Transform your weeknight dinners with this scrumptious crispy garlic parmesan crusted fish. This dish boasts a delightful blend of flavors with a perfectly crisp crust and tender, flaky fish. It's quick, easy, and sure to impress.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common kitchen staples, but some may require a special trip to the supermarket. Make sure you have panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, firm white fish fillets like cod or haddock, and freshly grated parmesan cheese to achieve the best flavor and texture.
Ingredients for Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Fish
Firm white fish fillets: Choose a sturdy fish like cod or haddock that can hold up to the broiling process.
Mayonnaise: Helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the fish while adding moisture.
Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs that are lighter and crispier than traditional breadcrumbs.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note to the crust.
Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated for the best flavor.
Garlic: Fresh cloves provide a robust garlic flavor.
Butter: Adds richness and helps the crumbs brown.
Olive oil: Combines with the butter to help the crust crisp up.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
Cracked black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth.
Garlic powder: Provides an extra layer of garlic flavor.
Cooking oil spray: Helps achieve an extra crispy texture without adding too much fat.
Lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish and adds a touch of acidity.
One reader, Adelind Pina says:
This crispy garlic parmesan crusted fish recipe is a game-changer! The fish turns out perfectly flaky with a deliciously crunchy topping. The blend of garlic and parmesan is simply divine. Quick, easy, and absolutely mouthwatering!
Cooking Techniques for Perfectly Crispy Fish
How to preheat oven broiler: Set the oven to the broil setting on high heat and adjust the oven rack to about 5 inches from the top heat element. How to combine ingredients: Mix breadcrumbs, parsley, parmesan cheese, garlic, melted butter, olive oil, salt, and cracked black pepper in a shallow bowl until well combined. How to season fish: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder evenly over the fish fillets. How to coat fish with crumb mixture: Spread mayonnaise on the top of each fillet, then press the mayo-side of the fish firmly into the crumb mixture to ensure it sticks evenly. How to spray cooking oil: Lightly spray each fillet with cooking oil spray to help the crumb mixture adhere and crisp up. How to heat an oven-proof pan: Drizzle olive oil into an oven-proof pan or cast-iron skillet and heat it over high heat on the stove until hot. How to broil fish: Place the fillets in the hot pan and broil under the oven broiler for about 5 to 6 minutes until the fish is cooked through and the crumb is crisp and golden. How to check if fish is cooked: Use a fork to pull the flesh at the thickest part of the fillet. The fish is cooked through when it flakes easily. How to garnish and serve: Squeeze lemon juice over the cooked fish and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
How To Make Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crumbed Fish
Add some crisp to your fish fillet with this garlic crumbed fish, breaded with perfectly seasoned crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Serves:
Ingredients
For White Fish:
- 20ozfirm white fish fillets,(4 fillets) skinless and boneless, close to room temperature
- 1tbspmayonnaise
- salt and cracked black pepper,to season
- garlic powder,to season
For Crumb:
- ½cupPanko breadcrumbs
- 2tbspfresh parsley,finely chopped
- ½cupParmesan cheese,freshly grated
- 3cloves garlic,minced
- 2tbspbutter,melted
- 2tbspolive oil
- salt and cracked black pepper,to season
- cooking oil spray
- squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions
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Preheat oven broiler (grill) on high heat. Arrange the oven rack to about 5-inches from the top heat element.
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Combine breadcrumbs, parsley, parmesan cheese, garlic, melted butter, olive oil, salt, and cracked black pepper in a shallow bowl. Mix well to combine.
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Season fish all over with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. Spread 1 teaspoon of mayonnaise over the top of each fillet.
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Grab a fillet and press the mayo-side of the fish firmly into the crumb mixture ensuring it sticks evenly. Repeat with the remaining fish.
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Lightly spray each fillet with cooking oil spray.
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Drizzle 2 teaspoons of olive oil into an oven-proof pan or cast-iron skillet. Heat over the stove on high heat.
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When the pan is hot, arrange the fillets into the hot pan and place under the broiler (or grill) for about 5 to 6 minutes until the fish is cooked through and the crumb is crisp and golden.
