Tilapia is like the chicken of the sea. I know, I know, tuna tries to claim that victory, but the mild flavor of tilapia makes it an extremely versatile fish. Semi-firm and flaky in texture, it's the ideal fish substitution for turf based recipes, makes killer ceviche, and can be used in all kinds of cuisines.
If you're are looking to spruce up your same-old, same-old recipes, then try subbing in tilapia. Or even better, branch out from your norm and get creative with it. Either way, with these 17 tilapia recipes you can't go wrong.
1. Filet O'Fish and Fries Burger
Fish and chips have nothing on this burger. Shoestring potatoes, panko-battered tilapia, a slice of American cheese, and a homemade pickle tartar sauce. Need I say more? Get this recipe here.
2. Grilled Pineapple Plank Tilapia
Cedar planked salmon may be delicious, but have you tried pineapple planked tilapia? Tilapia is sandwiched between two slices of pineapple then cooked on the grill.
As it cooks, it marinates in the sweet citrus juices of pineapple, imparting a tropical fruity flavor. Cut up the pineapple slices when it's done and pair it with white basmati rice. Get the recipe here.
3. Toasted Coconut Tilapia with Pomegranate Salsa
Have you ever tried tossing pomegranate in your salsa? Putting a unique twist on dinner, this recipe elevates the salsa and fish pairing by taking shredded coconut crusted tilapia and topping it with a fresh pico de gallo style pomegranate salsa. This recipe is simply too good to pass up. Get the recipe here.
4. Tilapia Burger with Watermelon Salsa + Avocado
Speaking of salsa, you need to try this tilapia burger loaded in watermelon salsa. The combination of sweet and spicy salsa paired with creamy avocado all piled high on a homemade baked tilapia burger will have you humming your happy food song has you devour this burger. Get the recipe here.
Chef's Note: You can use fresh or frozen fish for this recipe.
5. Mango and Jalapeño Ceviche
A semi-firm white fish like tilapia is best for making ceviche. While there are plenty of amazing tilapia ceviche recipes out there, I recommend this recipe. The spiciness of the jalapeño and sweetness of the mango are a classic perfect pairing. Get the recipe here.
6. Mojito Tilapia Taco Bites
Love mojitos? Try pairing those flavors with your tilapia and topping them on tortilla chips. Appetizer and cocktail pairing anyone? Get the recipe here.
7. Blackened Fish Tacos with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Nobody makes blackened tilapia fish tacos quit like mom. Unfortunately, if I revealed her secret she would be very, very mad at me. The good news is you can still have amazing tilapia tacos with this recipe. One piece of advice, try it with a mango slice. Get the recipe here.
8. Green Curry Tilapia with Basil and Turmeric
If you're a curry lover, you will really appreciate this recipe. While it may take a bit more effort than take-out, it's a great recipe to bust out when there are no good Thai restaurants in town. Get the recipe here.
9. Tilapia in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Don't be intimidated. This recipe is easier than it looks. Requiring less than 10 ingredients, you can whip up this one pan creamy, bell pepper sauce and tilapia dish in no time. This would be excellent topped on pasta or a bed of white rice. Get the recipe here.
10. Mediterranean Style Tilapia
Healthy meets tasty in this Mediterranean baked fish recipe. To make it, heat extra virgin olive oil in a non-stick pan and add fresh tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olives. After you wash and pat dry a few tilapia filets, line them in a baking sheet, then layer on the tomato mixture. Once the fish is fully cooked, sprinkle on the fresh feta cheese and get ready to dig in. Get the recipe here.
11. Teriyaki Tilapia Bowl
Need to hit the reset button? Toss some lentils, oven roasted green veggies, and tilapia in a bowl, then coat it with a savory homemade teriyaki sauce. Get the recipe here.
12. Garlic Grilled Tilapia Fillet in Lime Coconut Milk Sauce
Sometimes you come across recipes that sound so tasty yet simple you can't help but think, why didn't I think of that? This is definitely one of those. Requiring only 10 ingredients - minus salt - you can make this easy dish worth savoring. Get the recipe here.
13. Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia
Alright guys. I know that lemon baked chicken is an easy weeknight dinner, but tonight skip the chicken and try this baked tilapia recipe instead. It's the same great citrusy flavor you crave, but with a flaky white fish that only takes 10 minutes to bake. Get the recipe here.
14. Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
This white fish is ideal for a parmesan crust. In a small bowl, mix bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, herbs, garlic, and onion. Coat the tilapia fillets, then place it in a baking dish and bake to perfection.
Crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside, this super easy recipe will almost be gone just as fast as you can make it. Get the recipe here.
15. Foil Packet Tilapia with Pesto Veggies
I am a huge fan of foil packet meals. They make dinner a snap and cleanup a breeze. If you're in the mood for something fresh minus all the hassle, try this tilapia with veggies and pesto recipe.
Flaky tilapia is paired with seasonal summer vegetables, lemon juice, and a fresh pesto for slathering. Requiring minimum prep time, cook fish packets over the grill and call it a day. Get the recipe here.
16. Tilapia Veracruz Style
The versatile nature of tilapia makes it an excellent fish to cook Veracruz. If you're not familiar with this style of cooking, it's essentially a mild tomato sauce with olives and capers. And it tastes amazing with tilapia. Get the recipe here.
17. Stove Top Blackened Tilapia
Bowl, burrito, taco, or fajita, this recipe can be eaten any which way you like. Coat the tilapia in a blackened Cajun spice seasoning, sear it on a hot cast iron skillet, and pair it with your favorite fresh Mexican style fixings. Get the recipe here.
