This recipe falls under the category of, “I-wasn’t-sure-this-was-going-to-taste-good, but-turned-out-AH-MAZ-ING!”

I’ll be honest – I started to become skeptical one I added mayonnaise to the Parmesan mixture. But you know, sometimes cooking is all about taking chances and trusting others who have created the recipe – just like Favorite Family Recipes blog, which I will be visiting more often!

This dish promises a few things – (1) ingredients you likely already have in your cabinet, (2) extremely fast cooking time and (3) well-rounded, robust flavors. If you like tilapia, add this recipe to your dinner circulation. It’s extra great for those nights you really-really-don’t-want-to-cook, but want to eat something delicious.

Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Recipe courtesy of Favorite Family Recipes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup Panko
• 1/4 cup softened butter
• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 tilapia fillets (if frozen, defrosted)
• Pam
• Old Bay (or favorite seafood seasoning)
• Paprika
• Freshly chopped parsley

Directions

1. In a medium bowl combine Parmesan cheese, panko, mayo and softened butter.
2. Add lemon juice, dried basil, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder. Set mixture aside.
   
3. Arrange the fillets in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet, sprayed with Pam.
4. Sprinkle the fillets with Old Bay seasoning. Broil for a 2-4 minutes.
   
5. Take the fillets out of the oven, carefully flip them. Sprinkle with Old Bay and broil again for 2-4 minutes.
6. Remove fillets from the oven again and evenly spoon Parmesan mixture on top of each fillet.
   
7. Sprinkle with paprika and broil for 2 minutes, or until a golden crust is formed (note: careful! don’t overcook!).
8. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve.