Description

Ever wondered how to turn a simple fish fillet into a restaurant-worthy dish in just 10 minutes? Picture savoring Broiled Tilapia Parmesan, with tender, flaky tilapia topped with a creamy, cheesy Parmesan crust that’s golden and bursting with lemony, herby flavor.

Ingredients

Each ingredient in Broiled Tilapia Parmesan plays a key role in creating its rich flavor and tender texture. Substitutions make it adaptable to your pantry.

Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): Adds nutty, savory depth to the topping. Substitution: Grated Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for dairy-free.
Butter (¼ cup, softened): Creates a creamy, rich base for the topping. Substitution: Olive oil or vegan butter for dairy-free.
Mayonnaise (3 tbsp): Adds creaminess and helps the topping brown. Substitution: Greek yogurt or vegan mayo.
Fresh Lemon Juice (2 tbsp): Brings bright, tangy freshness. Substitution: Lime juice or white wine vinegar.
Dried Basil (¼ tsp): Adds a subtle, herby note. Substitution: Dried oregano, thyme, or 1 tsp fresh basil.
Ground Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Provides mild heat. Substitution: White pepper or a pinch of cayenne.
Onion Powder (⅛ tsp): Enhances savory flavor. Substitution: Garlic powder or omit.
Celery Salt (⅛ tsp): Adds a unique, savory touch. Substitution: Regular salt or a pinch of celery seed.
Tilapia Fillets (2 lbs): Mild, flaky fish that cooks quickly. Substitution: Cod, haddock, or sole.

Why These Ingredients Matter:

Tilapia is high in protein and low in calories, making this a healthy, lean meal.
Parmesan and mayonnaise create a rich, golden crust without overpowering the fish.
Lemon juice and basil add brightness and balance, keeping the dish light.
Minimal ingredients make this budget-friendly and pantry-friendly.

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Instructions

Prep the Oven and Pan (2 minutes):
- Set an oven rack 4 inches from the heat source and preheat the broiler.
- Line a broiler pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Tip: If you don’t have a broiler pan, use a baking sheet with a wire rack or foil-lined tray.
Make the Parmesan Topping (2 minutes):
- In a bowl, mix ½ cup Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup softened butter, 3 tbsp mayonnaise, 2 tbsp lemon juice, ¼ tsp dried basil, ¼ tsp black pepper, ⅛ tsp onion powder, and ⅛ tsp celery salt until well combined. Tip: Use a fork to blend thoroughly for a smooth, spreadable mixture.
Arrange the Tilapia (1 minute):
- Pat 2 lbs tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and arrange in a single layer on the prepared pan. Tip: Drying the fillets ensures they broil evenly and don’t steam.
Broil the Tilapia (4 minutes):
- Broil the fillets for 4 minutes, flipping halfway through (2 minutes per side), until slightly opaque. Tip: Keep the oven door slightly ajar if your broiler requires it for consistent heat.
Add Topping and Finish Broiling (2 minutes):
- Remove the tilapia from the oven and spread the Parmesan mixture evenly over the fillets (about 1-2 tbsp per fillet).
- Return to the broiler and cook for 2 more minutes, until the topping is browned and the fish flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature should reach 145°F/63°C). Tip: Watch closely to avoid burning; the topping should be golden, not charred.
Serve (1 minute):
- Remove from the oven and serve hot, transferring fillets to plates or a platter. Tip: Use a spatula to carefully lift fillets, keeping the topping intact.