Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (2024)

By:Nagi

265 Comments

10 minute, insanely EASY Fish Recipe with high returns for very minimal effort! This Parmesan Crumbed Fish has a crunchy golden garlicky crumb – and guess what? NO MESSY DREDGING.

Bonus: Super healthy fish recipe, clocking in at at just 260 calories per serving!

Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (1)

EASY Fish recipe!

I love a good crispy Pan Fried Fish, and sure it only takes 7 minutes to make but we all have those days when we just can’t deal with flour dusting and stove-top oil splatter. Right??

So this Parmesan Crusted Fish is a recipe that I came up with in my former corporate days. I called it anEmergency Fish recipe because it’s one of the most effortless fish dinners I know – if not THE most effortless – with high returns for very small effort and the added bonus that it’s healthy.

For 3 minutes of your time, this is what I can give you:

  • perfectly cooked juicy fish

  • crunchy golden garlicky parmesan crumb (it’s so delicious, you’ll want to eat it straight out of the bowl!)

  • no stove mess

  • wholesome, made from scratch

  • a fish dinner that’s incredibly quick ‘n easy yet makes no sacrifices on the deliciousness factor!

The way I cook this fish is a little unorthodox – but it’s a highly effective, no fail method!

Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (2)

My emergency Easy Fish Recipe: how to make it

Once you see how I make this, you’ll understand why it’s my Emergency Fish recipe!!

Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (3)

  1. Parmesan Crumb – Shove a couple of garlic cloves through a garlic crusher, mix with store bought grated parmesan (the sandy type), breadcrumbs, salt, pepper and swish of oil. Parsley is totally optional here!

  2. Mustard “glue” – Spread mustard on the fish, just like buttering toast! The mustard is our glue for the crumb (avoid messy dredging in egg) as well as adding some flavour;

  3. Press fish into crumb mixture;

  4. Marvel at how it sticks on perfectly!

  5. Lay into PREHEATED skillet and pop under broiler/grill OR bake it- preheating the skillet cooks the fish on the underside while the heat elements cook it from the top and makes the crumb beautifully golden;

  6. 5 minutes later, marvel(again!) at how beautifully golden the crumb is and how perfectly the fish is cooked!

What you need

And here’s what you need for my Emergency Easy Fish recipe.

Parsley is optional! And any fish will work here, though anything thicker than 2cm / 4/5″ thick should be cooked in the oven rather than using the broiler/grill (directions in recipe).

Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (4)

Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (5)

Super fast fish recipe

This fish recipe can be cooked in under the grill/broiler OR in the oven, but my preferred method is using the boiler for 2 reasons:

  • it’s faster –a 2 cm / 4/5″ thicken white fish fillet will cook in 5 – 6 minute flat., about half the time it takes in the oven; and

  • the closer contactto the heat source makes the crumb wonderfully golden without overcooking the fish. If you use the oven, you can either flick the broiler on at the end, or if you want a really golden crumb, use my method to toast the breadcrumbs in the oven before crumbing the fish, like I do for my baked Homemade Filet-O-Fish.

What to serve with Parmesan Crumbed Fish

This fish is pictured in post served over Creamy Mashed Cauliflower because I had it on hand (loving having a tub of it on standby!) but in my corporate days, thisGarlic White Bean Mash In A Flashwas a regular.

But honestly, for a quick meal, toast up some bread, grab a handful of leafy greens, drizzle with oil and lemon juice, pinch of salt and pepper – and voila!

Dinner. On the table in 10 minutes! – Nagi x

Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (6)

More fish recipes

Acqua Pazza – Italian Poached Fish
Crispy Skin Salmon
Crispy Beer Battered Fish
Baked Parmesan Crusted Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce
Brazilian Fish Stew (Moqueca Baiana)
Crispy Pan Fried Fish
Tuna Steak
Italian Crusted Sardines
Fish recipes

Watch how to make it

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Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (16)

Healthy Parmesan Garlic Crumbed Fish

Author: Nagi | RecipeTin Eats

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 7 minutes mins

Total: 12 minutes mins

Fish

Western

4.96 from 88 votes

Servings2

Tap or hover to scale

Print

Recipe video above. Packed generously with a thick, crunchy coating of parmesan and garlic breadcrumbs, this is one fish that everyone is sure to love. Using this recipe, you'll get perfectly golden crumbs and perfectly cooked fish every time. And the clincher? It's on the table in just over 10 minutes. I made this using perch fillets (skin off) but you can use any firm white fish fillets.

