Elevate your seafood game with this delightful dish of crispy parmesan crusted tilapia. The perfect blend of panko bread crumbs, cornflake crumbs, and parmesan cheese creates a mouth-watering crust that is sure to impress. Simple yet flavorful, this recipe is perfect for dinner parties or a special weeknight meal.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in the kitchen, you might need to grab a few items during your next supermarket trip. Panko bread crumbs, known for their light and airy texture, and cornflake crumbs, which add a unique crunch, are essential for achieving the perfect crust. Don't forget to pick up some dijon mustard for the egg mixture, as it adds a tangy depth of flavor.
Ingredients For Crispy Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Tilapia fillets: Mild-flavored white fish that serves as the base of this dish.
Eggs: Used to help the coating stick to the fish.
Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy flavor to the egg mixture.
Water: Thins out the egg mixture for better coating.
Butter: Adds richness and helps in frying the fish.
Olive oil: Combines with butter for frying and adds a subtle flavor.
Lemon slices: Used for serving, adding a fresh, citrusy touch.
Panko bread crumbs: Light and crunchy bread crumbs that create a crispy coating.
Cornflake crumbs: Adds extra crunch and flavor to the crust.
Parmesan cheese: Grated cheese that adds a salty and savory flavor to the coating.
Parsley flakes: Adds a hint of herbal flavor and color to the crust.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.
One reader, Lanna Flanders says:
Crispy parmesan crusted tilapia is a delightful dish! The fish is perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside. The parmesan and panko coating adds a wonderful flavor and crunch. It's easy to make and feels like a gourmet meal. Highly recommend!
Techniques for Perfecting Crispy Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
How to combine ingredients: Mix eggs, dijon mustard, and water in a small bowl until well combined. How to coat fish: Dip each tilapia fillet into the egg mixture, then press it into the crumb mixture to ensure it is completely coated. How to preheat skillet: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until the butter is melted and the oil is hot. How to cook fish: Place the coated fish fillets in the preheated skillet, cover with a lid, and cook for 3 minutes on each side.
How To Make Crispy Parmesan Tilapia
Cook an impressive 20-minute dish with this parmesan tilapia. The fish is coated with cornflakes and bread crumbs, cooked, then served with lemon slices.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 6tilapia fillets,defrosted if frozen
- 2eggs
- 4tspDijon mustard
- 2tbspwater
- 2tbspbutter
- 1tbspolive oil
- lemon slices,for serving
For Coating:
- 1½cupsPanko bread crumbs
- 1cupcornflake crumbs
- ½cupParmesan cheese,fresh grated
- 1tspparsley flakes
- ½tspsalt
- ½tsppepper
Instructions
-
In a small bowl, combine eggs, Dijon mustard, and water. Mix well and set aside.
-
In a separate dish, combine all of the coating ingredients.
-
Dip each tilapia fillet into the egg mixture and then into the crumb mixture. Be sure to press the crumbs into the fish and make sure it’s completely coated.
-
Once all of the fillets are coated, preheat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Place the coated fish fillets in the skillet, and cover with a lid. Cook for 3 minutes. Flip the fish, cover again, and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
-
Serve with fresh lemon slices.
Nutrition
- Calories: 306.10kcal
- Fat: 13.24g
- Saturated Fat: 5.92g
- Trans Fat: 0.16g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.75g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.18g
- Carbohydrates: 15.29g
- Fiber: 0.84g
- Sugar: 1.11g
- Protein: 31.49g
- Cholesterol: 129.92mg
- Sodium: 414.14mg
- Calcium: 200.06mg
- Potassium: 399.95mg
- Iron: 2.62mg
- Vitamin A: 104.94µg
- Vitamin C: 1.27mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Crispy Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
To ensure a perfectly crispy crust on your tilapia, make sure to press the panko bread crumbs and cornflake crumbs mixture firmly onto the fillets. This helps the coating adhere better and creates a more even, golden-brown finish when cooked. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the skillet; cook the fillets in batches if necessary to maintain the right temperature and achieve that ideal crispiness.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Tilapia Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix the coating ingredients and egg mixture ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Use a food processor: Quickly blend panko bread crumbs, cornflake crumbs, and parmesan cheese for a uniform coating.
