Breadcrumb Crusted Baked Fish Fillets

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 recipe

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

• 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.

Step by step instructions (Pin)

Prepare

• Preheat the oven at 200 C / 390 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 ½ 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

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