If you are craving a dish that feels both elegant and homey, the Herb-Crusted Baked Tilapia with Roasted Vegetables Recipe is going to be your new go-to. This recipe blends the light, flaky texture of tilapia with a perfectly crispy herb crust, paired alongside vibrant roasted vegetables that add a beautiful pop of color and hearty flavor. Every bite offers a harmonious balance between fresh herbs, savory cheese, and the natural sweetness of caramelized veggies. It’s simple, wholesome, and makes for an impressive yet easy weeknight meal or a delightful dinner to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients is key to making this Herb-Crusted Baked Tilapia with Roasted Vegetables Recipe shine. Each component adds its own special touch, from the crunch and flavor of the panko crumb topping to the fresh brightness of parsley and lemon that bring everything to life. Don’t worry, these are basic yet essential ingredients that are easy to source and work beautifully together.
- 4 Tilapia Fillets (6 oz each): Fresh or thawed, tilapia offers a mild flavor that pairs well with bold herbs and cheese.
- 1 head Broccoli, cut into florets: Adds a lovely crunch and vibrant green color to the plate.
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, seeded and sliced: Brings sweetness and a splash of red for visual appeal.
- 1 Red Onion, cut into wedges: Roasts up sweet and tender, balancing the vegetable medley.
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil: Essential for roasting, it helps vegetables caramelize and keep moist.
- 3/4 cup Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides a satisfying crunch for the herb crust on the fish.
- 1/3 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami depth and helps bind the crust.
- 4 tbsp melted Unsalted Butter: Enriches the breadcrumb crust with a buttery flavor and crisp texture.
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano: Offers an earthy herb flavor that complements the fish perfectly.
- 1 tsp Dried Basil: Adds a sweet, slightly peppery note to the crust mixture.
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (divided): Infuses gentle garlic aroma into both vegetables and crust.
- 3/4 tsp Kosher Salt (divided): Enhances natural flavors throughout the dish.
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground, divided): Provides subtle heat and depth.
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped: A fresh herb garnish that adds brightness to the finished dish.
- 1 Lemon, cut into wedges: Perfect for squeezing over the fish and veggies for a zingy finish.
How to Make Herb-Crusted Baked Tilapia with Roasted Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only helps prevent sticking but also makes cleanup easier. A large, rimmed sheet is best so you have plenty of space for both your veggies and fish.
Step 2: Season and Roast the Vegetables
Combine the broccoli florets, red bell pepper slices, and red onion wedges in a big bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss in half the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything very well to coat all the veggies. Spreading them out in a single layer on the baking sheet will allow the heat to circulate and the veggies to roast evenly, getting tender and caramelized after about 15 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Herb Crust Mixture
While the vegetables are roasting, mix up the magic herb crust. In a small bowl, stir together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, oregano, basil, remaining garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Then, pour in the melted butter and mix with a fork until the texture looks like damp sand. This mixture will add that irresistible crunch and flavor to the tilapia.
Step 4: Prep the Tilapia Fillets
Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels, which helps the crust stick without sliding off during baking. Lightly season both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper, keeping the seasoning subtle to let the herb crust shine.
Step 5: Add Fish and Herb Crust to the Pan
After the vegetables have roasted for 15 minutes, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Push the veggies to the sides to make room for the fish. Arrange the tilapia fillets in the center, then evenly press the herb crust mixture on top of each fillet to form a nice, even layer.
Step 6: Bake and Finish
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 12-15 minutes. You’ll know the tilapia is perfectly cooked when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the panko crust is golden and crisp. The vegetables should be tender-crisp with delicious browned edges, making the dish as tasty as it is beautiful.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley all over. Serve immediately, offering lemon wedges on the side for guests to add a boost of fresh citrus. This little touch really brightens the flavors and ties everything together deliciously.
How to Serve Herb-Crusted Baked Tilapia with Roasted Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the perfect simple garnish to add a pop of color and freshness. A few squeezes of lemon juice right before eating will elevate the dish’s layers of flavor and add a refreshing zing that balances the richness of the crust and the sweetness of the roasted vegetables.
