Parmesan Tilapia

Yeah, tilapia!

You all know how much I love tilapia.  Next to salmon and shrimp, it is one of my most favorite kinds of fish or seafood.  It has a clean, mild flavor that is just…good.  The whole family does a collective cheer if it shows up on the menu.  In the spirit of doing something totally different, I started messing with this recipe, and it was a hit.  After a few more times, it became a regular.  It is so quick and so easy, I would consider it a crime if I didn’t share it here.  It is exactly what Brittany’s Pantry is all about. Tried and tested recipes that work well, taste great, and that you are going to want to make again and again.  Uh, yup!  This checks every box!  And did I mention it is fast?

I have a feeling that this is going to be one of those dishes that my kids end up serving when it is their turn to make dinner.  Not yet, as they need a bit more practice before they get to use the hot oven, but I can see that day in the future!  Just a few…more…years…

It is crazy quick and ridiculously simple, so pay attention to the cooking method.  If you aren’t careful, you may miss it.  But don’t be turned off by the ingredient list!  Regardless of the butter and mayo, it comes out surprisingly light.  Serve it along side some quick quinoa or brown rice and a stemmed green veggie and you have a healthy dinner in about 20 minutes.  I’d say that earns another, yeah for tilapia!

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Parmesan Tilapia
Recipe adapted from Allrecipes.com

1 1/2 lbs tilapia fillets, fresh or frozen (about 5 or 6)
1/4 c parmesan cheese
2 T soft butter
1 rounded T mayo
1 T lemon juice
1/4 tsp dried basil
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp celery salt

Mix all ingredients together, except fish.  Topping can be made one day ahead; just cover tightly and store in the fridge.

Preheat your ovens broiler and adjust the oven rack to be about 8 inches from the heat.  Lay the tilapia fillets on a foil lined sheet pan, upside down.  Broil about 2 minutes, or until the edges start to turn opaque.  Carefully flip the fish and broil another 2-3 minutes, or until nearly cooked through.  Remove from oven, and divide parmesan topping evenly among the fillets, spreading to cover thinly over the fish.  Return to the oven and broil another 2 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and just starting to brown.