Almond-Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Fillets

This deliciously crispy fish dish combines the nutty crunch of almonds with the savory richness of Parmesan for a perfect weeknight meal. It’s quick to prepare and sure to impress your family or guests with minimal effort.

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TIME20 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

1 teaspoon olive oil, or as needed 3 cloves garlic, minced ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese ¼ cup buttery spread (such as Smart Balance®), softened ¼ cup slivered almonds, crushed 3 tablespoons reduced-fat olive oil mayonnaise 2 tablespoons bread crumbs 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay®) ¼ teaspoon dried basil ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 1 pound tilapia fillets

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by moving your oven rack so it’s about 6 inches from the broiler element, then preheat the broiler. Line a broiling pan with aluminum foil or give it a quick spray with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.

02

Step 2

Next, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until it smells fragrant—this should take about 3 to 5 minutes.

03

Step 3

While the garlic is cooking, mix together the Parmesan cheese, buttery spread, chopped almonds, mayonnaise, bread crumbs, lemon juice, seafood seasoning, basil, black pepper, onion powder, and celery salt in a bowl until everything is well combined.

04

Step 4

Place the tilapia fillets in a single layer on your prepared pan. Cover them loosely with foil and pop them under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Then, carefully flip the fillets, cover again, and broil for another 2 to 3 minutes.

05

Step 5

Take off the foil, spread the Parmesan and almond mixture evenly over each fillet, and return the pan to the broiler. Keep an eye on them as they cook for about 2 more minutes, until the fish flakes easily and the topping gets golden and crispy.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Pat the fish dry before coating to help the crust stick better.
- Use finely chopped or ground almonds for an even, crispy crust.
- Cook the fillets over medium heat to ensure the coating browns without burning.

Why you’ll love it

This dish combines the nutty crunch of almonds with the savory flavor of Parmesan, creating a delicious crust that enhances the mild taste of tilapia. It’s quick to prepare and offers a satisfying texture that feels special but is easy enough for a weeknight meal.

Serving ideas

Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to keep the meal light and balanced. A squeeze of lemon or a side of tartar sauce can add a bright, tangy contrast to the rich crust.

Storage & leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within two days. To keep the crust crispy, reheat gently in an oven or toaster oven rather than a microwave.