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Rotate the pan as needed for even cooking halfway through. To check if fish is cooked, use a fork to pull the flesh at the thickest part. It is cooked through when flakes easily.
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Squeeze over some lemon juice and garnish with fresh chopped parsley to serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 402.19kcal
- Fat: 25.46g
- Saturated Fat: 9.09g
- Trans Fat: 0.24g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.90g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.98g
- Carbohydrates: 7.81g
- Fiber: 0.66g
- Sugar: 0.57g
- Protein: 36.22g
- Cholesterol: 100.19mg
- Sodium: 461.04mg
- Calcium: 262.59mg
- Potassium: 487.17mg
- Iron: 1.34mg
- Vitamin A: 95.36µg
- Vitamin C: 5.16mg
Pro Tip for Achieving Extra Crispy Fish Crust
For an extra crispy crust, make sure to press the fish fillets firmly into the breadcrumb mixture. This ensures that the crumb coating adheres well and creates a uniform, golden-brown crust during broiling. Additionally, using a combination of butter and olive oil in the crumb mixture not only enhances flavor but also helps achieve that perfect crispiness.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Crispy Fish Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and chop all ingredients before starting to cook to streamline the process.
Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought pre-minced garlic instead of mincing fresh cloves.
Preheat the oven early: Start preheating the oven while preparing the fish fillets to save waiting time.
Utilize a food processor: Quickly combine breadcrumbs, parsley, and parmesan cheese using a food processor.
Line the pan with foil: Line your oven-proof pan with foil for easy cleanup.
Substitute Ingredients For Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crumbed Fish Recipe
firm white fish fillets - Substitute with salmon fillets: Salmon provides a rich flavor and firm texture that holds up well to the crust.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a creamy texture and tangy flavor, making it a healthier alternative.
panko breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes provide a similar crunch and can be a gluten-free option.
fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh, slightly citrusy flavor that complements the fish.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor profile.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can add depth to the dish.
butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee provides a rich, nutty flavor and has a higher smoke point.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it ideal for cooking.
cooking oil spray - Substitute with melted coconut oil: Melted coconut oil can be brushed on to provide a light coating and subtle flavor.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and fresh citrus flavor.
Plating Ideas for Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Fish
Serve smaller portion sizes: Plate a single white fish fillet per serving to maintain elegance and focus on quality over quantity.
Use decoration: Garnish the plate with a delicate sprinkle of fresh parsley and a thin slice of lemon to add a pop of color and freshness.
Create height: Place the crispy garlic parmesan crusted fish on a small bed of lightly sautéed spinach or asparagus to add vertical dimension to the dish.
Drizzle with sauce: Lightly drizzle a lemon butter sauce around the plate, ensuring it doesn't overpower the fish but enhances its flavor.
Use elegant plating: Use a large, white, round plate to allow the colors and textures of the dish to stand out, creating a clean and sophisticated presentation.
Add texture contrast: Include a small side of crispy potato chips or a parmesan tuile for an additional crunchy element that complements the fish.
Highlight the crust: Ensure the panko breadcrumb and parmesan cheese crust is prominently visible, showcasing its golden, crispy texture.
Finish with a touch of oil: Just before serving, add a few drops of high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the dish's aroma and richness.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Crispy Crusted Fish
Oven: Used to broil the fish fillets, providing high heat from above to create a crispy crust.
Oven rack: Positioned about 5 inches from the top heat element to ensure even broiling.
Shallow bowl: Used to mix the breadcrumb, parsley, parmesan cheese, garlic, melted butter, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients like mayonnaise, butter, and olive oil.
Cooking oil spray: Lightly sprayed on the fish fillets to help the crumb mixture adhere and crisp up.
Oven-proof pan: Used to cook the fish fillets under the broiler. A cast-iron skillet is ideal for even heat distribution.
Stove: Used to heat the oven-proof pan before placing it under the broiler.
Fork: Used to check if the fish is cooked through by pulling at the flesh to see if it flakes easily.
Lemon squeezer: Handy for squeezing fresh lemon juice over the cooked fish.
Chopping board: Used for chopping fresh parsley and garlic.
Knife: Essential for finely chopping the parsley and garlic.
Spatula: Useful for handling the fish fillets without breaking them apart.
