Crispy Parmesan Breaded Tilapia

This is the recipe that won my very informal and very first poll on my Baking Bookworm Facebook page. It was a toss up between this dish and my Bacon Dijon Potato Salad (which, by the way, Brad inhaled and deemed VERY blog worthy!). Since this tilapia recipe received more comments (or votes) on the facebook page it got posted first!!

I'm a big fish lover but I don't particularly like fishy tasting fish. I know, it sounds odd. But I also don't like beef than smells like cow or pork that smells like an old pig either. So I stand by my unfishy tasting fish point!

There are many fish/seafood that I love. I adore salmon, perch, trout, catfish, scallops, crab .... If it swims or scurries along the bottom of the sea I'll pretty much eat it. Even if you're not a fish lover like moi or are in the 'don't like fishy tasting fish' camp with me give tilapia a try. My dear old mom is not a lover 'o fish but tilapia is one fish that she really enjoys. I think it's because tilapia is a very mild fish with a nice, heavier texture. You can easily broil it, BBQ it (on foil) or fry it! Top it with various sauces or breading and it's a great meat choice!

This recipe is liked by 80% of the people in my household (I took an informal poll). Nine year old "Karate Guy" is still not sold on the whole fish idea in general but he will tolerate tilapia. I can ask for no more than that at this point. The fact that he will put it on his fork and eat a bite or two is a big step for him! It doesn't hurt that I also make homemade oven fries which he adores and put his beloved malt vinegar (a boy after me own heart!) on the table. I hope you and yours enjoy this very easy dish!

1 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup fresh Parmesan cheese
Black pepper and salt, to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/3 cup olive or grapeseed oil
4 tilapia fillets

Place oven rack in the second highest position.

In a shallow dish combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, salt, garlic powder and Italian seasoning.

In another shallow dish (a pie plate would work well) pour oil. Dip each tilapia fillet in the oil then in the breading mixture until coated well. Place fillets on a lightly greased baking dish or broiler pan lined with greased tin foil. Broil fish for 3-4 minutes per side or until fish is flaky. Serve with Homemade Oven Fries.