Preheat the skillet: Ensure the butter and olive oil are hot before adding the tilapia fillets to reduce cooking time.
Batch cooking: Cook multiple tilapia fillets at once if your skillet is large enough to save time.
Lemon slices ready: Pre-slice the lemon for quick garnishing.
Substitute Ingredients For Crispy Parmesan Tilapia Recipe
tilapia fillets - Substitute with cod fillets: Cod has a similar mild flavor and flaky texture, making it a great alternative.
eggs - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help the coating adhere to the fish and adds a slight tanginess.
dijon mustard - Substitute with yellow mustard: Yellow mustard can provide a similar tangy flavor, though it is slightly milder.
water - Substitute with milk: Milk can help in creating a smoother batter and adds a bit of richness.
butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a higher smoke point and a rich, nutty flavor that complements the dish.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying.
lemon slices - Substitute with lime slices: Lime provides a similar acidic brightness and can be used as a garnish.
panko bread crumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes can provide a similar crispy texture.
cornflake crumbs - Substitute with crushed Ritz crackers: Crushed Ritz crackers offer a buttery flavor and a similar crunch.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor profile.
parsley flakes - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil can add a different but complementary herbal note.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a bit of umami.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a bit of heat along with the peppery flavor.
Presentation Ideas for Crispy Tilapia Parmesan
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present each tilapia fillet as an individual portion, ensuring that the crispy parmesan crust remains intact and visually appealing.
Use decoration: Garnish the plate with lemon slices arranged in a fan shape, adding a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Add height: Place the tilapia fillet on a small mound of panko bread crumbs and cornflake crumbs mixture to give the dish some elevation and texture contrast.
Incorporate fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley flakes over the top of the tilapia for a touch of green and an aromatic finish.
Drizzle with sauce: Lightly drizzle a lemon butter sauce around the plate, enhancing both the flavor and the visual appeal.
Use a clean, white plate: Serve the dish on a pristine, white plate to make the colors of the tilapia and lemon slices stand out, creating a sophisticated presentation.
Add a side component: Include a small portion of seasonal vegetables, such as asparagus spears or baby carrots, to add variety and balance to the dish.
Finish with a microgreen garnish: Top the tilapia with a few microgreens for an elegant touch and a burst of freshness.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Small bowl: For mixing the eggs, dijon mustard, and water.
Separate dish: To combine all of the coating ingredients.
Skillet: For cooking the coated tilapia fillets.
Lid: To cover the skillet while cooking the fish.
Spatula: To flip the fish fillets in the skillet.
Measuring spoons: For measuring the dijon mustard, water, butter, olive oil, parsley flakes, salt, and pepper.
Measuring cups: For measuring the panko bread crumbs, cornflake crumbs, and parmesan cheese.
Tongs: To dip the tilapia fillets into the egg mixture and then into the crumb mixture.
Knife: To slice the lemon for serving.
Cutting board: To safely slice the lemon.
Storing and Freezing Instructions for Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
To store leftover crispy parmesan crusted tilapia, allow the cooked fish fillets to cool completely to room temperature. This should take about 30 minutes.
Once cooled, place the tilapia fillets in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Make sure to seal the container or wrapping properly to prevent air from entering and drying out the fish.
Label the container or wrapping with the date of storage, so you can keep track of how long the tilapia has been stored.
Store the wrapped or contained tilapia fillets in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It's best to consume the leftover fish within this time frame for optimal taste and texture.
If you want to freeze the crispy parmesan crusted tilapia for longer storage, follow these steps:
- Wrap each tilapia fillet individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
- Place the wrapped fillets in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. If using a bag, squeeze out any excess air before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date of freezing.
