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Baked Tilapia with Sun-dried Tomato Parmesan Crust
Ingredients
- 1 cup fine breadcrumbs
seasoned or unseasoned, or 2 cups Panko
- An additional 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning if you are using unseasoned breadcrumbs or Panko
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 sun-dried tomatoes
packed in oil
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tilapia fillets
about 1 1/3 pounds
- Flour for dusting
about 1/3 cup
- 1 beaten egg
- Optional berry sauce
- 2 cups mixed berries
frozen work well
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/4 cup water
Directions
- 1
Make breading: Place the breadcrumbs, seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and Parmesan cheese in a food processor and pulse until well mixed. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and olive oil and pulse until the consistency of a coarse meal.
- 2
Prep pan and preheat oven: Spread some olive oil along the bottom of a roasting pan and set aside. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- 3
Dredge tilapia fillets in flour, egg, breading: Rinse off the tilapia fillets with water and pat dry. Spread flour on a plate. Place beaten egg in a shallow bowl next to the flour. Place breadcrumb mixture in a bowl next to the egg. Put a large plate next to the breadcrumb mixture. Working one by one, dredge the tilapia fillets first in the flour until lightly coated, then dip in the beaten egg until coated and let the excess drip off. Place a small handful of the breadcrumb mixture on the large plate and place the fillet on top of it. Sprinkle a generous amount of breadcrumb mixture over the top of the fillet and press down with your fingers. When both sides are well breaded, gently transfer the fillet to the roasting pan.
- 4
Bake in oven: Place the baking pan with the tilapia fillets in the oven and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, until the tilapia is just cooked through, and the fillets easily flake with a fork. (If serving with berry sauce, you can make the sauce while the fish cooks.) Remove from oven and let sit for a minute or two before serving. Serve with slices of lemon with which to drizzle over the fish, and/or the optional berry sauce.
- 5
Make berry sauce (optional): Place the berries in a small saucepan. Add a 1/4 cup of water and sprinkle with sugar. Bring to a simmer and gently crush the berries a little with a potato masher or the back of a fork, just enough to break up the larger berries. Cook gently uncovered for several minutes, until the sauce is reduced to a syrup.
Baked Tilapia with Sun-dried Tomato Parmesan Crust
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About this Recipe
Craving a sophisticated yet simple weeknight dinner? This Baked Tilapia with Sun-dried Tomato Parmesan Crust offers gourmet flavors and a delightful texture, all ready in about 30 minutes.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe shines by transforming humble tilapia into something extraordinary with its savory, crunchy crust. The combination of breadcrumbs, pungent Parmesan, and sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes creates a flavorful coating that keeps the fish moist while adding an irresistible texture. It's an effortless way to elevate a lean protein, making it feel special without the fuss.
What to Expect
Prepare for tender, flaky tilapia perfectly complemented by a golden-brown, crispy crust. Each bite delivers a burst of umami from the Parmesan, balanced by the concentrated sweetness and tang of sun-dried tomatoes. The blend of onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika infuses the crust with a warm, inviting aroma and a subtle depth of flavor. If you opt for the optional berry sauce, you'll experience a bright, refreshing counterpoint that beautifully cuts through the richness of the fish.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to swap Panko breadcrumbs for fine breadcrumbs to achieve an even crispier crust. For a slight variation in flavor, you could incorporate different dried herbs into the breadcrumb mix. While delicious with tilapia, this crust recipe would also work well with other mild white fish fillets. If fresh berries aren't in season, frozen mixed berries work perfectly for the optional sauce.
Serving & Context
Serve this elegant baked tilapia as a standout main course for a cozy family dinner or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed asparagus, or roasted potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.