Broiled Tilapia Parmesan
Submitted by hannah.c.trainor
Broiled tilapia Parmesan: mild fillets broiled fast, then topped with a savory Parmesan, butter, and mayo crust and run back under the broiler until golden. A quick, rich weeknight fish.
YIELD
6 servingsPREP
5 minCOOK
10 minREADY
15 minThis is the recipe that converts tilapia skeptics. Mild, lean fillets get broiled quickly, then slathered with a rich Parmesan topping and slid back under the heat until it’s bubbling and golden.
That topping is the whole show. Parmesan, butter, and a spoon of mayonnaise blend into a savory crust that browns beautifully and keeps the lean tilapia moist, seasoned up with basil, onion powder, and celery salt. The mayo sounds odd but melts in invisibly, adding richness and helping the topping brown.
The key is speed. Tilapia cooks in minutes under a broiler, so watch it closely and pull it the moment it flakes; overcooked, it turns dry and rubbery.
Pro Tips
- Watch it closely; broilers are fast, and thin fish goes from done to dry in a flash.
- Add the topping after the first broil, then return it just until browned.
- Pat the fillets dry before broiling so they sear rather than steam.
Variations
- Use the same topping on cod, haddock, or other mild white fish.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or some minced garlic to the cheese mix.
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon and chopped parsley.
Ingredients
Directions
Preheat your oven’s broiler. Grease a broiling pan or line pan with aluminum foil.
In a small bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, butter, mayonnaise and lemon juice.
Season with dried basil, pepper, onion powder and celery salt. Mix well and set aside.
Arrange fillets in a single layer on the prepared pan.
Broil a few inches from the heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
Flip the fillets over and broil for a couple more minutes.
Remove the fillets from the oven and cover them with the Parmesan cheese mixture on the top side.
Broil for 2 more minutes or until the topping is browned and fish flakes easily with a fork.
Be careful not to over cook the fish.
Comments
I followed the recipe exactly, but added some garlic powder, onion powder and paprika (for color) to the compound butter mixture. I also sprinkled some Panko crumbs mixed with a little parsley flakes on top of the butter/cheese mixture just prior to the final broiling. I cannot say how excellent this was.