Storing and Freezing Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Fish
- To store leftover crispy garlic parmesan crusted fish, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container or wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- When reheating, place the fish on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it may cause the coating to become soggy.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked fish. Wrap each fillet individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring there are no air pockets. Place the wrapped fillets in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat frozen crispy garlic parmesan crusted fish, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the fish from the freezer and unwrap it. Place the frozen fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and crispy. Note: The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and your oven's performance.
- For best results, consume the reheated fish immediately to enjoy the crispy texture of the parmesan and breadcrumb coating. Refreezing the fish after reheating is not recommended, as it may affect the quality and texture of the dish.
How to Reheat Leftover Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Fish
To reheat leftover crispy garlic parmesan crusted fish, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the fish fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is heated through and the crust is crispy once again. Keep an eye on the fish to ensure it doesn't burn.
Another option is to use an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover fish fillets in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the fish is heated through and the crust is crispy. This method is quick and helps maintain the original texture of the dish.
If you prefer a stovetop method, heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil or butter is hot, add the leftover fish fillets. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the fish is heated through and the crust is crispy. Be careful when flipping the fish to avoid breaking the crust.
Microwave reheating is not recommended for this dish, as it can cause the crust to become soggy and the fish to overcook. However, if you must use a microwave, place the fish fillets on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until the fish is heated through. To help maintain some crispiness, you can place a damp paper towel over the fish while microwaving.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure not to overcook the fish, as it can quickly become dry and rubbery. Leftover crispy garlic parmesan crusted fish is best consumed within 2-3 days of the initial cooking for optimal taste and texture. Serve the reheated fish with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley to brighten up the flavors.
Interesting Trivia About Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Fish
A fun fact about this crispy garlic parmesan crusted fish recipe is that using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs gives the dish an extra crunch. Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb that is lighter and airier, resulting in a crispier texture when cooked.
Budget-Friendly: Making Crispy Fish at Home
This crispy garlic parmesan crusted fish recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like white fish, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and garlic are relatively affordable and can be found in most grocery stores. The use of mayonnaise and olive oil adds a touch of richness without breaking the bank. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $20-$25 USD. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for its balance of flavor, ease of preparation, and cost-effectiveness.
Is This Crispy Fish Recipe Healthy or Not?
The crispy garlic parmesan crusted fish recipe is a relatively healthy dish with some room for improvement. Here's why:
Healthy aspects:
- White fish is a lean protein source, low in calories and fat
- Garlic and parsley provide antioxidants and flavor without adding significant calories
- Olive oil is a healthy fat source
Less healthy aspects:
- The dish is high in saturated fat due to the butter and parmesan cheese
- Panko breadcrumbs add refined carbohydrates and minimal fiber
- The mayonnaise, while used in small amounts, adds additional fat and calories
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the butter with additional olive oil to reduce saturated fat content
- Use whole wheat panko breadcrumbs or almond meal for added fiber and nutrients
- Opt for a light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to reduce fat and calories
- Increase the amount of garlic and parsley for added flavor and antioxidants
- Serve the fish with a side of colorful, non-starchy vegetables to boost nutrient intake and balance the meal
- Limit the portion size of the fish to 3-4 ounces per serving to control overall calorie intake
By making these adjustments, you can enhance the nutritional value of the dish while still enjoying the delicious flavors of the crispy garlic parmesan crust.
Editor's Opinion on This Crispy Garlic Parmesan Fish Dish
This recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The crispy panko and parmesan crust provide a satisfying crunch, while the garlic and parsley add aromatic depth. The mayonnaise ensures the fish remains moist and tender. Using the broiler allows for a quick and even cook, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. The squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile. It's a simple yet elegant way to elevate white fish, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing option.
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Why trust this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crumbed Fish Recipe:
This recipe combines the rich flavors of parmesan cheese and garlic with the light, flaky texture of white fish. The use of panko breadcrumbs ensures a perfectly crispy crust, while the mayonnaise adds a subtle creaminess. Fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice brighten the dish, making it a delightful meal. The method is straightforward, and the ingredients are easily accessible, ensuring a foolproof cooking experience. Trust this recipe for a delicious, restaurant-quality dish at home.
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