Description
Ever wanted to whip up a restaurant-quality seafood dish in under 15 minutes? Broiled Tilapia Parmesan is your answer! This easy recipe transforms mild tilapia fillets into a crispy, cheesy, and tangy delight with a creamy Parmesan topping.
Ingredients
Scale
This recipe serves 8 and uses simple ingredients to create a bold, cheesy dish. Here’s what you’ll need for the original (1x) recipe:
- For the Parmesan Topping:
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon celery salt
- For the Fish:
- 2 pounds tilapia fillets
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, savory flavor and helps form a golden crust.
- Butter: Provides richness and binds the topping for a creamy texture.
- Mayonnaise: Keeps the topping smooth and adds a slight tang.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish with a fresh, citrusy zing.
- Dried Basil, Black Pepper, Onion Powder, Celery Salt: Create a balanced, aromatic seasoning blend.
- Tilapia Fillets: Mild, flaky, and lean, tilapia is the perfect canvas for the bold topping.
Substitutions and Variations
- Tilapia: Swap with cod, haddock, flounder, or sole; adjust cooking time for thicker fillets.
- Parmesan: Use Pecorino Romano or grated Asiago for a similar cheesy crust.
- Butter: Replace with olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute for a lighter or dairy-free option.
- Mayonnaise: Substitute with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier topping.
- Lemon Juice: Use lime juice or white wine vinegar for a different acidic note.
- Seasonings: Swap basil for oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning; add ⅛ teaspoon cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, but double-check mayonnaise and seasonings for additives.
- Herb Boost: Add 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or dill to the topping for extra freshness.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Set an oven rack 4 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven’s broiler.
- Line a broiler pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Pat 2 pounds tilapia fillets dry with paper towels.
Tip: Dry fillets ensure even cooking and help the topping adhere.
Step 2: Make the Parmesan Topping
- In a small bowl, mix ½ cup Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup softened butter, 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon dried basil, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, ⅛ teaspoon onion powder, and ⅛ teaspoon celery salt until well combined.
Tip: Mix thoroughly for a smooth, spreadable topping; soften butter at room temperature for easier blending.
Step 3: Arrange the Fillets
- Place tilapia fillets in a single layer on the prepared broiler pan.
Tip: Avoid overlapping fillets to ensure even broiling.
Step 4: Broil the Tilapia
- Broil First Side: Broil the fillets for 4 minutes, flipping halfway through (after 2 minutes) to cook both sides.
- Add Topping: Remove the pan from the oven and spread the Parmesan mixture evenly over the fillets.
- Finish Broiling: Return to the oven and broil for 2 more minutes, until the topping is browned and bubbly and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook.
Tip: Watch closely during the final broil to prevent burning; broilers vary in intensity.
Step 5: Serve
- Let the fillets rest for 1-2 minutes before serving to set the topping.