Baked Herb-Crusted Mediterranean Tilapia with Lemon

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender tilapia fillets baked with a zesty herb crust, bringing bright Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs 5 oz each tilapia fillets, lemon zest, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat dry 4 tilapia fillets (5 oz each) and place on the prepared sheet.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until combined.
  3. Step 3: In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese.
  4. Step 4: Brush the olive oil and herb mixture evenly over the tops of the tilapia fillets, then press the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture onto the fillets to form a crust.
  5. Step 5: Bake the tilapia in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Herb-Crusted Mediterranean Tilapia with Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Herb-Crusted Mediterranean Tilapia with Lemon?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep 5 oz each tilapia fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Herb-Crusted Mediterranean Tilapia with Lemon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Herb-Crusted Mediterranean Tilapia with Lemon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Herb-Crusted Mediterranean Tilapia with Lemon?

Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes