Crispy Lemon Herb Tilapia
This delightful Crispy Lemon Herb Tilapia is a quick, flavorful recipe that transforms mild tilapia fillets into a restaurant-quality dish. With a crunchy topping of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, zesty lemon, and a hint of garlic, each bite is a perfect combination of fresh and savory flavors. This dish is versatile and can easily be adapted for other white fish varieties. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and is sure to impress your family and friends.
2-3 servings
Servings
150
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tilapia fillets
12 ounces (thawed, rinsed, and patted dry)
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1/4 cup
Grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (freshly grated, not canned)
Garlic salt
1 teaspoon
Lemon zest
1 teaspoon (freshly grated from a lemon)
Butter
3 tablespoons (divided)
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon
Lemon juice
1-2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed from the same lemon used for zest)
Instructions
1
Rinse the tilapia fillets under cold water and gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2
In a shallow dish or on a piece of waxed paper, combine the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, garlic salt, and lemon zest, mixing well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
3
In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
4
Dip each fillet into the melted butter on both sides, ensuring they are well coated.
5
Immediately place the coated fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere a good amount of the crumb mixture to both sides.
6
In a non-stick skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter along with the vegetable oil over medium heat until hot and shimmering.
7
Carefully add the coated fillets to the skillet and cook for 2 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
8
Remove the fillets from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
9
Before serving, drizzle the cooked fillets with freshly squeezed lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor. Use a spatula to transfer the fish gently to avoid breaking apart.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
10g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Lemon Herb Tilapia?
It is a quick and flavorful dish that transforms mild tilapia fillets into a restaurant-quality meal with a crunchy breadcrumb and lemon-herb topping.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 2-3 people.
What are the main flavors in the crunchy topping?
The topping features Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, zesty lemon, garlic salt, and savory parmesan cheese.
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted for other varieties of white fish.
How long does it take to cook the tilapia fillets?
The fillets should be cooked in a skillet for 2 to 4 minutes on each side.
How do I know when the tilapia is finished cooking?
The fish is done when the exterior is golden brown and the meat flakes easily with a fork.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 150 calories per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
This dish provides 10g of protein per serving.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for Italian seasoned breadcrumbs to provide the best herb flavor.
Why do I need to pat the fish dry?
Patting the fish dry with paper towels removes excess moisture, which helps the coating adhere and ensures a crispier result.
What type of parmesan cheese is recommended?
The recipe recommends using freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than the canned variety for better flavor and texture.
How much tilapia is needed for this recipe?
You will need 12 ounces of tilapia fillets, which should be thawed if previously frozen.
What is the purpose of the vegetable oil in the skillet?
Vegetable oil is used alongside butter to raise the smoke point, which prevents the butter from burning while the fish fries.
When should I add the lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice should be drizzled over the cooked fillets just before serving for a fresh burst of flavor.
How do I ensure the breading stays on the fish?
Dip the fillets in melted butter first, then press them gently into the breadcrumb mixture to help the coating stick.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner and a quick recipe, making it ideal for weeknight meals.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 8g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 10g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh lemon is preferred for both the zest and the juice, you can use bottled juice if necessary, though you may lose the citrus aroma from the zest.
What should I use to flip the fish?
It is best to use a spatula to transfer and flip the fish gently so the delicate fillets do not break apart.
Should the butter be hot when dipping the fish?
No, you should melt the butter and then allow it to cool slightly before dipping the fillets.
How do I remove excess oil after frying?
Place the cooked fillets on a paper towel-lined plate immediately after removing them from the skillet.
Does this recipe include garlic?
Yes, it uses one teaspoon of garlic salt in the breading mixture.
Is this dish suitable for special occasions?
Yes, the description notes it is perfect for both a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion to impress guests.
What is the total amount of butter used?
A total of 3 tablespoons of butter is used: 2 for dipping and 1 for frying.
What temperature should the skillet be?
The skillet should be heated over medium heat until the butter and oil are hot and shimmering.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients: tilapia, breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic salt, lemon zest, butter, vegetable oil, and lemon juice.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as 'healthy' and is relatively low in calories at 150 per serving.
Can I make this recipe if I'm not a seafood expert?
Absolutely, the instructions are straightforward and designed to make restaurant-quality fish accessible at home.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The tags include tilapia, fish, seafood, quick recipe, easy dinner, lemon, herb, crispy, healthy, and weeknight meal.