Side Dishes
This dish really shines on its own, but if you want to add some sides, consider a light quinoa salad or fluffy couscous tossed with herbs. A side of herbed rice or garlic mashed potatoes can add comforting carbs, while a crisp green salad helps balance the richness for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the tilapia and vegetables on warm plates with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on the side. You could also plate the fish atop a bed of the roasted vegetables for an elegant look. Using colorful bowls or woven chargers beneath the plates can add charm and enhance the vibrant nature of this recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the best texture, keep the fish separate from the vegetables if possible.
Freezing
This recipe doesn’t freeze as well because the crust and roasted vegetables can lose their texture. If you want to freeze components, cook and freeze the fish alone without the crust, and roast fresh vegetables when ready to serve.
Reheating
To reheat, use a 350°F oven and warm the fish and vegetables on a baking sheet for about 10-12 minutes. This method preserves the crispness of the crust better than microwaving, which can make the topping soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different fish instead of tilapia?
Absolutely! White, flaky fish like cod, haddock, or sole also work wonderfully with this herb crust and roasting method. Keep similar thickness for even cooking.
How do I make the crust extra crispy?
Using panko breadcrumbs combined with melted butter is key for crispiness. Pressing the crust firmly onto the fish and baking at the right temperature ensures a golden, crunchy topping every time.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, since panko breadcrumbs contain gluten. You can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I prepare this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
For a vegan or dairy-free version, swap the butter with olive oil and use a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The flavors remain delightful with little adjustment.
What’s the best way to tell when the tilapia is done?
It should be opaque in the center and flake easily with a fork. The cooking time may vary slightly based on thickness, so keep an eye on it during baking.
Final Thoughts
This Herb-Crusted Baked Tilapia with Roasted Vegetables Recipe is one of those magical meals that feels special yet comes together easily. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s a recipe that brings brightness, warmth, and a gorgeous presentation to the table. I can’t wait for you to try it — it’s sure to become a favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Print
Herb-Crusted Baked Tilapia with Roasted Vegetables Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Herb-Crusted Baked Tilapia with Roasted Vegetables is a flavorful and healthy dinner option featuring tender tilapia fillets topped with a crispy herb and Parmesan panko crust. Paired with perfectly roasted broccoli, red bell pepper, and red onion, this dish is easy to prepare and oven-baked to golden perfection, making it a nutritious meal packed with fresh herbs, vegetables, and lean protein.
Ingredients
Fish and Herb Crust
- 4 fillets (about 6 oz each) Tilapia Fillets
- 3/4 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 4 tbsp, melted Unsalted Butter
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Dried Basil
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder, divided
- 3/4 tsp Kosher Salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground, divided
Roasted Vegetables
- 1 large head Broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 large Red Bell Pepper, seeded and sliced
- 1 medium Red Onion, cut into wedges
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
To Garnish and Serve
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
- 1 Lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine broccoli florets, sliced red bell pepper, and red onion wedges. Drizzle with 3 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
- Roast Vegetables: Spread the vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes to soften and begin caramelizing the vegetables.
- Make Herb Crust: In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, oregano, basil, remaining 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Pour in melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles coarse, damp sand.
- Prepare Tilapia: Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to help the crust adhere. Lightly season both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add Fish and Crust to Baking Sheet: Remove the baking sheet with vegetables from the oven. Push vegetables to the sides to make room for the fish. Place tilapia fillets in the center and evenly pat the panko mixture on top of each fillet, pressing gently to stick.
- Bake Tilapia and Vegetables: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily, and the crust is golden brown. Vegetables should be tender-crisp and browned at edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the fish and vegetables, and serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the dish.
Notes
- Ensure tilapia fillets are thoroughly dried before applying the crust for better adherence.
- Use fresh lemon wedges as a bright finishing touch to complement the herb crust flavors.
- Vegetables can be swapped with other favorites such as zucchini or asparagus depending on preference.
- Make sure not to overcook tilapia to keep it moist and flaky.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
