Tips for an Excellent Parmesan Tilapia

Even the easiest of recipes benefit from a few tips. For an excellent parmesan crusted tilapia, follow this checklist.

Vary the seasoning: Since tilapia has such a mild flavor, it’s hard to go wrong with any seasoning. Add a combination of spices and herbs to your heart’s desire. Our favorites include paprika (for a smoky twist), old bay seasoning (for a mix of sweet, salty, and spicy), garlic powder, and lemon pepper.
Garnish the cooked fillets: For a restaurant-quality look, garnish the cooked fillet with lemon slices and a sprinkle of parsley. Alternatively, serve with lemon or lime wedges.
Tilapia options: Fresh or frozen tilapia is best for this recipe. If using frozen, make sure to thaw the fish by placing it in cold water. Remove excess moisture from fish when completely thawed. You can also substitute tilapia with any firm, white fish like cod, sole, halibut, or flounder.
Add citrus: If you like a citrus flavor, squeeze a few drops of fresh lemon juice over the tilapia before baking. You can never go wrong with a little lemon juice on tilapia!
Spray oil on the coating: For a crunchy, golden-brown parmesan crust, make sure to spray enough cooking spray on the coating. Olive oil is our favorite, but you can also choose a great alternative from our ultimate cooking oil guide!
Use foil: For an easy cleanup, place foil on the bottom of your baking sheet/pan.
Allow tilapia to rest: To make sure the breading stays on the fish when transferring to the serving plate, allow the baked tilapia to rest for a couple minutes in the baking dish.