Tilapia with Broiled Parmesan and Lemon

A easy, flavorful dish combines tender tilapia with a crispy parmesan crust and a bright hint of lemon. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal that feels special without much fuss.

★★★★★5(1 reviews)Updated: Mar 31, 2026

Prep Time 15 min

Cook Time 10 min

Total Time 25 min

Difficulty Easy

Ingredients 0/8

4 (4 ounce) tilapia fillets 2 tablespoons Miami-style sazon seasoning (sazon completa) 1 serving olive oil cooking spray (such as PAM®) ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons butter-margarine blend (such as Smart Balance®), melted 1 ½ tablespoons fat-free mayonnaise (such as Kraft®) 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

Why This Recipe Is So Loved

A perfect balance of light and flavorful. The crispy parmesan topping adds a satisfying crunch, while the lemon brings a fresh, zesty brightness. It’s quick to prepare and feels special without needing a lot of effort.

Practical Cooking Tips

- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor and brightness.
- Keep an eye on the fish under the broiler to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Pat the fish dry before seasoning to help the topping stick better.

Directions

Turn on your oven’s broiler and moving the rack to about 6 inches from the heat. Line a broiler pan with foil for easy cleanup, and give the rack a quick spray with olive oil cooking spray so the fish doesn’t stick. Season the tilapia fillets with sazon and place them on the prepared rack. Pop the pan under the broiler and cook the fish for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, just until it starts to turn opaque. While the fish is cooking, mix together the Parmesan, butter-margarine blend, mayo, lemon juice and zest, basil, black pepper, onion powder, and celery salt until well combined. Once the fish is almost done, spread this cheesy mixture over the top of each fillet. Put the pan back in the oven and broil for another 3 to 5 minutes, until the topping is golden and bubbly and the fish flakes easily with a fork.

How To Enjoy This Dish

Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad to keep the meal light. Rice or quinoa also pairs well, soaking up any extra lemony juices. A crisp white wine complements the flavors nicely.

How To Store Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the topping crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the topping soggy.

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By Sophia Martinez

Kitchen Specialist

Sophia develops recipes that are quick, practical, and perfect for daily meals.