Parmesan-Crusted Broiled Tilapia with Lemon Herb Sauce
This delectable Parmesan-Crusted Broiled Tilapia is a simple yet elegant dish that highlights the mild flavor of tilapia while adding a rich, savory crust. The combination of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and fresh lemon juice creates a zesty topping that perfectly complements your fish. Serve with fluffy jasmine rice and black beans for a complete and satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Enjoy the quick preparation and the delightful aroma as it broils to perfection in just a few minutes!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Butter
1/4 cup (softened)
Mayonnaise
3 tablespoons (none)
Fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Dried basil
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Onion powder
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Celery salt
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Tilapia fillets
2 lbs (fresh or thawed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven's broiler to high, ensuring the rack is positioned about 6 inches from the heat source.
2
Prepare your broiling pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
3
In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, softened butter, mayonnaise, and fresh lemon juice until you have a creamy paste.
4
Season the mixture with dried basil, ground black pepper, onion powder, and celery salt, ensuring an even distribution of flavors. Set the cheese mixture aside.
5
Lay the tilapia fillets out in a single layer on the prepared broiling pan, making sure they are not overlapping to ensure even cooking.
6
Place the pan under the broiler and cook the tilapia for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and begins to flake.
7
Carefully flip the fillets over with a spatula and broil for an additional 2 minutes until the underside is cooked through.
8
Remove the pan from the oven and generously spread the Parmesan cheese mixture over the top of each fillet.
9
Return the pan to the oven and broil for 2 more minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork, being careful not to overcook.
10
Once done, remove from the oven and let rest for a moment before serving.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
2g
Carbs
22g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Parmesan-Crusted Broiled Tilapia?
It is a simple and elegant seafood dish featuring mild tilapia fillets topped with a savory, zesty crust made of Parmigiano-Reggiano, butter, and lemon.
How many calories are in this recipe?
This recipe contains approximately 200 calories per serving.
Is this tilapia recipe low-carb?
Yes, with only 2g of carbohydrates per serving, it is an excellent choice for low-carb and keto-friendly diets.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving provides 22g of protein, making it a protein-rich meal.
What ingredients are in the parmesan topping?
The topping is made from grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, softened butter, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, dried basil, black pepper, onion powder, and celery salt.
Where should I place the oven rack for broiling?
The oven rack should be positioned approximately 6 inches from the heat source.
How long does the fish take to broil?
The fish broils for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side, 2 minutes on the second side, and a final 2 minutes once the topping is added.
What are the recommended side dishes for this recipe?
It is recommended to serve this tilapia with fluffy jasmine rice and black beans for a complete meal.
How do I prepare the broiling pan?
You should lightly grease the pan or line it with aluminum foil to ensure easy cleanup.
Can I use frozen tilapia fillets?
Yes, you can use frozen fillets, but they must be completely thawed before starting the recipe.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for the best flavor and crust texture.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 13g of fat per serving in this recipe.
What is the purpose of mayonnaise in the topping?
Mayonnaise acts as a binder to create a creamy paste that browns perfectly under the broiler.
How do I know when the tilapia is cooked through?
The tilapia is done when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Should the butter be melted for the crust mixture?
No, the butter should be softened at room temperature so it can be creamed into a paste with the other ingredients.
Is fresh lemon juice necessary?
Yes, fresh lemon juice is recommended to provide a bright, zesty flavor that complements the fish.
What spices are used to season the topping?
The topping is seasoned with dried basil, ground black pepper, onion powder, and celery salt.
Is this a fast recipe for weeknight dinners?
Yes, the total cooking time is less than 10 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
How many total ingredients are required?
The recipe requires 9 ingredients in total.
Does the recipe use dried or fresh basil?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil.
Why is onion powder used instead of fresh onions?
Onion powder allows for an even distribution of flavor within the creamy parmesan topping without changing the texture.
Can I double this recipe for more people?
Yes, you can double the ingredients; just ensure the fillets are placed in a single layer on the pan for even cooking.
How much tilapia is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 lbs of tilapia fillets.
When should I flip the fish while broiling?
Flip the fillets after the initial 2 to 3 minutes of broiling, before adding the cheese topping.
What does this dish taste like?
It has a mild fish flavor enhanced by a rich, savory, and slightly salty crust with a bright citrus finish.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
There is no significant fiber content in this specific dish.
Can I use this crust on other types of fish?
Yes, this parmesan-lemon crust works well on other mild white fish like cod or haddock.
What oven setting is required?
The oven should be set to its high broiler setting.
How much celery salt is used?
The recipe uses 1/8 teaspoon of celery salt.
How do you apply the topping?
After the fish is cooked through on both sides, remove it from the oven and generously spread the cheese mixture over the top of each fillet before the final broil.