Parmesan Crusted Baked Fish Recipe

Ever wonder how to transform simple white fish into a crave-worthy culinary delight? Dive into my latest kitchen adventure where a crispy Parmesan crust takes center stage, turning humble tilapia or cod fillets into a sensational showstopper that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

I love creating uncomplicated, yet delightful meals, and my Parmesan Crusted Baked Fish is a standout recipe. With a crispy coating of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, luscious garlic, and Italian seasoning, these baked fillets are both nutritious and tasty.

Serve with lemon wedges for a nice finish. Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 pound white fish fillets (such as cod, halibut, or tilapia)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Ingredients

• White Fish: High in protein, low in fat, mild flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich umami, source of calcium, enhances flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Adds crunch, binds toppings, subtle texture boost.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend, depth of flavor, aromatic touch.
• Garlic Powder: Intense aroma, boosts savory notes, versatile spice.
• Melted Butter: Richness, helps adhesion, enhances overall flavor.
• Lemon Wedges: Adds freshness, tangy brightness, enhances taste.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 fillets of white fish (such as tilapia or cod)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving

How to Make this

1. Set your oven to an even 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). A baking sheet requires either a simple sheet of parchment paper or a light spritz of cooking oil to be adequately prepared for this culinary task.

2. In a shallow dish, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This will form the mixture that will create the crust.

3. Dry the fish fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

4. Coat each fish fillet well with melted butter, covering both sides, before placing into the hot skillet.

5. Each buttered fillet of sole was pressed into the Parmesan mixture and coated evenly on both sides. I then pressed down gently with my fingers to help adhere the crust to the fish.

6. Put the fish fillets, which have been crusted, onto the baking sheet that has been prepared, in a single layer.

7. In the preheated oven, bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked all the way through and the crust is a golden brown.

8. Check the fish for flakiness with a fork; it should easily flake apart.

9. Remove the fish fillets from the oven after cooking and let them rest for 2 minutes.

10. The servings of Baked Fish with a Parmesan Crust are to be accompanied by lemon wedges. The lemon wedges will be squeezed over the top of the fish before the fish is consumed. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper or cooking oil spray
4. Shallow dish
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Grater (for Parmesan cheese, if not pre-grated)
7. Paper towels
8. Skillet
9. Fork (to check flakiness)
10. Knife (for cutting lemon)
11. Cutting board (for lemon)
12. Serving plate

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of fish?Absolutely, you can opt for other white fish like flounder or haddock instead. Change the cooking time according to how thick the fish is.
• What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?Panko can be used for an extra crunch, or you can use crushed crackers or cornflakes for a gluten-free option.
• Is fresh Parmesan cheese better than pre-grated?Parmesan that has just been grated melts and sticks better, which not only helps it to incorporate into the dish but also boosts the flavor. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with using pre-grated Parmesan in a pinch. It just won’t flavor your food quite as much.
• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?The topping can be prepared ahead of time, but it is advisable to bake the fish just prior to serving so that it retains its crispiness.
• What sides pair well with Parmesan Crusted Baked Fish?Accompany it with a crisp green salad, some roasted vegetables, or some steamed asparagus for a meal that’s complete.
• Can I make this dish dairy-free?Replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast and the butter with a plant-based option for a dairy-free version.

Parmesan Crusted Baked Fish Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Fillets of white fish: For a different flavor, use salmon or halibut fillets.
Parmesan cheese, grated: Alternatives include Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.
Panko breadcrumbs make a richly textured and crunchy filling. Wonderful! Of course, if you can’t find panko, any other kind of breadcrumbs will work. Even more interesting, gluten-free almond flour is a good swap for either kind of breadcrumbs.
Dried Italian seasoning: Replace with a combination of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
Butter that has been melted: If a recipe calls for melted butter, you can substitute olive oil or coconut oil.

Pro Tips

1. Ensure Even Coating When coating the fish with the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, apply a gentle pressure to help the crust stick better. You can also let the coated fillets rest in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before baking to ensure the crust adheres firmly.

2. Use Fresh Parmesan For the best flavor and texture, grate your own Parmesan cheese rather than using pre-grated cheese. Freshly grated cheese melds better and provides a more intense flavor.

3. Broil for Extra Crispiness If you prefer an extra crispy crust, switch your oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Keep a close eye on the fish to prevent burning.

4. Herb Enhancement For added flavor, consider mixing in a tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley or basil into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture just before coating the fish.

5. Spicy Variation Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the Parmesan mixture if you like a bit of heat with your dish.