A delightful and easy-to-make tilapia recipe with a flavorful herb and Parmesan crust, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Preheat your oven to broil setting.
Ensure the oven rack is positioned about 4-6 inches from the broiler for even cooking.
Line a broiler pan with foil and lightly grease it.
Using foil makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
In a mixing bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, softened butter, mayonnaise, garlic powder, dried basil, black pepper, onion powder, and salt. Mix until smooth.
Ensure the butter is softened for easier mixing.
Zest the lemon and add the zest to the Parmesan mixture. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the mixture, stirring well.
Roll the lemon on the counter before juicing to extract more juice.
Place the tilapia fillets in a single layer on the prepared broiler pan.
Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel to help the topping adhere better.
Broil the tilapia for 3 minutes.
Keep an eye on the fish to prevent overcooking.
Remove the pan from the oven and spread the Parmesan mixture evenly over the top of each fillet.
Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly for a consistent crust.
Return the pan to the oven and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Avoid overcooking to keep the fish tender and moist.
Serve the tilapia hot, garnished with fresh herbs or lemon slices if desired.
Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.