Almond-Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Fillets

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon olive oil, or as needed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup buttery spread (such as Smart Balance®), softened
• ¼ cup slivered almonds, crushed
• 3 tablespoons reduced-fat olive oil mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay®)
• ¼ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 pound tilapia fillets

Step 1

Move your oven rack so it’s about 6 inches from the broiler element, then preheat the broiler. Line a broiling pan with aluminum foil or give it a quick spray with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until it smells fragrant—this should take about 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 3

While the garlic is cooking, mix together the Parmesan cheese, buttery spread, chopped almonds, mayonnaise, bread crumbs, lemon juice, seafood seasoning, basil, black pepper, onion powder, and celery salt in a bowl until everything is well combined.

Step 4

Place the tilapia fillets in a single layer on your prepared pan. Cover them loosely with foil and pop them under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Then, carefully flip the fillets, cover again, and broil for another 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 5

Take off the foil, spread the Parmesan and almond mixture evenly over each fillet, and return the pan to the broiler. Keep an eye on them as they cook for about 2 more minutes, until the fish flakes easily and the topping gets golden and crispy.