Tilapia – a mild-flavored fish that’s easy to cook and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, this versatile fish is sure to impress. And the best part? It pairs well with a wide range of flavors, from classic lemon butter to spicy Cajun seasonings.
In this article, we’ll dive into 20 mouthwatering tilapia recipes that are perfect for busy home cooks. From simple baked fillets to more complex dishes like blackened tacos and Mediterranean-style herb-marinated tilapia, there’s something for everyone here. So go ahead, get inspired, and start cooking up some delicious tilapia meals!
Garlic Butter Baked Tilapia
This recipe combines the richness of garlic butter with the delicate flavor of tilapia, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic and butter until well combined.
3. Place tilapia fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over each fillet, making sure to cover the entire surface.
5. Drizzle lemon juice over the top of each fillet.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lemon Pepper Grilled Tilapia
Add a burst of citrus flavor to your grilled tilapia with this simple and delicious recipe. A perfect combination of lemon zest, black pepper, and garlic creates a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 lemons, zested
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together lemon zest, black pepper, and garlic.
3. Brush both sides of tilapia fillets with olive oil.
4. Sprinkle the lemon-pepper mixture evenly over both sides of the fish.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Tilapia Recipe
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this easy-to-make and flavorful tilapia dish, perfectly seasoned with parmesan cheese and crispy breadcrumbs.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. Season tilapia fillets with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Dip each fillet in olive oil, coating both sides evenly.
5. Coat the oiled fillets with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Place coated fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until fish is cooked through and breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Spicy Cajun Blackened Tilapia
Get ready for a flavorful twist on traditional tilapia with this Spicy Cajun Blackened recipe! A perfect blend of spicy and savory, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 2 tbsp butter, melted
– 2 lemons, cut into wedges
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet in the spice mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Add melted butter to the preheated skillet and swirl to coat bottom.
5. Place coated tilapia in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with lemon wedges and chopped parsley (if desired).
Cooking Time: 12-16 minutes
Coconut Lime Tilapia with Mango Salsa
Experience the tropical flavors of the Caribbean with this refreshing recipe that combines the delicate taste of tilapia with the creamy richness of coconut and the tanginess of lime, all topped off with a sweet and spicy mango salsa.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tsp grated lime zest
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Mango Salsa (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together coconut, lime juice, lime zest, and cilantro.
3. Add tilapia fillets and coat evenly with the coconut mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Mango Salsa:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/2 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Serve with tilapia.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Panko-Crusted Air Fryer Tilapia
A light and crispy tilapia fillet, perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection with the help of Panko breadcrumbs and your air fryer.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the tilapia fillets and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. In a shallow dish, mix together Panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
4. Dip each tilapia fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place the coated tilapia fillets in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Honey Sriracha Glazed Tilapia
Elevate your seafood game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of honey with the spicy kick of sriracha. This Honey Sriracha Glazed Tilapia is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup sriracha sauce
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and brown sugar until well combined.
3. Place tilapia fillets in a shallow baking dish. Brush the glaze evenly over each fillet.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the glaze to prevent sticking.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Mediterranean Herb-Marinated Tilapia
A flavorful and refreshing twist on traditional tilapia, this recipe combines the bright flavors of Mediterranean herbs with a light and zesty marinade. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the tilapia fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them.
3. Let marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Remove fish from marinade and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Blackened Tilapia Tacos with Avocado Crema
Elevate your taco game with this flavorful combination of blackened tilapia, crispy tortillas, and creamy avocado crema. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 tsp cajun seasoning
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 corn tortillas
– Vegetable oil, for cooking
– Avocado crema (see below)
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, pickled red onion, cilantro
Avocado Crema:
– 2 ripe avocados, mashed
– 1/2 lime, juiced
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Cilantro leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. Season the tilapia with cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook the tilapia for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble tacos with blackened tilapia, avocado crema, and desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
One-Pan Tilapia with Tomatoes and Olives
Experience a Mediterranean-inspired twist on a classic tilapia dish, all in one pan! This recipe is perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high.
3. Add the tilapia fillets and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned.
4. Remove the fish from the pan and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium and add the sliced onion. Cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Add the diced tomatoes, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir to combine.
7. Return the tilapia fillets to the pan and spoon some of the tomato mixture over each piece.
8. Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Asian-Style Ginger Soy Tilapia
Asian-Style Ginger Soy Tilapia: A flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the sweetness of tilapia with the bold flavors of ginger and soy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, and sesame oil.
3. Place tilapia fillets in a shallow baking dish and brush the ginger-soy mixture evenly over both sides of the fish.
4. Drizzle vegetable oil over the fish and sprinkle with garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with fresh green onions and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Tilapia Piccata with Capers and White Wine
This classic Italian dish is a flavorful and elegant way to prepare tilapia, featuring a tangy sauce made with capers, white wine, garlic, and butter. Serve with your favorite pasta or rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine
– 2 tbsp capers, rinsed and drained
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season tilapia fillets with salt and pepper.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add tilapia to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Remove tilapia from the skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium.
5. Add white wine to the skillet and stir to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits.
6. Stir in capers and simmer for 1 minute.
7. Return tilapia to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over the top.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Cilantro Lime Tilapia with Quinoa
This vibrant dish combines the delicate flavor of tilapia with the brightness of lime and the earthiness of quinoa. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is quick to prepare and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook quinoa according to package instructions or in a medium saucepan with 2 cups water or broth.
3. In a small bowl, mix together cilantro and lime juice.
4. Season tilapia fillets with salt and pepper.
5. Brush olive oil on both sides of the tilapia. Top each fillet with a spoonful of the cilantro-lime mixture.
6. Place tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Serve with quinoa and optional diced red bell pepper.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Baked Tilapia with Lemon Dill Sauce
A refreshing twist on traditional tilapia, this recipe combines the delicate flavor of fish with the brightness of lemon and the subtlety of dill. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped dill
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place tilapia fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the fish, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. While the fish is cooking, combine lemon juice and chopped dill in a small bowl.
7. Remove the fish from the oven and spoon some of the lemon dill sauce over each fillet.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Tilapia and Vegetable Foil Packets
This recipe is a simple and flavorful way to cook tilapia and vegetables in the oven, with minimal mess and cleanup. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 large zucchini, sliced
– 1 large bell pepper, sliced
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut four pieces of foil into 12-inch squares.
3. Place a tilapia fillet in the center of each foil square.
4. Add sliced zucchini, bell pepper, and onion around the fish.
5. Sprinkle garlic and salt over the vegetables.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the top.
7. Fold foil to form a packet, making sure to seal edges tightly.
8. Place packets on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until tilapia is cooked through.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Easy Tilapia Ceviche with Fresh Lime
Easy Tilapia Ceviche with Fresh Lime
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this refreshing and light ceviche recipe, perfect for warm weather or any occasion!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound tilapia fillets, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the tilapia pieces and lime juice.
2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the fish to “cook” in the acidity of the lime juice.
3. Just before serving, stir in the red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño pepper.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Tilapia Stir-Fry with Snap Peas and Carrots
A quick and flavorful stir-fry that combines tender tilapia, crisp snap peas, and sweet carrots. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a lunchtime pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound tilapia fillets
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 cup snap peas, sliced
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the tilapia and cook until opaque and flaky, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Remove the tilapia from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.
5. Add the snap peas and carrots, and cook until tender-crisp, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the garlic and soy sauce to the skillet, stirring to combine.
7. Return the tilapia to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Creamy Tuscan Tilapia with Spinach
Experience the rich flavors of Tuscany with this easy and elegant recipe, featuring tender tilapia smothered in a creamy spinach sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place tilapia fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add spinach leaves to the skillet; cook until wilted (about 2 minutes).
6. Stir in heavy cream and dried basil. Bring mixture to a simmer.
7. Pour the creamy spinach sauce over tilapia fillets.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until tilapia is cooked through.
9. Serve hot, garnished with additional spinach leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Tilapia Veracruz with Bell Peppers
This recipe combines the delicate flavor of tilapia with the bold flavors of Veracruz-style sauce and crispy bell peppers. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 large bell peppers, any color, sliced
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add bell peppers and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
4. Place tilapia fillets on top of the peppers and spoon some of the Veracruz sauce (recipe below) over each filet.
5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until fish is cooked through.
Veracruz Sauce:
Combine tomato paste, olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add white wine (if using) and mix well.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Smoky Paprika Tilapia with Roasted Potatoes
Add a smoky twist to your tilapia and potatoes with this easy recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the tilapia fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the fish, then sprinkle smoked paprika and garlic powder evenly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
7. While the tilapia is cooking, toss the potato wedges with a little bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a separate baking sheet.
8. Roast the potatoes in the oven alongside the tilapia for about 20-25 minutes or until tender and golden brown.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Cooking Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your weeknights with these 20 flavorful tilapia recipes! From classic baked tilapia with garlic butter and lemon pepper, to bold flavors like spicy Cajun blackened and honey Sriracha glazed, there’s something for every taste. Try crispy parmesan crusted tilapia or Mediterranean herb-marinated tilapia for a taste of the Mediterranean. For a quick and easy dinner, try panko-crusted air fryer tilapia or one-pan tilapia with tomatoes and olives. Whatever your craving, these recipes are sure to please.