- Store the tilapia fillets in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Beyond this time, the quality and texture of the fish may start to deteriorate.
To reheat frozen crispy parmesan crusted tilapia, remove the desired number of fillets from the freezer and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat the tilapia in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat the fillets in a skillet over medium heat, flipping once, until warmed through and crispy on both sides.
How To Reheat Leftover Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
To reheat leftover crispy parmesan crusted tilapia, 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 coating is crispy once again. This method helps to preserve the original texture and flavor of the dish.
Another option is to use an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the leftover tilapia fillets in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the fish is heated through and the coating is crispy. The air fryer is an excellent choice for reheating this dish, as it helps to maintain the crispiness of the parmesan crust.
If you're short on time, you can also reheat the crispy parmesan crusted tilapia in the microwave. Place the fish fillets on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until they are heated through. However, keep in mind that the microwave may cause the coating to become slightly soggy, so it's not the ideal method for preserving the original texture.
For a quick and easy stovetop method, heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover tilapia fillets and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and the coating is crispy. This method is suitable for those who prefer a slightly more golden and crispy exterior.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to check the internal temperature of the fish with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving. This will help to ensure that the tilapia is safe to eat and has been reheated thoroughly.
Interesting Fact About Crispy Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
A random fact about this recipe is that using panko bread crumbs and cornflake crumbs together creates an extra crispy texture for the tilapia fillets. This combination ensures a delightful crunch with every bite.
Is Making Parmesan Crusted Tilapia at Home Cost-Effective?
This crispy parmesan crusted tilapia recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like tilapia fillets, panko bread crumbs, and parmesan cheese are reasonably priced. The use of common pantry items such as eggs, dijon mustard, and olive oil further enhances its affordability. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $20-$25 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is This Parmesan Crusted Fish Recipe Healthy?
The crispy parmesan crusted tilapia recipe is a tasty dish, but it does have some aspects that could be improved to make it healthier. Here's an analysis of the recipe:
- Tilapia is a lean protein source, which is beneficial for overall health.
- The recipe uses a combination of panko bread crumbs and cornflake crumbs for the coating, which adds extra calories and carbohydrates.
- The parmesan cheese in the coating provides some protein and calcium, but it also adds saturated fat and sodium.
- The recipe calls for butter and olive oil for cooking, which can increase the overall fat content of the dish.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use whole wheat panko bread crumbs instead of regular panko to increase the fiber content.
- Reduce the amount of cornflake crumbs or replace them with additional whole wheat panko for a healthier coating.
- Opt for a low-fat parmesan cheese or reduce the amount used in the coating to lower the saturated fat content.
- Replace the butter with additional olive oil, which is a healthier fat option.
- Serve the tilapia with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to increase the nutrient density of the meal.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish before serving to add flavor without additional calories.
Editor's Opinion on This Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe
This recipe for crispy parmesan crusted tilapia is a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The combination of panko and cornflake crumbs ensures a perfectly crispy exterior, while the parmesan adds a savory depth. The dijon mustard in the egg mixture provides a subtle tang that complements the mild tilapia. Cooking the fillets in a mix of butter and olive oil enhances the richness and ensures a golden crust. Serving with fresh lemon slices adds a refreshing brightness. Overall, it's a well-balanced dish that's both simple to prepare and impressive to serve.
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Why trust this Crispy Parmesan Tilapia Recipe:
This recipe for crispy parmesan crusted tilapia is a surefire way to impress your taste buds and dinner guests alike. The combination of panko bread crumbs and cornflake crumbs ensures a perfectly crispy texture, while the parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory flavor. The dijon mustard in the egg mixture provides a subtle tang that complements the fish beautifully. Cooking the fillets in a mix of butter and olive oil guarantees a golden-brown crust. Serve with fresh lemon slices for a burst of brightness. Trust this recipe for a delightful and satisfying meal.
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