Herb-Pesto Crusted Tilapia Delight
Indulge in the delectable Herb-Pesto Crusted Tilapia Delight, a mouthwatering dish that transforms simple tilapia fillets into a gourmet experience. Inspired by a memorable pesto-crusted salmon, this recipe makes it easy to replicate that rich, vibrant flavor using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The combination of store-bought or homemade pesto, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, and freshly grated Parmesan creates a delightful crust that enhances the mild, buttery taste of tilapia. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is not only quick and easy, but also pairs beautifully with a side of steamed broccoli and brown rice pilaf for a wholesome meal. Enjoy the versatility of this topping, which can be applied to salmon, cod, or any fish you love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tilapia fillets
24 ounces (four 6 oz pieces of fish)
Pesto sauce
4 tablespoons (I used Classico Original Basil Pesto)
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons (I used whole wheat by 4C)
Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons
Ground black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and generously coat it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
Arrange the tilapia fillets on the baking sheet, leaving space between each fillet. Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the top of each fillet, being mindful that no salt is needed due to the inherent saltiness of pesto and Parmesan.
4
In a small mixing bowl, combine the pesto sauce, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Use your fingers or a fork to mix well until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
5
Carefully divide the pesto topping mixture among the fish fillets, spreading it evenly on top of each fillet. Press down gently to ensure the mixture adheres to the fish.
6
Bake the tilapia in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. To achieve a crispy topping, switch the oven to broil and continue cooking for an additional 2-5 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
7
The tilapia is perfectly cooked when the flesh flakes easily with a fork and appears completely opaque. Remove from the oven.
8
Serve your Herb-Pesto Crusted Tilapia Delight hot, accompanied by steaming broccoli and fragrant brown rice pilaf for a healthy and satisfying dinner.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Pesto Crusted Tilapia Delight?
It is a gourmet-style dish that features tilapia fillets topped with a flavorful mixture of pesto, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
How many tilapia fillets are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for four 6-ounce tilapia fillets, totaling 24 ounces of fish.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
You should preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the baking sheet to prevent sticking?
Line the baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat it generously with non-stick cooking spray.
Do I need to add salt to the tilapia?
No salt is needed for this recipe because both the pesto and the Parmesan cheese are inherently salty.
What seasoning is recommended for the fillets?
Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the top of each fillet before adding the crust mixture.
What ingredients are in the pesto crust topping?
The topping consists of pesto sauce, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese.
How do I combine the topping ingredients?
In a small mixing bowl, use your fingers or a fork to mix the pesto, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan until they are evenly incorporated.
How should I apply the crust to the fish?
Divide the topping mixture evenly among the fillets, spread it on top, and press down gently so it adheres.
How long does the tilapia need to bake?
Bake the tilapia in the preheated oven for an initial 10 minutes.
How do I make the topping crispy?
Switch the oven to the broil setting after the initial baking time to finish the crust.
How long should I broil the tilapia?
Broil for an additional 2 to 5 minutes, watching closely to ensure the topping does not burn.
How can I tell when the tilapia is fully cooked?
The tilapia is done when the flesh appears completely opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
What are the suggested side dishes for this recipe?
It is recommended to serve the fish with steamed broccoli and a fragrant brown rice pilaf.
Can I use a different type of fish instead of tilapia?
Yes, this pesto crust works beautifully on other fish such as salmon or cod.
What brand of pesto was used in this specific recipe?
The recipe creator used Classico Original Basil Pesto, but any high-quality pesto will work.
What type of breadcrumbs are best for this dish?
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs are recommended; the original recipe used whole wheat breadcrumbs by 4C.
How much pesto is required for four fillets?
You will need 4 tablespoons of pesto sauce for the entire recipe.
How much Parmesan cheese is used in the crust?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe considered quick to prepare?
Yes, it is described as a quick and easy recipe suitable for weeknight dinners.
Can I use homemade pesto?
Yes, both homemade and store-bought pesto are suitable for creating the crust.
Is this dish suitable for entertaining guests?
Yes, it is a gourmet-style meal that is impressive enough for guests but simple to prepare.
How should the fillets be arranged on the pan?
Arrange the fillets on the baking sheet leaving space between each one to ensure even cooking.
What is the texture of the finished fish?
The fish remains tender and buttery while the topping provides a delightful crispy texture.
What type of cuisine is this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as European cuisine.
Is this recipe a healthy dinner option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy dinner and provides a wholesome seafood meal.
How many total ingredients are needed for the fish itself?
There are 5 main ingredients: tilapia fillets, pesto, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and black pepper.
Can I make the topping in advance?
While best when fresh, the topping ingredients can be mixed ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
Why is the broiler step important?
The broiler step is essential for achieving a golden, crispy crust on top of the tender fish.
What is the main flavor inspiration for this dish?
The dish was inspired by a classic pesto-crusted salmon recipe, adapted for the mild flavor of tilapia.