Ingredients

  • 2 firm white fish fillets (about 5 oz / 150g each), skin off, at room temperature
  • 2 tbsp dijon mustard (sub mayo)
  • Olive oil spray
  • Salt and pepper

Crumb

  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp parsley , finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup (30g) parmesan , finely grated
  • 1 garlic clove , minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Preheat grill / broiler on high.

  • Combine the Crumb ingredients and mix well to combine.

  • Sprinkle both sides of fish with salt and pepper, then spread the mustard on the top of each fillet (top only).

  • Press the mustard smeared side of the fish into the crumb mixture. Press down firmly to make it stick. Then spray with oil (for extra golden crumb!).

  • Drizzle 1/2 tbsp oil in a skillet and preheat on the stove over high heat.

  • Once skillet is hot, place the fillets in the hot pan then place under the grill / broiler (about 5"/15cm from the heat source) for 5 - 6 minutes until the crumb is golden and the fish is cooked, rotating as required. Fish should flake in centre once cooked.

  • Oven option: bake at 220C/390F for 10 - 12 minutes, then finish under the grill/broiler on high to make the crumb golden.

  • Serve immediately with lemon wedges!

Recipe Notes:

1. Cook time: The fillets I used were about 2cm / 4/5" thick and they took about 6 minutes to cook.

2. Side suggestion- pictured in post with Creamy Mashed Cauliflower (low carb, super tasty alternative to mashed potato!). ThisGarlic White Bean Mash In A Flashis also a handy quick side. For a quick meal, toast up some bread, grab a handful of leafy greens, drizzle with oil and lemon juice, pinch of salt and pepper - and voila!

3. Nutrition per serving, fish only.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 149gCalories: 263cal (13%)Carbohydrates: 11.7g (4%)Protein: 32.5g (65%)Fat: 9.1g (14%)Saturated Fat: 3g (19%)Cholesterol: 136mg (45%)Sodium: 263mg (11%)Potassium: 414mg (12%)Fiber: 0.5g (2%)Vitamin A: 250IU (5%)Vitamin C: 6.6mg (8%)Calcium: 190mg (19%)Iron: 1.6mg (9%)

Keywords: easy fish recipe, fish dinner

Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @recipe_tin.

Originally published July 2014. Updated with new photos, new writing, brand new video and most importantly, Life of Dozer section added!

Life of Dozer

When you close the door on Dozer:

Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (17)

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265 Comments

  1. Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (21)Deb says

    Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (22)
    I followed recipe and rather than on the stove, placed in the oven on 180 deg c for approx 15-20 mins.. perfect and accompanied by a simple salad and Danish Remoulade !

    Reply

  2. Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (23)Claire says

    Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (24)
    Was absolutely delicious. It was very easy to make. My partner and I both enjoyed it. I used Basa Fish and it turned out beautiful.
    I’ll be making this one again. Thank you

    Reply

  3. Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (25)Cathy Iffland says

    I usually make this recipe with thick white fish like blue eye cod but thought I’d try it with ocean trout (red fish). It was absolutely amazing, my husband loved it too! Thanks Nagi

    Reply

  4. Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (26)Margret says

    Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (27)
    In a rush, I made WAAAY too much of the crumb mix, didn’t want to chuck it, (fabulous on the ling BTW!) I used the extra on chicken tenders which I marinated overnight put on a tray with parboiled potato slices, carrot sticks, small cauli flowers, a bit of red capsicum that needed using, all on the one tray with the chicken generously dressed with the mustard & crumb topping – it was really delicious! The crumb topping is fabulous – kept the chicken moist and added a great texture. THANKS NAGI!!

