Broiled Tilapia Parmesan

I was talking with my friend, Nicole, about how making dinner can be frustrating at my house because I don't have even ONE meal that everyone likes. Someone is always protesting. She agreed that it's that way at her house, except for ONE meal. All three of her girls LOVE it and are excited when she makes it. It's FISH (this recipe) and quiona! Her girls are young, ages 22mo - 6 years old. I had to have this fish recipe! I have tried feeding my kids fish a lot with very little positive feedback! 

She shared this recipe with me about a month ago. It's been so well received around our house, we've had it at least 4 times :) I still have one major protester... but I will take that. With other fish recipes I have tried, usually Douglas and I are the only fans. So with this recipe, we gained 4 more fans of fish :)

If you are hesitant about fish or know your kids will resist, try this recipe. We had good luck with it. YUM!

Broiled Tilapia Parmesan

Parmesan Topping:
1/2 c parmesan cheese*

2 T olive oil or butter, softened

2 T mayonnaise

2 T fresh lemon juice

1/4 tsp dried basil

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

1/8 tsp onion powder

1/8 tsp celery salt

2-3 pounds tilapia fillets

Preheat your oven's broiler.  Line a broiler pan or rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, spray with cooking spray.

In a small bowl, mix together parmesan cheese, oil, mayo, and lemon juice, dried basil, pepper, onion powder, and celery salt. If it's too thick, drizzle olive oil or lemon juice until it's spreadable. This is a lot of topping, enough topping for 2-3lbs of fish. I have refrigerated this mixture at this point and warmed it in the microwave for 30 seconds when it's time to use. I imagine you could freeze it for future use as well. Mix well and set aside.

Arrange fish in a single layer on the prepared pan. Broil a few inches from the heat for approx. 4-5 minutes.  Flip the fillets over and broil for another 4-5 minutes.  Remove the fish  from the oven and spread about 1T of the parmesan cheese mixture on the top side.  Broil for 2 more minutes or until the topping is browned and the fish flakes easily with a fork.  

*If using freshly grated parmesean, use only 1/3c. You may also need to microwave the mixture for 15-30 seconds to get a smooth consistency.

Serves 6 adults

Recipe by Nicole Moore