Parmesan Herb Crusted Tilapia with Lemon Butter
Ingredients:
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs ( (panko or regular))
- 1 tsp oregano (dried Italian herbs (or a mix: parsley, oregano, basil))
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 Zest of lemon
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil ((for brushing or drizzling))
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 lemon (Juice of 1 lemon)
- 1 garlic (clove garlic, minced)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley ((optional))
Ingredients are subject to availability at local stores. Unavailable items will be automatically substituted at best-effort.
Instructions
1. Prep. Pat tilapia fillets dry. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Make the crust. In a bowl, combine Parmesan, breadcrumbs, Italian herbs, garlic powder, and lemon zest.
3. Coat. Brush tilapia lightly with olive oil. Press each fillet into the Parmesan mixture to fully coat.
4. Bake or pan-sear.
– Bake: Place fillets on a parchment-lined sheet and bake at 425°F for 10–12 minutes until crispy and golden.
– Pan-sear: Heat 1–2 Tbsp olive oil in a skillet, cook fillets 3–4 min per side until crust is golden and fish flakes easily.
5. Make the lemon butter. Melt butter in a small pan. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in lemon juice and parsley.
6. Serve. Spoon warm lemon butter over each fillet before serving.
A light, crispy, golden tilapia coated in a savory parmesan-herb crust, then finished with warm lemon butter that melts over the top. It tastes bright, clean, and restaurant-worthy — but comes together in under 20 minutes with simple, affordable ingredients. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that still feels special.
Grocery List + Prices
Tilapia fillets (1–1.25 lb) — $6.99
Parmesan cheese (grated) — $1.50 (portion cost)
Breadcrumbs — $0.60 Dried Italian herbs — $0.20
Garlic powder — $0.10 Lemon (1–2) — $0.69
Butter — $0.40 (portion cost)
Fresh garlic — $0.20
Parsley (optional) — $0.40
Olive oil — $0.30 (portion)
Estimated Total: ~$11.38
Per Serving (4 servings): ~$2.84
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