Crispy, golden, and bursting with bright, herbaceous flavor, Fried Lemon Rosemary Tilapia is a quick and delicious way to elevate your weeknight dinner game. This recipe combines the zesty aroma of fresh lemon zest, the earthy essence of rosemary, and the savory crunch of a Parmesan-panko breadcrumb coating. Each tender tilapia fillet is pan-fried to perfection in olive oil, resulting in a flaky, flavorful fish that pairs beautifully with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy families or anyone craving a restaurant-quality meal at home. Serve with your favorite sides and let the irresistible combination of citrus and herbs brighten up your plate!
Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels and set aside.
In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, finely chopped fresh rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the tilapia fillets.
Set up a dredging station: Place the flour in one shallow dish, beat the egg in a second shallow dish, and mix the panko breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese in a third shallow dish.
Dredge each tilapia fillet in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it's fully coated, and finally press it into the panko-Parmesan mixture, covering the fillet evenly on all sides.
Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot but not smoking, carefully place the breaded tilapia fillets into the skillet.
Fry the fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. The fish should flake easily with a fork, and the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Remove the fillets from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Serve the fried tilapia immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
Calories |
1504 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 78.9 g | 101% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.6 g | 83% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 456 mg | 152% | |
| Sodium | 3020 mg | 131% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 73.6 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.0 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.8 g | ||
| Protein | 124.9 g | 250% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 231 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 7.9 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 1755 mg | 37% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.