Imagine diving into a perfectly cooked, mouthwatering tilapia dish that's ready in just 22 minutes and packed with cheesy, crispy goodness! This Instant Pot Cheesy Tilapia recipe is about to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine, offering a quick, delicious meal that looks like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for simple yet impressive recipes, or just craving a tasty seafood dinner, this recipe is your ultimate solution.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 22 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 Tilapia fillets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring they will crisp up nicely.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well blended to create a smooth marinade.
- Brush each tilapia fillet generously with the prepared mayonnaise mixture, ensuring even coating on both sides.
- In another bowl, mix shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs to create a crispy topping.
- Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot and place the trivet inside to elevate the fish from direct liquid contact.
- Carefully place the marinated tilapia fillets on the trivet, then sprinkle the cheese and breadcrumb mixture evenly over each fillet.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and select the "Steam" function. Cook on high pressure for 4-5 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure to prevent overcooking the fish.
- Carefully remove the tilapia fillets using a spatula and transfer to serving plates.
- Optional: For a golden top, briefly broil the fillets in the oven for 1-2 minutes to crisp the cheese topping.
- Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips
- Always pat your tilapia fillets completely dry before marinating to ensure maximum flavor absorption and crispy texture.
- Use fresh, high-quality tilapia for the best taste and texture.
- Don't skip the quick release method to prevent overcooking the delicate fish.
- For extra flavor, experiment with different cheese blends like a mix of cheddar and parmesan.
- If you want an extra crispy top, the optional broiling step is a game-changer.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the optimal texture and temperature.
- Pair with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, nutritious meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 371kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 90mg