Spicy Herb-Crusted Baked Tilapia
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Spicy Herb-Crusted Baked Tilapia, a delightful dish that transforms simple tilapia fillets into a gourmet experience. Inspired by Paul Prudhomme's 'Fork In The Road,' this recipe is both healthy and flavorful, utilizing an array of spices to elevate the natural taste of the fish. The crispy breadcrumb coating intertwined with aromatic herbs and spices creates a texture that even the pickiest of eaters will love. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish is easy to prepare and will surely earn rave reviews at your dining table. Serve it with a side of your favorite vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal that’s sure to impress.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salt
1 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
Paprika
3/4 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
Onion Powder
3/4 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
Dry Mustard
3/4 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
Cumin
1/2 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
Basil
1/2 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
Italian Seasoning
3/4 teaspoon (no preparation needed)
Tilapia Fillets
4 (4 ounce) (thawed if frozen)
Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (no preparation needed)
Sliced Green Onions
3 tablespoons (sliced)
Dried Parsley Flakes
1 tablespoon (no preparation needed)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (no preparation needed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2
In a small bowl, combine the salt, paprika, onion powder, dry mustard, garlic powder, pepper, cumin, basil, and Italian seasoning. Mix well and set aside.
3
In a shallow container, combine the breadcrumbs, dried parsley, and sliced green onions; mix thoroughly.
4
Take 4 teaspoons of the spice blend and evenly sprinkle it over the tilapia fillets, ensuring each fillet is well coated.
5
Incorporate the remaining spice mixture into the breadcrumb mix, making sure it's evenly distributed. Drizzle the olive oil over the breadcrumb mixture and blend it in using your hands until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
6
Dredge each tilapia fillet in the spiced breadcrumb mixture, ensuring each side is fully coated, then gently shake off any excess breadcrumbs.
7
Place the coated fish fillets on a baking pan that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 6 minutes. After 6 minutes, carefully flip the fillets over and bake for an additional 4 minutes.
9
Turn the fillets over again and continue baking until the fish is flaky, approximately 4 more minutes.
10
Once done, remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Herb-Crusted Baked Tilapia?
It is a gourmet seafood dish featuring tilapia fillets coated in a blend of aromatic spices and crispy breadcrumbs, then baked until flaky.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (232°C) for optimal baking.
How many tilapia fillets are needed?
This recipe calls for 4 tilapia fillets, each weighing approximately 4 ounces.
Can I use frozen tilapia?
Yes, you can use frozen tilapia, but ensure they are completely thawed before preparation.
What spices are included in the herb-crust blend?
The blend includes salt, paprika, onion powder, dry mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, cumin, basil, and Italian seasoning.
What kind of breadcrumbs are used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of standard breadcrumbs, which are mixed with parsley and green onions.
How long does the tilapia need to bake?
The fish bakes for a total of approximately 14 minutes: 6 minutes on the first side, 4 minutes after the first flip, and about 4 more minutes after the second flip.
Do I need to flip the fish while baking?
Yes, for even cooking and a crispy crust, the fillets should be flipped twice during the baking process.
What is the role of olive oil in the recipe?
One tablespoon of olive oil is drizzled over the breadcrumb mixture and blended in to help the crust crisp up in the oven.
How do I prepare the green onions?
The green onions should be thinly sliced before being mixed into the breadcrumb coating.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy dish inspired by Paul Prudhomme's 'Fork In The Road,' focusing on flavor through spices rather than heavy fats.
What should I serve with Spicy Herb-Crusted Baked Tilapia?
It pairs excellently with fresh vegetables or a crisp garden salad for a balanced meal.
How do I know when the fish is finished cooking?
The tilapia is done when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Should I grease the baking pan?
Yes, you should spray the baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the crust from sticking.
How much salt is in the spice mixture?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt in the initial spice blend.
Can I use fresh parsley instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute fresh parsley, but typically you would use three times the amount of fresh compared to the 1 tablespoon of dried flakes requested.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients in total, including the fish, spices, breadcrumbs, and oil.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, the crispy texture and mild fish flavor make it a great choice for families and pickier eaters.
How do I apply the spices to the fish?
Sprinkle 4 teaspoons of the spice blend directly onto the fillets first, then mix the remaining spices into the breadcrumbs.
Can I substitute the tilapia with another fish?
Yes, other white fish like cod, haddock, or catfish would work well with this herb crust.
What makes this dish 'spicy'?
The combination of paprika, black pepper, and dry mustard provides a gentle heat that enhances the flavor without being overwhelming.
Do I need to use a specific type of container for dredging?
A shallow container or pie plate works best for combining the breadcrumb mixture and dredging the fillets.
How much cumin is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of cumin.
Should the breadcrumbs be seasoned?
The recipe uses plain breadcrumbs which are then seasoned with the homemade spice mixture, parsley, and green onions.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the standard breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free breadcrumb variety.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the healthy cooking techniques found in Paul Prudhomme's 'Fork In The Road' cookbook.
Is there any garlic in the recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder is included in the spice blend.
How do I ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the tilapia?
The combination of the natural moisture of the fish and the olive oil mixed into the breadcrumbs helps the coating adhere during dredging.
Can I prepare the spice mix in advance?
Absolutely, you can mix the dry spices ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until you are ready to cook.
How should I serve the cooked tilapia?
It is best served immediately while hot to enjoy the contrast between the crispy crust and the tender fish.