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When it comes to quick and healthy meal options, tilapia stands out as a favorite choice for many home cooks. With its mild flavor and flaky texture, tilapia is not only versatile but also lends itself beautifully to a variety of cooking methods. One such delicious preparation is Zesty Baked Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia. This recipe combines the fresh zest of lemon, the savory crunch of Parmesan cheese, and a delightful blend of spices to create a satisfying dish that is sure to please the whole family.

Baked Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia with Lemon

Discover the joy of cooking with this Zesty Baked Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish features tilapia fillets topped with a crispy blend of Parmesan cheese and panko breadcrumbs, enhanced by zesty lemon and vibrant spices. Not only is it quick and easy to prepare, but it also offers a healthy option rich in protein and essential nutrients. Elevate your dinner with this delicious and nutritious meal the whole family will love!
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Ingredients
  

4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 lemon, zested and juiced

2 tablespoons olive oil

Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

    Prepare the Coating: In a medium bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

      Season the Fish: Rinse the tilapia fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Season the fillets with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper, and drizzle the lemon juice over each fillet.

        Coat the Fillets: Brush each tilapia fillet with olive oil to help the coating stick. Then, generously press the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture onto the top of each fillet, ensuring they are well-covered.

          Add Lemon Zest: Sprinkle the lemon zest evenly over the crusted fillets for an extra pop of flavor.

            Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the tilapia is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crisp. The fish should flake easily with a fork.

              Serve: Once done, remove the tilapia from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Serve the baked Parmesan-crusted tilapia with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 25 min | 4 servings