Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how unbelievably fast this tilapia comes together. I can have it ready from start to finish in about 11 minutes, which makes it one of my favorite quick weeknight meals. I appreciate the rich, savory parmesan topping that melts and browns beautifully under the broiler. The fish stays moist, the flavor is bright from the lemon, and the crispy panko gives the perfect contrast. It’s a dish I reach for when I want something easy, reliable, and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

▢1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
▢1/4 cup butter, softened
▢3 tablespoons mayonnaise
▢2 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh
▢1/4 teaspoon dried basil
▢1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
▢1/8 teaspoon onion powder
▢1/8 teaspoon celery seed
▢1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
▢2 pounds tilapia fillets, (8 fillets)

Directions

I start by turning on the broiler immediately because the sauce comes together quickly. I line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat it lightly with nonstick spray.

In a small bowl, I mix the Parmesan cheese, softened butter, mayonnaise, and fresh lemon juice. I season it with dried basil, pepper, onion powder, and celery seed. Then I stir in the panko breadcrumbs and set the mixture aside.

I arrange all the tilapia fillets in a single layer on the prepared sheet. I broil them a few inches from the heat for 2–3 minutes. I flip the fillets and broil for another 2 minutes. I pull the pan from the oven and spread the Parmesan mixture over the top of each fillet. I return the pan to the broiler for another 2 minutes, or until the topping turns golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork. I’m careful not to overcook because tilapia can dry out quickly.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 8 servings, with each serving being one fillet. I find the prep takes about 5 minutes and the cook time about 6 minutes, making the total time around 11 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add a pinch of paprika to the topping for extra color. When I want a bit more zest, I increase the lemon juice or add a little fresh lemon zest. I also like swapping tilapia for cod, haddock, or even thin pieces of salmon. If I’m craving extra crunch, I sprinkle a little extra panko over the top before broiling.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I place it in a 300°F oven for about 8–10 minutes to keep the fish from drying out. I avoid microwaving because it can make the fish rubbery and the topping soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tilapia?

I can use frozen fillets as long as I thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before broiling.

How do I keep the topping from burning?

I keep the fish a few inches from the heat and watch closely during the final broil since the topping browns quickly.

Can I make the topping ahead of time?

I often prepare the Parmesan mixture hours ahead and keep it in the fridge until I’m ready to broil.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried basil?

I can add fresh basil, but I stir it in after mixing to keep it bright and fresh.

What can I serve with Parmesan tilapia?

I like pairing it with rice, roasted vegetables, pasta, or a simple side salad.

Can I substitute the mayonnaise?

I sometimes replace it with Greek yogurt, though the texture becomes slightly less creamy.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

It works well for meal prep as long as I reheat it gently to avoid drying out the fish.

How do I know the fish is done?

I check that it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Can I use grated Parmesan from a can?

I prefer freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor, but canned Parmesan works in a pinch.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

I simply swap the panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free.

Conclusion

I love how this easy Parmesan tilapia delivers so much flavor with so little effort. The buttery, cheesy topping creates a beautiful golden crust that pairs perfectly with tender, flaky fish. It’s a recipe I return to whenever I need something quick, satisfying, and consistently delicious.