Breadcrumb Crusted Baked Fish Fillets - 15 Min
One of the quickest meals you can make for yourself is fish. These breadcrumb crusted baked fish fillets are simple, easy and take only 15 minutes in the oven. You can use fresh or frozen fish and a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
As a kid, I grew up with fish almost thrice a week. Simple pan-fried fish, sometimes a curry or even fish cakes. My mom was a single parent. So created a system that kept her organized. And we as kids knew what to expect. For example, we had fish at home three times a week, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Truth be told, back then fish was more affordable for her compared to chicken and meat.
Also, mom made vegetarian meals twice a week - Tuesday and Friday. And we had meat, mostly chicken or beef, the other two days. While lamb was only made on special occasion and that too if she could afford it. Our vegetarian meals usually contained a lot of lentils and beans and we loved it very much.
For us, fish is more expensive than fresh so I make fish meals just once a week. We usually start the week with fish and our week starts Sunday. Anyway, we love to eat fish but we love it simple.
About this breadcrumb crusted fish
The best thing I love about cooking fish is that you have to keep it simple. Simplicity works in its favor. Another great advantage of fish is that it can take on any flavor. You can keep it simple with just a pan-fried fish fillet with salt, pepper and lemon juice which Ziv loves very much. Or give it a robust flavor like tandoori. Speaking of tandoori, if you love Indian food you absolutely must try my tandoori prawns and Chicken. Herbs like dill and cilantro can do amazing things with fish.
Today I'm making this which is my kids favorite. The crust on the top is so fragrant and goes so beautifully with fish. The nutty flavor from the Parmesan though not much is just enough to perfume the fish and take away any fishy taste or smell. The cheddar offers a nice sharpness and yet not too overly strong. If you are particular about fish like my Aadi who does will not stand the slightest fishy smell or taste then you must try this one.
What to serve with Fish?
The simplicity of this dish means you can serve it with just about anything. Today, I am serving it with a side of my cauliflower and some baked oven-baked carrot but beans or asparagus works a treat too. Potato as a side is always a treat with my kids - mashed potatoes, oven-baked potato wedges or chips are their favorite. When my kids were little they had to have a side of vegetable rice pilaf with their fish.
Ingredients and substitutes (save/pin)
- Fish - Use a fleshy fish that you will enjoy under all the delicious crispy topping. I use either Sea Bass or Tilapia because that's what I get here. If you get fresh it's always the best. And if you have to rely on frozen fish, like me, then thaw the fish well before you cook it so it cooks evenly. I prefer to thaw in the fridge overnight but fish thaws really fast so a quick dip in the water for 15 minutes works great too!
- Breadcrumbs - I always use fresh breadcrumbs for this. It makes it really nice and tender, plus you have to use less oil. Also, the best is, of course, leftover stale bread. If you don't have stale bread just place it in the freezer for two minutes before you pulse it in the food processor. So it won't become mush.
- Cheese - Parmesan really adds a nice nutty taste and is not so cheesy. I like cheddar but by all means, add a cheese that you love!
- Onion and garlic - I do love onion in this topping. It adds a nice texture, bite as well as it's very good for you. Garlic does what it always does best - adds so much flavor. However, you may choose to omit these too or substitute it with onion and garlic powder.
- Lemon Juice - NO it does not make the fish lemony but it does take away any fishy smells (if any) And helps bring all the flavors together beautifully.
Useful Tips and Tools
- A chopping board and kitchen knife to clean and cut ingredients. It's best to use separate chopping boards for meat/fish and veggies
- Use a skillet to saute the onions and garlic.
- You will need a baking tray to bake the fish
- Baking foil makes for easy, clean and odor-free clean-up.
- A bowl to mix all the ingredients.
- Spatula for easy transfer of fish to a platter
- A grater for grating the cheese.
Breadcrumb crusted baked fish fillets (Save/Pin)
Prepare
- Preheat the oven at 200 C / 400 F
- Clean, wash and pat dry the fish fillets.
- Place the fish in a baking tray lined with foil for easy cleanup.
- Season the fish fillets with salt, pepper, and lemon juice - set aside.
Prepare breadcrumb mix
- In a bowl - combine onion, garlic, herbs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Cheddar, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until the olive oil evenly coats the breadcrumbs and looks crumbly (not too wet nor too dry)
Bake the fish fillets
- Divide and top each fillet with the breadcrumb mixture (approx 1/2 cup for each)
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the fish is flaky when touched with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before you transfer to a platter.
Tip for baking perfect fish
This fish will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to wrap well so the breadcrumbs do not dry.
It is best to start with a hot oven and cook it for less time. A medium-size fillet will take about 15 minutes at 200 C/ 400F. The ideal guideline is 10 minutes for every an inch of fish
Dry breadcrumbs will give a very crispy dry crust.
