5-Ingredient Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

This 5-Ingredient Garlic and Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is a delicious and easy dinner recipe that's ready for the table in just 15 minutes! Even kids go crazy for the simple and affordable protein-packed fish. It's a perfect family-friendly meal for busy weeknights!

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!

How to Cook Tilapia

For this recipe, 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.

Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

• Tilapia fillets
• Butter
• Lemon
• Garlic powder
• Grated Parmesan

Plus salt and pepper, of course!

1. Combine melted butter, lemon juice and garlic powder in a small bowl.
2. Brush the fish with the garlic butter mixture.
3. Broil the tilapia for 5 minutes.
4. Flip the fillets, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and broil for 5-6 more minutes.

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 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 degree F oven (loosely covered with foil) for about 7-10 minutes (or until the fish reaches an internal temperature of 135-130 degrees F).

Tips for the Best Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe

• Starting with frozen tilapia? Thaw the fish in the refrigerator overnight. Pat dry with paper towels and use in the recipe as instructed.
• 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.
• 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.

More Delicious Fish Recipes

• Crispy Southern Fried Catfish
• Almond Crusted Baked Tilapia
• Baked Tilapia with Lemon and Garlic
• Perfect 15-Minute Grilled Salmon
• Crispy Baked Cod

Print Pin

5 from 21 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

• Starting with frozen tilapia? Thaw the fish in the refrigerator overnight. Pat dry with paper towels and use in the recipe as instructed.
• 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.
• 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.

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