If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that comes together with minimal fuss, it’s hard to beat Herb-Crusted Tilapia with Roasted Vegetables. This sheet pan wonder brings together tender, flaky tilapia topped with a golden, herby crust, alongside a rainbow of oven-roasted veggies. Every bite is a blend of crispy, savory, and naturally sweet flavors, making this dish a weeknight favorite you’ll crave again and again. And best of all, it’s as beautiful to look at as it is to eat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Herb-Crusted Tilapia with Roasted Vegetables lies in its simplicity—each ingredient serves a purpose, whether it’s adding crunch, creaminess, freshness, or irresistible aroma. Gather these basics and you’ll have dinner magic in no time.
- Tilapia fillets (4, about 5 oz each): Mild and flaky, tilapia is the perfect canvas for the herb-packed crust.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Adds richness and helps both the fish and vegetables roast to perfection.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): These light, airy breadcrumbs create an ultra-crispy topping.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Brings salty, nutty flavor and helps the crust turn golden.
- Dried parsley (2 teaspoons): Contributes a gentle herbal note that brightens the whole dish.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Infuses the crust with classic Italian flavor.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers subtle garlicky warmth without overpowering the fish.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for drawing out the best in every ingredient.
- Baby carrots (2 cups): Sweet and become caramelized as they roast.
- Zucchini (1, sliced): Adds mellow flavor and gorgeous green color.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Provides sweetness and a pop of vibrant red.
- Yellow squash (1, sliced): Its buttery texture pairs beautifully with the other veggies.
- Red onion (1 small, sliced): Lends a little tang and extra color.
- Balsamic vinegar (1 tablespoon): A touch of acidity rounds out the roasted vegetables.
How to Make Herb-Crusted Tilapia with Roasted Vegetables
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), giving it time to get nice and hot while you assemble everything. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup a breeze later—one of the best perks of sheet pan dinners!
Step 2: Make the Herb Crust
In a small mixing bowl, stir together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, dried parsley, basil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. This aromatic blend creates the signature topping for your Herb-Crusted Tilapia with Roasted Vegetables, locking in moisture and adding delectable crunch.
Step 3: Prepare the Tilapia Fillets
Lay the tilapia fillets on one side of the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, which not only helps the crust adhere but also promotes beautiful browning. Then, gently press the breadcrumb mixture onto each fillet, piling it high for an extra-satisfying bite.
Step 4: Toss and Arrange the Vegetables
Add the baby carrots, zucchini, red bell pepper, yellow squash, and red onion to a large bowl. Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, the balsamic vinegar, and a good sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Toss everything together until the veggies glisten, then spread them out on the other half of the baking sheet. Arranging them in a single layer ensures even roasting.
Step 5: Roast to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes. The tilapia is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and the crust is gorgeously golden; the vegetables should be tender and tinged with brown at the edges. Your whole kitchen will fill with irresistible, herby aromas!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully plate a tilapia fillet next to a colorful heap of roasted vegetables. This Herb-Crusted Tilapia with Roasted Vegetables isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s an invitation to dig in and savor every forkful. Don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds!
How to Serve Herb-Crusted Tilapia with Roasted Vegetables
Garnishes
A simple squeeze of fresh lemon over the top right before serving brightens every bite and balances the savoriness. You might also add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of green and a touch of zing, or give the roasted vegetables a light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil right before bringing the platter to the table.
Side Dishes
This Herb-Crusted Tilapia with Roasted Vegetables is quite satisfying on its own, but if you’re in the mood for something extra, try serving it alongside fluffy quinoa, herbed rice, or even a wedge of crusty bread to soak up the pan juices. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also makes a refreshing complement.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party-worthy presentation, consider arranging the roasted veggies in a vibrant ring around the tilapia fillets on a serving platter. Or, create individual plates with a rustic swipe of herbed yogurt or a spoonful of pesto underneath the fish. However you serve it, the beautiful colors and textures of Herb-Crusted Tilapia with Roasted Vegetables do most of the work for you!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Simply transfer the tilapia and roasted vegetables into airtight containers. Store them in the refrigerator for up to two days; this keeps the flavors fresh without the fish drying out. If possible, store the fish and vegetables separately to help maintain the tilapia’s crispy crust.
Freezing
While Herb-Crusted Tilapia with Roasted Vegetables can technically be frozen, the texture of the crust and veggies may soften after thawing. If you’d like to try it, wrap cooled portions tightly in foil, then place in freezer-safe bags or containers. For best quality, enjoy within a month.
Reheating
To recapture the crispness of the tilapia crust, it’s best to reheat leftovers in the oven or toaster oven. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until hot, keeping an eye out to prevent overcooking. This will also help the roasted vegetables warm up without losing their roasty goodness.
FAQs
Can I substitute another fish for tilapia?
Definitely! Cod and haddock are both great options for Herb-Crusted Tilapia with Roasted Vegetables, since they’re mild and flaky. Just check for doneness—the bake time may need a slight adjustment depending on thickness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, the recipe uses panko breadcrumbs which contain gluten, but you can easily swap in gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers for a celiac-friendly version of Herb-Crusted Tilapia with Roasted Vegetables.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh parsley and basil can be substituted (use three times the amount of dried called for), and they’ll deliver even more vibrant, aromatic flavor in this dish.
How do I know when the tilapia is fully cooked?
The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque. For extra accuracy, use a meat thermometer; tilapia is perfectly cooked when it reaches 145°F (63°C) at the thickest point.
What’s the best way to keep the breadcrumb crust crispy?
To keep the crust snappy, avoid covering or tightly wrapping the tilapia while it’s hot, as steam can soften it. Reheating in the oven instead of the microwave helps maintain that golden, crunchy texture you love.
Final Thoughts
Don’t be surprised if Herb-Crusted Tilapia with Roasted Vegetables becomes your new go-to for any night of the week. It’s wholesome, easy, bursting with color, and destined to impress whoever’s lucky enough to share your table. Do yourself a favor and give this recipe a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
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Herb-Crusted Tilapia with Roasted Vegetables Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Herb-Crusted Tilapia with Roasted Vegetables recipe is a delicious and healthy meal that is easy to prepare. The tilapia fillets are coated in a flavorful herb and breadcrumb mixture, then baked to perfection alongside a medley of colorful roasted vegetables. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal.
Ingredients
Tilapia:
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 5 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Roasted Vegetables:
- 2 cups baby carrots
- 1 zucchini (sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 yellow squash (sliced)
- 1 small red onion (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the tilapia: In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Brush tilapia fillets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, coat with the breadcrumb mixture, and place on one side of the baking sheet.
- Prepare the vegetables: In a large bowl, toss baby carrots, zucchini, bell pepper, squash, and red onion with the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Spread the vegetables on the other side of the baking sheet.
- Roast: Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
- Serve: Serve the herb-crusted tilapia with the roasted vegetables immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute tilapia with cod or haddock.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for extra freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tilapia fillet with vegetables
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
