Easy Crispy Fish Parmesan (Better Than Chicken Parm!)

Easy crispy fish parmesan is a delightful addition to any Christmas Eve feast, especially for seafood lovers looking to try something new with traditional Italian classic flavors. This recipe is my lighter twist on a family passed down chicken parm recipe and it is hard to beat!

I’m so excited to share this fish parmesan recipe with you! This classic recipe is not only a family favorite but also a heartfelt tribute to a remarkable woman who played a significant role in shaping my culinary journey. This dish is my twist on a classic family recipe for chicken parmesan using mahi mahi fillets that’s sure to impress.

As a busy mom and teacher, I often find myself juggling lesson plans and sport practices. However, I will always make time to honor family traditions–especially those passed down by my husband’s late grandmother, “Gram.” This Fish Parmesan is a dish is one that not only honors Gram’s legacy, but also brings a touch of Italian tradition to our table.

Gram was a tiny but vibrant Italian woman who embraced her roots with pride and joy. Her kitchen was a haven of Italian aromas, laughter, and love. One of her cherished traditions was The Feast of the Seven Fishes, a celebration that holds a special place in Italian-American families.

what is the feast of the seven fishes?

This Christmas Even tradition involves serving a variety of fish and seafood dishes, symbolizing the wait for the birth of Jesus. It’s a festive occasion that brings family together, honoring both faith and heritage. This Crispy Fish Parmesan is a perfect dish for The Feast of the Seven Fishes for several reasons:

1. Honoring Tradition with a Twist: The Feast of the Seven Fishes is all about celebrating Italian heritage and culinary traditions. While it traditionally features a variety of fish and seafood dishes, incorporating a familiar and beloved dish like Parmesan into the mix adds a comforting twist that still respects the essence of the feast.
2. Versatility and Appeal: Fish Parmesan offers a wonderful balance of flavors and textures, with its crispy coating and gooey cheese topping. It appeals to both seafood lovers and those who might be more accustomed to chicken or meat dishes, making it a versatile option for guests with varying tastes.

1. Mahi Mahi’s Mild Flavor: Mahi mahi is a white fish with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich tomato sauce and cheese. Its firm texture holds up well to the cooking process, ensuring that the dish remains satisfying and delicious.
2. Symbolism of Fish: Fish has a significant symbolism in Italian-American Christmas Eve celebrations, representing religious and cultural heritage. Including a dish like fish parmesan not only adheres to the tradition of serving fish but also elevates it with a modern and flavorful approach.
3. Ease of Preparation: For a busy host, this dish is relatively easy to prepare, allowing more time to focus on enjoying the company of family and friends. Its straightforward preparation makes it a practical yet impressive addition to the feast.

Shall we get started?

ingredients

To make this easy crispy fish parmesan recipe you’ll need a few ingredients that you can get at almost any grocery store or even online!

Here’s what we are working with:

• mahi mahi fillets – any white fish works well! We will to get our seafood from SizzleFish.
• all-purpose flour
• 1 packet Italian seasoning mix
• grated parmesan cheese
• fresh parsley leaves
• eggs
• olive oil
• marinara sauce
• fresh mozzarella slices
• fresh basil leaves

how to make crispy fish parmesan

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.

Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine flour, Italian seasoning, ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Dredge the Fish: Dip each Mahi Mahi fillet into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the flour mixture.

Sear the Fillets: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the fillets for about 3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.

Bake to Perfection: Transfer the seared fillets to a baking dish. Top each fillet with marinara sauce, a generous sprinkle of the remaining grated parmesan cheese, and two slices of fresh mozzarella.

Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh shredded basil leaves, and serve hot with your favorite pasta or a side salad.

We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. It’s definitely one of those recipes worth saving. There’s nothing better than having what looks and tastes like a gourmet meal on the table, but one that saves you time behind the scenes. 

Please leave us a star review and comment if you make this family loved recipe. 

If you have any questions or comments, feel free leave them below. I answer every single question as quickly as I can.

Happy cooking! And thanks for being part of our tribe, The Tasteful Tribe!

ENJOY!

If you love this recipe, check out…

• The Best Mediterranean Baked Fish in Foil Packets

recipe video

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