the broiler itself. Keep a close eye on the fish while it's cooking -- don't walk away -- as food can burn very quickly under a broiler.

How to Know When Tilapia is Done

To know when the fish is done, gently insert the tines of a fork into the thickest part of a fillet. Twist the fork at a 45 degree angle. If the flesh of the fish is fork-tender and flakes easily, it’s done!

What to Serve with Broiled Tilapia

This is a really simple tilapia recipe, which pairs well with almost any of your favorite sides. Garnish the fish with a lemon wedge and some chopped fresh parsley. Here are a few easy sides that go well with the Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia:

• Pesto pasta
• Parmesan Risotto
• No-Knead Bread or Focaccia Bread
• Baked Potato Wedges
• Skillet Cornbread or Jiffy Corn Casserole
• Cheddar Bay Biscuits
• Coleslaw
• Southern Collard Greens or Sauteed Kale with Bacon
• Sauteed Spinach with Garlic
• A simple green salad tossed with Pepper Jelly Vinaigrette
• Arkansas Green Beans with Bacon

Storage

The cooked fish will keep in the refrigerator for about 2 days. If you need to store the tilapia longer, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 1 month. It’s important to note, though — this Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia is best when served warm from the oven.

To Reheat Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

While it’s not ideal, you can carefully reheat the tilapia. You just need to be sure that you don’t overcook the fish in the reheating process. Either warm in the microwave for just a few seconds, or warm in a 275°F oven (loosely covered with foil) for about 7-10 minutes (or until the fish reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F).

Recipe Variations for Easy Baked Tilapia

• If you like the flavor of Old Bay seasoning, you can add a dash of Old Bay to the melted butter mixture and then brush it on the fish. Paprika, garlic salt, onion powder, or lemon pepper would also be great additions to the butter mixture.
• We love the flavor of the butter, but you can swap it out and use olive oil instead if you prefer.
• For even stronger lemon flavor, add some grated lemon zest to the butter mixture.

Tips for the Best Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe

• How to cook frozen tilapia: If you're starting with frozen tilapia, thaw the fish in the refrigerator overnight. Pat dry with paper towels and use in the recipe as instructed.
• Broil the tilapia about 5-6 inches from the heat. Always keep a close eye on food when it's under the broiler, as it can burn very quickly.
• Serving sizes: This recipe yields four very large servings. If you're cooking for two, or if you have smaller appetites to feed, I would suggest using only two or three tilapia fillets.
• Garnish each serving with fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, or chives, a lemon wedge, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. You can also sprinkle with red pepper flakes for some heat!

More Delicious Fish Recipes

• Crispy Southern Fried Catfish
• Almond Crusted Baked Tilapia Recipe
• Baked Tilapia with Lemon and Garlic
• Perfect 15-Minute Grilled Salmon
• Crispy Fried Fish Sandwiches
• Easy Weeknight Salmon Sandwich {20 Minutes}
• 4-Ingredient Brown Sugar Dijon Roasted Salmon
• Oven Fried Fish
• 5-Ingredient Blackened Salmon

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5 from 22 votes

5-Ingredient Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

A delicious, easy and healthy Parmesan Crusted Tilapia made with only 5 ingredients and ready in 15 minutes!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword Baked Tilapia, parmesan crusted tilapia, Parmesan Tilapia

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 250kcal

Author Blair Lonergan

Ingredients

• 4 tilapia fillets (about 8 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Minced fresh parsley, for serving

Instructions

• Preheat oven to BROIL on HIGH and place a rack about 5-6 inches from the broiler unit. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
• Pat tilapia dry and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Combine melted butter, lemon juice, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Brush the butter mixture on both sides of the fish.
• Place the fish on the prepared baking sheet, bottom side UP, and broil for 5 minutes. Flip the fish over, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and return to the broiler for 5-6 more minutes. The fish will flake easily with a fork when it’s done.
• Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley.

Notes

• How to cook frozen tilapia: If you're starting with frozen tilapia, thaw the fish in the refrigerator overnight. Pat dry with paper towels and use in the recipe as instructed.
• Broil the tilapia about 5-6 inches from the heat. Always keep a close eye on food when it's under the broiler, as it can burn very quickly.
• Serving sizes: This recipe yields four very large servings. If you're cooking for two, or if you have smaller appetites to feed, I would suggest using only two or three tilapia fillets.
• Garnish each serving with fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, or chives, a lemon wedge, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. You can also sprinkle with red pepper flakes for some heat! 

Nutrition

Serving: 18 ounce fillet | Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 105mg | Sodium: 234mg | Potassium: 559mg | Vitamin A: 230IU | Vitamin C: 14.3mg | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 1.2mg