Zesty Parmesan-Dijon Tilapia Bake
Delight your taste buds with this Zesty Parmesan-Dijon Tilapia Bake! This delectable dish features tender tilapia fillets coated in a creamy Dijon mustard and mayonnaise mixture, perfectly complemented by a crunchy Parmesan breadcrumb topping. It's an easy-to-make, healthy meal that's packed with flavor, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal that your family will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
reduced-fat mayonnaise
3 tablespoons
parmesan cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons (divided)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon
Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons
horseradish
1 teaspoon
tilapia fillets
4
dry breadcrumbs
1/4 cup
butter, melted
2 teaspoons
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a small bowl, mix the reduced-fat mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of the shredded Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and horseradish together until well combined to create a zesty sauce.
3
Prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4
Place the tilapia fillets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Spread the Dijon mayonnaise mixture evenly over the top of each fillet, ensuring they are well coated.
5
In another small bowl, combine the dry breadcrumbs, melted butter, and remaining 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with butter.
6
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously over each tilapia fillet, ensuring an even distribution for that perfect crunch.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 18 minutes, or until the tilapia flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through. The top should be golden brown and crispy.
8
Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Parmesan-Dijon Tilapia Bake?
It is a healthy and flavorful seafood dish featuring tilapia fillets coated in a creamy Dijon-mayonnaise sauce and topped with a crunchy Parmesan breadcrumb crust.
What type of fish is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses four tilapia fillets.
What is the baking temperature for the tilapia?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
How long does the tilapia need to bake?
Bake the fish for 13 to 18 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork.
What makes the tilapia sauce zesty?
The zestiness comes from a combination of lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a teaspoon of horseradish.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy meal option that is low in calories and uses lean protein and reduced-fat mayonnaise.
How many fillets does this recipe serve?
The recipe is designed for 4 tilapia fillets.
Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of reduced-fat?
Yes, regular mayonnaise can be substituted for reduced-fat mayonnaise if preferred.
What kind of Parmesan cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for shredded Parmesan cheese, divided between the sauce and the topping.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
Yes, you should spray the baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the fish from sticking.
What provides the crunch on top of the fish?
A mixture of dry breadcrumbs, melted butter, and shredded Parmesan cheese creates the crunchy topping.
Can I substitute the tilapia with another fish?
Yes, other mild white fish like cod, haddock, or orange roughy would work well with these flavors.
Is the horseradish in the recipe very spicy?
With only 1 teaspoon used for 4 fillets, it adds a subtle tang rather than intense heat.
What should I serve with this dish?
It pairs perfectly with steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
How do I know when the tilapia is fully cooked?
The fish is done when it is opaque throughout and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
Can I use fresh breadcrumbs instead of dry?
You can, but dry breadcrumbs typically produce a crispier, more consistent crust.
Should I flip the fish halfway through cooking?
No, do not flip the fish, as it would ruin the creamy sauce and breadcrumb topping.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
Yes, lime juice can be used as a citrus alternative, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients required for this dish.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and easy recipe, making it ideal for busy nights.
How do I prepare the breadcrumb topping?
Mix 1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs with 2 teaspoons of melted butter and 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the dry breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free breadcrumb alternative.
Does this recipe contain butter?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of melted butter are used to help brown and crisp the breadcrumb topping.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can mix the mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon juice, mustard, and horseradish ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
What is the texture of the finished fish?
The fish remains tender and moist under the sauce, while the top becomes golden brown and crispy.
Can I use frozen tilapia?
Yes, but ensure the fillets are completely thawed and patted dry before applying the sauce and toppings.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, olive oil can be used to moisten the breadcrumbs if you prefer a different fat source.
What color should the topping be when finished?
The breadcrumb topping should be a beautiful golden brown.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is designed for family meals and generally appeals to both adults and children.