    Reply

  5. Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (28)Viviane Buzzi says

    I made this last night. didn’t have panko so used ordinary breadcrumbs. I used rockling fillets and cooked them in the airfryer for 10 mins … wonderful crunchy, topping and beautiful flaky fish underneath. Quick, easy, healthy and delicious. Thank you for sharing this recipe.

    Reply

  6. Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (30)David Foster says

    Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (31)
    Made this for the family last night (with Coral Trout). Easily the best quick fish dish I’ve ever made and it was very well received.
    The mustard gave it a piquancy that made the taste buds sit up and take notice.
    Made it with the Garlic White Bean Mash which didn’t go so well, something to work on.

    Reply

  7. Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (34)Rachel says

    Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (35)
    I didn’t have panko so I used the whole wheat breadcrumbs I had on hand and it was still perfect! My husband didn’t believe me when I told him it would be ready in 5 minutes after I put it in the broiler but of course it was!

    I misread the recipe and accidentally made a double serving of the crumbs because I thought it was for 5oz total not 5oz each. Thought mentioning my mess-up might help someone else!

    Reply

  8. Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (36)Half Baked Cook says

    Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (37)
    What an absolute winner! As always, this recipe took about the time that was recommended. Being the half baked cook that I am I accidentally put crushed ginger, then realised and added the crushed garlic as well anyway. It was awesome. I only had grated Parmesan, which worked well. I decided on the oven then grill option. That went very well. Thank you again Nagi. Recipe Tin Eats is my and my husband’s go to for recipes, and we’re never disappointed!

    Reply

  9. Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (38)Cynthia Mitchell says

    Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (39)
    So delicious and easy! Always have some white fish in the freezer ready for quick and easy meals like this one. Love the Dijon mustard!

    Reply

  10. Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (40)Laura Boswell says

    Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (41)
    This is a winning dish! My husband and I both love to fish, and I have tried many recipes. We cooked our snapper fillets with this recipe and absolutely loved it! My hubby said this was a “do-over!”

    Reply

  11. Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (42)Shelley Ross says

    Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (43)
    Great tasty fish dish. We loved it and will certainly cook this again. Served it with a vege stir fry. 😋

    Reply

  12. Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (44)Rebecca Z says

    Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (45)
    I make this recipe a lot and love it 💗 We now have a air fryer and do you think this recipe would work in the air fryer?

    Reply

  13. Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (46)Fabiola says

    Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (47)
    This was so good quick and easy as I normally do the flour egg crumb thing. Cut time down and I had less dishes to contend with. The mustard really worked which I was curious to see if the flavour profile would work and it did. I used basa fillets and crushed up corn flakes (we had no panko crumbs or bread crumbs or bread in the house) Seved this with home made potatoe chips and a avocadoe, tomatoe hallumi salad.

    Reply

  14. Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (50)Lynda says

    Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (51)
    Best fish recipe ever. Made with barramundi and a side of slaw. Awesome – thank you!

    Reply

  15. Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (52)Leanne says

    Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (53)
    This is my go to meal when I want something easy and tasty! Such a simple recipe but never disappoints! I’ve made this with both Barramundi and Snapper. I prefer the Barramundi while my boyfriend prefers the Snapper. Both were great!

    Reply

  16. Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (54)Kathryn R says

    Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (55)
    A husband who is picky about fish and a wife (me) who appreciates a simple yet Delicious recipe, this was a perfect dish! Thank you for this

    Reply

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Emergency EASY Fish recipe - Parmesan Crumbed Fish! (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between battered and crumbed fish? ›

According to question, Breaded fish is coated with a layer of breadcrumbs before being cooked, resulting in a crispy texture. Battered fish, on the other hand, is dipped in a liquid batter (usually a mixture of flour, water, and sometimes other ingredients) before frying, creating a thicker, more substantial coating.

