Created on November 18th, 2025 at 03:40 pm
Clean, subtle fish flavors
Baked Lemon Parmesan Tilapia is a delightful seafood dish that combines the mild flavor of tilapia with the bright notes of lemon and the savory touch of Parmesan cheese. The fish cooks to a tender finish, flakes beautifully, and absorbs the zesty aromas that fill your kitchen as it bakes. This recipe celebrates the harmonious blend of freshness and comfort, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The buttery golden crust formed by the cheese creates a pleasing contrast to the soft texture of the fish, inviting you to savor every bite.
With its quick preparation and satisfying result, this dish shines brightly among simple yet wholesome meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Baked Lemon Parmesan Tilapia offers a unique combination of tenderness and flavor that appeals to many palates. The fish retains its moisture while the lemon enhances its natural flavor without overpowering it. The rich, nutty taste of Parmesan complements the citrus, creating a depth that lingers on your tongue. The simplicity of the recipe allows the fish to take center stage, yet it pairs well with many sides, such as steamed vegetables or a light salad.
What’s even better is that the flavors deepen after resting, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Enjoy this dish freshly baked or chilled as a zesty addition to your lunch the next day.
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients List
- 4 (6 oz) tilapia fillets
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 2 Tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Kitchen Tools
This recipe focuses on ease, using just a few essential kitchen tools to keep preparation straightforward.
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and enhance the flavor of the tilapia.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
- Place the tilapia fillets in the baking dish and pour the lemon mixture over them, ensuring all the fish is coated evenly.
- In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and Parmesan cheese until crumbly. This mixture will form the delicious crust on the fish.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously over each fillet, pressing down gently to adhere it to the fish.
- Bake the tilapia in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the fish rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Pro Tips
- For a crispier topping, broil the fish for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Feel free to swap tilapia for other white fish like cod or sole, adjusting cooking time as necessary.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Incorporating seasonal herbs, like basil or dill, can add an extra layer of freshness.
- Leftovers make a fantastic salad topping or a filling for wraps the following day.
Comfort, Made Simple
Baked Lemon Parmesan Tilapia is a celebration of flavor and simplicity. The dish requires minimal ingredients and effort while delivering a satisfying meal that is light yet filling. With its bright taste and tender texture, it reminds us that wholesome cooking can be both rewarding and uncomplicated. This dish proves that gourmet comfort can be simple and satisfying.
Nutrition Table
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Baked Lemon Parmesan Tilapia
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 whole lemon (zested and juiced) Use fresh lemon for the brightest flavor.
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko) For extra crunch.
- 2 Tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Optional Garnish
- to taste fresh parsley, chopped For garnish before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
- Place the tilapia fillets in the baking dish and pour the lemon mixture over them, ensuring all the fish is coated evenly.
- In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and Parmesan cheese until crumbly.
Cooking
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously over each fillet, pressing down gently to adhere it.
- Bake the tilapia in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the fish rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
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