Copycat Olive Garden Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe

Craving that famous Parmesan Crusted Tilapia from Olive Garden? Now you can recreate it right at home with this easy and delicious copycat recipe! Crispy, golden perfection with a burst of flavor – it’s the perfect dinner to impress your taste buds without leaving the house.

Olive Garden’s Tilapia Recipe is amazing, serve over Instant Pot Spaghetti, or serve alongside slow roasted vegetables, or even a bed of rice, this easy copycat recipe will delight everyone’s tastebuds!

This is such an easy and delicious way to cook up a delicious seafood dinner for the family, and the kids will love it, as it has so much flavor!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• This recipe gives you the same rich, crispy Parmesan crust you love from Olive Garden, right at home.
• It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner.
• The flavorful seasoning adds a burst of savory goodness in every bite.
• You can enjoy a healthier version without compromising on taste or texture.
• It’s a versatile dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of sides for a complete meal.

Ingredients Needed

• Tilapia fillets – Tender and mild-flavored, perfect for a crispy crust.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds a rich, nutty flavor and helps create the golden, crispy crust.
• Breadcrumbs – Provides the perfect crunch and texture for the crust.
• Garlic powder – Adds a savory depth of flavor that complements the Parmesan.
• Paprika – Gives a subtle smokiness and a touch of color to the crust.
• Egg – Helps bind the breadcrumbs and Parmesan together for a perfect coating.
• Olive oil – Used for pan-searing, creating a crispy, golden finish on the tilapia.
• Lemon zest – Adds a refreshing, citrusy brightness to balance the richness of the crust.

How To Make Copycat Olive Garden Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe

Step One: Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

Step Two: In a shallow dish, combine the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon zest.

Step Three: In another shallow dish, whisk the egg until well-beaten.

Step Four: Dip each tilapia fillet into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to coat evenly.

Step Five: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated fillets and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the tilapia from the skillet and let it rest briefly before serving. Pair with your favorite sides and enjoy your homemade Parmesan crusted tilapia!

Copycat Olive Garden Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe Tips

• Use fresh tilapia – For the best texture and flavor, use fresh tilapia fillets instead of frozen.
• Double-coat the fillets – For an extra crispy crust, dip the fillets back into the egg and breadcrumb mixture before cooking.
• Add a squeeze of lemon – After cooking, a fresh squeeze of lemon juice will brighten the flavors and add a zesty finish.
• Adjust seasoning to taste – Feel free to tweak the garlic powder, paprika, or lemon zest to suit your preferences.
• Use a non-stick pan – To prevent the fillets from sticking, use a non-stick skillet or make sure the oil is heated well before adding the fish.
• Serve with a side of marinara – For an extra touch of flavor, serve the tilapia with a side of marinara or garlic butter for dipping.

Copycat Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Olive Garden Recipe Tips

Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe? Yes, you can substitute tilapia with other mild white fish like cod, haddock, or sole. Just make sure the fillets are of similar thickness for even cooking.

Can I bake the tilapia instead of frying it? Yes, you can bake the coated fillets at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden and crispy. Lightly spray the fillets with cooking spray before baking to ensure they crisp up.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While the coating can be prepared in advance, it’s best to coat and cook the tilapia just before serving for the crispiest texture.

Can I freeze the Parmesan crusted tilapia? Yes, you can freeze the coated fillets before cooking. Simply place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in an airtight container. When ready to cook, pan-fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What side dishes pair well with this tilapia? This Parmesan crusted tilapia pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a side of pasta.

More Easy Olive Garden Copycat Recipes

• olive garden chicken scampi
• olive garden chicken tortellini alfredo recipe
• olive garden stuffed ziti fritta
• olive garden chicken marsala recipe
• olive garden creamy garlic sauce
• air fryer copycat olive garden chocolate lasagna
• air fryer olive garden copycat lasagna fritta
• air fryer copycat olive garden shrimp alfredo
• air fryer copycat olive garden chicken parmigiana
• air fryer olive garden toasted ravioli
• instant pot copycat olive garden spinach artichoke dip
• air fryer olive garden fried mozzarella

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