Absolutely, if you look at the pictures closely, I have used fresh garlic and onions. While dry is easier to use, I don't always find them easily here. So yes, you can use 1/2 tsp fresh garlic and 1/2 cup onions finely chopped. Personally, I prefer to saute the onions for a few seconds to take the raw taste out of my onions.
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Breadcrumb Crusted Baked Fish Fillets
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Ingredients
- 3 pieces Fish fillet Sea-bass or Tilapia
- 2 tbsp Onion powder
- 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/4 cup Cilantro or parsley chopped
- 1 cup Fresh breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese grated
- 1/4 cup Cheddar cheese grated
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 4 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Pepper
Instructions
Prepare
- Preheat the oven at 190 C / 380 F
- Clean, wash and pat dry the fish fillets.
- Place the fish in a baking tray lined with foil for easy cleanup.
- Season the fish fillets with salt, pepper, and lemon juice - set aside.
Prepare breadcrumb mix
- In a bowl - combine onion, garlic, herbs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Cheddar, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until the olive oil evenly coats the breadcrumbs and looks crumbly (not too wet nor too dry)
Bake the fish fillets
- Divide and top each fillet with the breadcrumb mixture (approx 1/2 cup for each)
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the fish is flaky when touched with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before you transfer to a platter.
Equipment
Nutrition Information
The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you
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Ashley Judd
Cooked this last night for my family and they loved it! My 3 year old daughter kept asking me for seconds, then thirds!! I will definitely be making this again.
Veena Azmanov
Aww that is so sweet. Thank you, Ashley. My kids love this fish very much too. So happy to hear she enjoyed it so much.Thanks for coming back to write this feedback.
Hannah
Tried this recipe last week and it was absolutely delicious. Love the addition of Parmesan. Was perfect.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Hannah. yeey! So happy you had enjoyed this recipe. Thank you ! And thanks for coming back to write this feedback. Have a wonderful day.
Çitra Kale @Çitra's Home Diary
Nothing can go wrong with breadcrumb crusted.. anything should be good and yummy! thx for sharing the recipe
Veena Azmanov
So true Citra.. Breadcrumb crust is absolutely delicious.
Amanda Mason
I love fish - love! Especially Salmon. I wonder if this breadcrumb mixture would taste good on salmon? My daughter and I are the only ones in my family who like fish so I'm going to give this recipe a try!
Veena Azmanov
I'm sure it will Amanda. I love salmon as well. But have not tried this one yet. Do give it a try and let me know.
Erin @ The Speckled Palate
We make a LOT of fish at home, though we don't ever crust them like this. That's changing this week, and I absolutely cannot wait. Thank you!
Veena Azmanov
I wish I could do more fish at home too Erin But it does become an expensive affair and have to use frozen lol..
Anne Murphy
That sounds lovely!
We end up eating a fair bit of tilapia (because it's in the budget...) and sometimes I just need something different from my usual recipe.
Veena Azmanov
I know what you mean Anne. We need a little change once in a while.
Cheryl
This looks so pretty and yummy. I love adding a little crunch of breadcrumbs when baking fish.
Veena Azmanov
Absolutely. Thanks Cheryl.
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices
We have fish at least once a week, as well, and this is a simple yet super tasty way of showcasing a beautiful fillet.
Veena Azmanov
Absolutely Nicoletta. Very easy to do.
Diana
I love the bread crumb idea to made like a filling, will have to try this.
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Diana. Yes, the breadcrumb are definitely worth trying
dixya @food, pleasure, and health
i dont make fish as often as i should but this is something doable...i will have to try this soon.
Veena Azmanov
Absolutely doable! You must try soon.
Elaine @ Dishes Delish
This breaded fish fillets look so good. I love fish that are breadcrumb crusted! I will be making this for hubby and I real soon!! Awesome recipe!
Veena Azmanov
Great to hear that Elaine. Let me know what you think when you do try it.
Aish Das-Padihari
How come I never thought of this ? I use fish fillets a lot. I'm going to crust them with seasoned home made breadcrumbs. Great idea. Thanks!
Veena Azmanov
Ha.. happens to us all Aish - Enjoy !
Michelle
This mix of herbs and Parmesan sounds delicious. I usually fry my fish, but I'd love to try this baked. Sounds super healthy and yummy!
Veena Azmanov
I love baked Fish Michelle. And the crust on this is a real treat.
Analida Braeger
I love a nice baked fish with a crispy topping like this, The combination of flavors and textures is fantastic! Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Analida
shalu
It Looks Excellent ..I love cooking fish like this!!OOooohh.. mouth watering:)