Is crumbed fish healthy? ›

Crumbed or flavoured frozen fish can be high in sodium and fat; plain, uncoated frozen fillets are the best choice. Processed products like fish fingers don't always contain as much fish as you'd hope, so check the label.

What to eat with breaded fish? ›

Simple, wholesome breaded and battered fish recipes
  • Classic Fish and Chips. ...
  • Battered Coated Fish, Potato Wedges and Remoulade. ...
  • Battered Cod fillets with sweet potato wedges and minty crushed peas. ...
  • Breaded Cod Fillets with baked potato and healthy coleslaw. ...
  • Breaded Cod Fillets with Mediterranean Rice and a side of salad.

Which is better, battered or breaded? ›

Other than pancakes and some lighter cakes, batters are great for protecting softer, more delicate foods in the deep fryer or for preventing overcooking. Breading on the other hand, often clumps up when placed in the deep fryer, which can create problems for the presentation and taste of the end product and your fryer.

What makes batter more crispy? ›

Rice flour and cornstarch work particularly well because they fry up crispier than wheat flour. They also absorb less moisture and fat during the frying process, making the products less greasy.

Can you use milk instead of egg to crumb fish? ›

You could also try milk or yogurt. For heavier coatings (like panko or breadcrumbs), you might dust the fish with flour first. Once the floured fish is dipped in the butter or milk, it will get a little gummy and help the coating adhere better.

How do you bind breading without eggs? ›

The typical three-step process is flour, eggs and then breadcrumbs. Instead of the egg, Moskowitz recommends a mix of cornstarch and water, which, when stirred together, forms a slurry. It, too, is an effective glue, and you may even notice more crispness to, say, your chicken parm.

Can I use mayo instead of eggs for breading? ›

There are more than a few reasons why mayo makes sense as a substitute for egg wash. Since they both share the same main ingredient (eggs), they function in very similar ways. Much like egg wash acts as a binding agent to help seasonings and breadcrumbs stick to meat, creamy mayonnaise also manages to do the same.

What is the most unhealthy fish to eat? ›

Worst: Fish High in Mercury
  • Imported swordfish.
  • Imported marlin.
  • Shark.
  • Tilefish.

How do you know when crumbed fish is cooked? ›

The best way to tell if your fish is done is by testing it with a fork at an angle, at the thickest point, and twist gently. The fish will flake easily when it's done and it will lose its translucent or raw appearance. A good rule of thumb is to cook the fish to an internal temperature of 140-145 degrees.

Which fish is good for diabetes? ›

As seafood enthusiasts and experts, we highly recommend consuming the following types if you want to enjoy the nutritional advantages of seafood for people with diabetes:
  • Salmon.
  • Cod.
  • Tuna.
  • Trout.
  • Shrimp.
  • Lobster.
  • Haddock.
  • Scallops.
Nov 1, 2023

Which fish is best breaded? ›

White-fleshed fish such as cod, tilapia, and haddock are great for frying. They're perfect for adding different seasonings. Oily fish like mackerel or sardines might overpower other flavors when fried. They don't get as crispy.

What's the difference between breading and battering? ›

Breading can also be formulated differently for a pressure fryer versus an open fryer. Breadings are described as dry coatings and are not to be confused with batters, which are wet coatings. Both coatings envelop the meat and should stay intact during the cooking process.

Is special fish battered or breaded? ›

Fish supper = battered haddock and chips. Special fish supper = breaded haddock and chips. these days, given the price if fish, it isnt haddock unless it says its haddock. if it doesnt say, it's probably pollock.

What does crumbed mean in cooking? ›

Other forms: crumbs; crumbed; crumbing. A crumb is a very tiny piece of food. Some recipes instruct you to top a dish with bread crumbs before you bake it. Crumbs are what you're left with after finishing a box of cookies or a bag of tortilla chips — the bits that are too small to eat.

Why do certain foods need to be crumbed or battered before deep frying? ›

Deep-fried battered and breaded coatings provide foods with texture, flavour, reduced moisture loss and oil uptake.

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