Broiled Parmesan Tilapia

Background info: I grew up in a "red-meat household." That's right - we pretty much had red meat for every dinner. Ok, deli sandwiches now and then, but that's about it. I'm not complaining...I enjoyed it at the time as I really didn't know anything different. Of course, growing up in a small town in Nebraska probably contributed to this meat of choice. I went to college and discovered chicken - yum! And having married a man that loves all things relating to the ocean, I've expanded my tastes to seafood. There - I can't believe said it! I'm sure those of you who've known me for a while probably think I'm lying when I say that I eat seafood - and regularly! 

I got married in June, and I've only made a meal with red meat twice...that's it! Chicken, turkey and fish frequent our dinner table often. Now when I do eat red meat, I just feel "full" a lot faster.  I'm not here to persuade you to give up red meat - heck no! Because even I crave a juicy steak every now and then!

This recipe for tilapia is amazing. It's the first way I ever prepared fish, and I love it. Tilapia has such a mild flavor, and the sauce is so yummy. I believe it can make a believer in fish out of anyone!

 

Pictured above with Gourmet Mac & Cheese, and a side of corn.

Original recipe from allrecipes.com.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup parmesan cheese (shredded, not grated!)

1/4 cup butter, softened

3 tablespoons mayo

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/8 teaspoon onion powder

1/8 teaspoon celery salt

**This is for 2 lbs. of tilapia fillets - but I use this much on 3-4 individual fillets

Directions:

Preheat your oven's broiler. Grease a broiling pan or line pan with aluminum foil.  In a small bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, butter, mayonnaise and lemon juice. Season with dried basil, pepper, onion powder and celery salt. Mix well and set aside.

Arrange fillets in a single layer on the prepared pan. Broil a few inches from the heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the fillets over and broil for a couple more minutes. Remove the fillets from the oven and cover them with the Parmesan cheese mixture on the top side. Broil for 2 more minutes or until the topping is browned and fish flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to over cook the fish.