Baked Breaded Tilapia Recipe

If you’re searching for a simple, flavorful, and wholesome dinner idea, this Baked Breaded Tilapia Recipe is your new best friend. It combines the delicate flakiness of tilapia with a crispy, golden breadcrumb crust that’s bursting with fresh parsley and garlic. The best part? It’s baked in the oven, so you get all the crunch without the mess of frying. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

Why It Deserves a Spot

This Baked Breaded Tilapia Recipe deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation because it strikes the ideal balance between health and indulgence. The tilapia fillets are lean and packed with protein, while the breading adds a satisfying crunch and flavor without excess oil. Using fresh breadcrumbs and parsley elevates the dish beyond typical store-bought coatings, ensuring every bite is fresh and vibrant. Plus, baking instead of frying means less cleanup and a lighter dish that doesn’t skimp on taste.

The addition of garlic lends a wonderful aroma and depth, perfectly complementing the mild fish. Serve it with lemon wedges to brighten the flavors and give that fresh zing every seafood dish needs. It’s a simple yet elegant recipe that can easily become a family favorite. If you enjoy dishes like Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Bowls or Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta, this tilapia recipe will fit right into your dinner lineup.

Ingredient Checklist

• 4 medium tilapia fillets
• 1 ½ cups fresh breadcrumbs (see note below)
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (to grease the pan)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Note: For the freshest breadcrumbs, use day-old bread and pulse it in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. This yields a lighter, crunchier coating than store-bought breadcrumbs.

Cook’s Kit

• Baking sheet – To hold the fillets while baking and catch any drips.
• Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat – For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• Mixing bowls – One for the breadcrumb mixture and another for the melted butter.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient amounts.
• Knife and cutting board – To mince garlic and chop parsley.
• Brush or spoon – To spread melted butter evenly over the breadcrumbs.
• Tongs or spatula – To carefully flip the fillets if necessary.

Method: Baked Breaded Tilapia Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the fresh breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, and minced garlic. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients. This mixture will give your tilapia that signature herby, garlicky crunch.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a small bowl, melt the butter until liquid. You can do this quickly in the microwave or on the stovetop. Set aside to cool slightly but keep it warm enough to drizzle.

Step 3: Season the Tilapia

Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the breading stick better. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Coat the Fillets

Brush each tilapia fillet with melted butter to help the breadcrumbs adhere and add flavor. Then press the fillets into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. You want a nice even layer covering the fish.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Bake the Tilapia

Arrange the breaded fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden brown. There’s no need to flip the fillets during baking.

Step 7: Serve

Remove the tilapia from the oven and transfer to serving plates. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the fish. This adds a bright, citrusy finish that perfectly balances the rich buttery crust.

Smart Substitutions

• Breadcrumbs: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a gluten-free option.
• Parsley: Swap parsley for fresh dill or basil to change up the flavor profile.
• Butter: Use a plant-based margarine or extra olive oil if you prefer a dairy-free alternative.
• Tilapia: Any mild white fish like cod, haddock, or sole works well.
• Garlic: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic isn’t available, but fresh gives the best flavor.

If You’re Curious

This recipe’s success hinges on a few key elements. Using fresh breadcrumbs ensures a crispy texture rather than a soggy coating. The melted butter, rather than oil alone, adds a rich, indulgent flavor that elevates the dish. Baking at a high temperature locks in moisture while browning the crust beautifully.

Tilapia is a wonderfully mild fish that adapts well to many flavors. If you want a twist, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the breadcrumb mixture for a subtle kick. Pairing this dish with simple sides like steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad makes for a balanced meal.

Storage & Reheat Guide

If you have leftovers, store the baked tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fillets on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes to help maintain the crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the coating soggy.

This recipe is great for meal prep since you can prepare the breaded fillets ahead of time and bake them fresh when ready to eat. Just keep the coated fish refrigerated until baking.

Your Top Questions

Can I freeze the breaded tilapia before baking?

Yes! Place the breaded fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I serve with Baked Breaded Tilapia Recipe?

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, quinoa salad, or even a light pasta. If you like seafood pasta, you might enjoy Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta as a complementary meal idea.

How do I make the coating extra crispy?

Make sure the fish is patted dry before coating and that the butter or oil is well-distributed over the breadcrumbs. Baking on a greased parchment paper or silicone mat and using fresh breadcrumbs also helps achieve a crisp crust.

Is tilapia a sustainable choice?

Tilapia is generally considered a sustainable fish, especially when farmed responsibly. It has a mild flavor and firm texture, making it a popular and eco-friendly choice in many kitchens.

Don’t Miss These

• Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta Bowls – A zesty, protein-packed meal perfect for busy nights.
• Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta – Indulgent and flavorful, this pasta dish is a seafood lover’s dream.

Hungry for More?

Craving more easy and delicious seafood recipes? Experiment with swapping tilapia for other white fish in your favorite breaded or baked preparations. Or try adding herbs and spices to the breadcrumb mix for endless variations. This Baked Breaded Tilapia Recipe is a fantastic base to customize and make your own, whether you keep it simple or dress it up with sides and sauces.

Ready to make dinner tonight? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy flaky, crispy tilapia that’s packed with flavor and effortless to prepare. It’s a recipe that proves healthy eating can be both satisfying and delicious.

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