Broiled Parmesan Tilapia
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A comforting and non-fishy tilapia recipe that kids, and adults alike, will love. The flavorful sauce on this fish makes this a meal worth repeating again and again.
That Time No One Whined
You know those dinners when you prepare something a little out of the ordinary for the fam? Little kids cling to your leg and are whining all around you as you finish up dinner. Your kitchen rapidly grows messier.
One of the kids takes a look at the new dish and proclaims, “Eww, what is that? I don’t want that!” Your enthusiasm about the new recipe wanes and doubt sets in as you corral everyone to the table. You hold your breath, anticipating the backlash to come, as your kids take their first bite.
That was my scenario the first time I made this Broiled Parmesan Tilapia. It looked a little strange to my kids since it was new, but I insisted they try at least one bite of it.
I watched out of the corner of my eye as my then 4-year-old reluctantly raised his fork to his mouth. “Mmmm, this is so good, Mommy!” Now that might be the best compliment a mom at my stage can hear. To follow was a delightful–yes I actually said delightful–family meal with three small kids. No whining, no crying.
That’s…that’s why I share with you Broiled Parmesan Tilapia today. It was a “worth it” new recipe, and it was also super fast to make.
How to Make Broiled Parmesan Tilapia
This tilapia recipe couldn’t be simpler to make. Here’s the run down…
- You’ll start by preheating the broiler and covering a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
- Then, mix together the Parmesan, butter, greek yogurt, lemon zest and juice, fresh herbs, black pepper, garlic powder, and celery salt until combined in a bowl.
- Next, pat your thawed tilapia filets dry and lay them on the covered sheet pan. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
- To cook: Place the fish under the broiler for 2 minutes on the first side. Flip and broil for 2 minutes on the other side.
- Finally, remove from the oven and generously spread the Parmesan topping over the tilapia pieces. Broil for 2 more minutes, or until golden on top. Fish is done when it easily flakes.
Sides Dishes That Go with Broiled Parmesan Tilapia
This 10 minute fish recipe is so moist and delicious when you’re done! Serve over rice or pasta and try it with one of these side dish ideas…
Oven Roasted Asparagus
Oven Fries
Oven Roasted Broccoli
How to Make It a Freezer Meal
You can also double the Parmesan topping and freeze it alongside any extra tilapia to have on hand for another winner dinner in the future. When you’re ready to prepare it, thaw it using one of these safe thawing methods and cook according to the instructions. Check out our Recipe Index for over 100 healthy and delicious freezer meals.
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Broiled Parmesan Tilapia
A comforting and non-fishy tilapia recipe that kids, and adults alike, will love. The flavorful sauce on this fish makes this a meal worth repeating again and again.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/4 cup real butter, softened (Can you freeze butter? Yes! Here’s how.)
- 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt (or substitute real mayo)
- zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs, minced (I use parsley and basil)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon celery salt
- 2 pounds tilapia fillets
- Salt and ground black pepper
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Instructions
Make It Now:
- Adjust the top oven rack to about 6 inches below the broiler. Preheat the broiler. Cover a rimmed baking sheet with foil (for easy clean up).
- In a small mixing bowl, stir together the Parmesan, butter, greek yogurt, lemon zest and juice, fresh herbs, black pepper, garlic powder, and celery salt until combined. Set aside.
- Rinse and pat tilapia filets dry. Lay filets on the pan. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
- Place the fish under the broiler for 2 minutes on the first side.
- Flip and broil for 2 minutes on the other side.
- Remove from the oven. Generously spread the Parmesan topping over the tilapia pieces.
- Broil for 2 more minutes, or until golden on top. Fish is done when it easily flakes. Do not overcook.
Freeze For Later: Follow step 2. Place this mixture in a quart-sized freezer bag or small freezer container and seal. Freeze alongside the frozen tilapia filets (if not already frozen, then place the fish in a gallon-sized freezer bag).
Prepare From Frozen: Thaw the Parmesan mixture and the tilapia (preferably in the refrigerator overnight). Then, follow the cooking instructions, skipping step 2.
It surprised me how quickly this meal comes together. I can usually get tilapia at a cheap price so it’s a win-win for me!
★★★★★
I assume you prep and freeze and then cook the fish and serve?
I usually buy tilapia frozen, so the fish stays frozen and I just pull out 4-6 filets for one freezer meal. Then, I mix the topping and put it in a small baggie and stick it in a large freezer bag with the fish filets. That way it’s all in one place. When ready to cook, defrost all either in the fridge over night or run under warm tap water. Do not use the microwave! Make sure to dry the fish filets, so they aren’t soggy. Then, cook according to the directions. I hope that helps!
Is it onion powder or garlic powder
Good question. I updated the recipe, so it’s correct now. Thank you!
In the instructions I read to mix in the mayo but I don’t see that in the ingredient list??? 🙂
Thanks for catching that Monica. It should have said “greek yogurt” not mayo, although mayo is an acceptable substitution. I updated the recipe now.
Unfortunately I live in a small town so it’s hard to find those things, but I’ll keep my eye out! I found some tofutti today, so I’ll give that a shot next week. Thanks for the suggestions!
This is a very odd question, but I was wondering if you had any suggestions for non-dairy replacements of the greek yogurt? My spouse is allergic, but has only been for awhile, so I haven’t figured out swaps for everything yet!
Thanks!
Have you tried plain soy yogurt or sour cream yet? You still have to check all the ingredients on the package, but when I was dairy-free I remember using that as a replacement. Thankfully there are so many DF products on the market now, especially in a health food store.