Tilapia… that fish so common in grocery stores nowadays. It rose to rapid fame in the early 2000’s and is now the fourth most consumed fish in the world.
It’s super versatile, a great source of protein and omega-3, and it’s very budget friendly. In a world of $30 a pound fish, tilapia is a huge bargain.
That’s why we decided to compile this list of easy Tilapia Recipes for you. Many of them come together in no time at all, so they’re great busy weeknight meals.
Here you’ll find everything from fried fish to tacos, soups and curries, Asian and Mediterranean inspired recipes, and so much more.
Cook your way through this great collection of tilapia recipes and find some new favorites for your weeknight rotation…
1. Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
We’re starting our list with a super easy weeknight dinner idea. This Parmesan Crusted Tilapia whips up in under 20 minutes and just uses a few simple ingredients. And it’s super healthy!
Get the Recipe @ tasteandtellblog
2. Moqueca
One of our very favorite seafood recipes is Moqueca. It’s a stew that features fish, and sometimes other seafood, in a coconut and tomato base. So, so good…
3. Skillet Tilapia with Creamy Lemon Sauce
Skillet Tilapia with Creamy Lemon Sauce is another easy dinner. The sauce is simple, yet delicious. This one pairs great with rice, or with a side of veggies for a low carb option.
4. Mediterranean Baked Tilapia
This easy baked tilapia recipe is full of great Mediterranean flavors from tomatoes, olives and feta cheese. It’s a restaurant quality dish that only takes a few minutes of hands on time. YUM.
5. Blackened Tilapia
Another great busy weeknight meal, this Blackened Tilapia whips up in a flash. Just make a simple homemade blackening seasoning, rub it on the fish and the give it a quick sear. It couldn’t get easier than that!
Get the Recipe @ spendwithpennies
6. Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Tilapia
This Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Tilapia is a great tasting meal that really saves on the dishwashing. The garlic butter sauce is divine and adds such great flavors to the fish and veggies.
Get the Recipe @ damndelicious
7. Chili Lemon Tilapia
Give your fish some punch with this Chili Lemon Tilapia recipe. It’s generously seasoned with garlic and spices and then baked to perfection!
Get the Recipe @ currytrail.in
8. Broiled Tilapia with Coconut Curry
Broiled Tilapia with Thai Coconut Curry Sauce is a super tasty dish with warm, exotic flavors. Have this alongside a big pile of rice and you are all set!
9. Skillet Tilapia with Shrimp
If you love to mix and match your seafood like we do, try this Skillet Tilapia with Shrimp. It has a great white wine lemon sauce and comes together in about 30 minutes.
10. Fish Tacos
It’s taco time! These Fish Tacos feature perfectly seasoned baked tilapia, Mexican fixings, and an amazingly tasty homemade taco sauce. So good!
Get the Recipe @ natashaskitchen
11. Honey Soy Glazed Pan Fried Tilapia
This Honey Soy Glazed Pan Fried Tilapia is another great under 30 minutes recipe. The honey soy glaze gives great sweet and savory Asian flavors to the mild fish.
12. Beer Batter Fried Fish
This Beer Battered Fried Fish recipe has a light, crispy coating that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for fish and chips or a fried fish sandwich!
13. Parmesan Pesto Tilapia
This great recipe features parmesan crusted broiled tilapia covered in a great basil pesto sauce. It comes together in about 15 minutes, perfect for hectic weeknights.
14. Spicy Fish Taco Bowls
If you’re craving great Tex-Mex flavors, try these easy Spicy Fish Taco Bowls. They feature rice, beans, tilapia, avocado, corn and your choice of toppings.
15. Tilapia Burgers
These fun Tilapia Burgers are a great option for when you’re craving a burger but also want something on the lighter side. They only take about 20 minutes from start to finish and are sure to please a crowd.
Get the Recipe @ culinaryginger
16. Chili Macadamia Crusted Tilapia
Give your fish a tropical flair with this Chili Macadamia Crusted Tilapia. It’s pan seared and has great flavor and great crunch. And it whips up in under 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe @ therecipecritic
17. Tilapia with Tomato Herb Sauce
This easy tilapia recipe features tender pan cooked tilapia topped with a restaurant quality tomato herb sauce. It’s a light and summery dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe @ gimmesomeoven
18. Baked Asian Tilapia Stir Fry
Get the Recipe @ thefoodieandthefix
19. Fish Tikka Masala
You had to know I would find a curry for this list! 🙂 This Fish Tikka Masala has a beautifully seasoned creamy sauce. Perfect atop a big pile of rice. YUMMM.
Get the Recipe @ tiffinandteaofficial
20. Pan Fried Cajun Tilapia
If you’re looking for something with a bit of kick, try this Pan Fried Cajun Tilapia. It has both hot sauce and Cajun seasoning for some great flavor and has a crunchy corn meal crust.
21. Asian Fish and Shrimp Soup
This Asian Fish and Shrimp soup is a delightful fusion of Thai and Japanese flavors. It’s loaded with aromatics and has mushrooms and noodles for a light, yet satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe @ baconandvodka
22. Sheet Pan Chili Lime Tilapia
Sheet pan meals are so easy, and the 15 minute Chili Lime Tilapia is no exception. It has a generous dose of seasoning, which is balanced by sweet mango salsa.
Get the Recipe @ aberdeenskitchen
23. Air Fryer Tilapia
Craving fried fish without all the grease? Put your air fryer to work! This recipe is flavorful and crispy, and has less than 400 calories per serving!
Get the Recipe @ alicensetogrill
24. Grilled Tilapia with Cajun Butter
Want delicious way to reel in more fish into your meals? Look no further! Get hooked on this fabulous and hassle-free recipe for zesty grilled tilapia.
Whether on the grill or in the oven, this summery seafood dinner, featuring tender tilapia and corn on the cob, will have everyone at the table hooked and coming back for more.
25. Grilled Tilapia with Mango Salsa
For a light and refreshing dinner, try this Grilled Tilapia with Mango Salsa. It’s lightly seasoned, allowing the fresh sweet mango to really stand out. Great summer dinner.
Get the Recipes @ the-girl-who-ate-everything
26. Santa Fe Tilapia Burritos
Make it a Mexican night with these Tilapia Burritos! They’re loaded with tilapia, beans, Mexican rice, cheese and Santa Fe sauce. It’s a fun meal the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe @ spicysouthernkitchen
27. Tilapia Piccata
Pan seared tilapia in a buttery, lemony, white wine infused sauce loaded with capers. If that sounds good, this Tilapia Piccata recipe is for you. It goes great with pasta or rice.
Get the Recipe @ thehungrybluebird
28. Fish Cakes
These crispy fried Tilapia Cakes are a fun way to get your fish in. They’re topped with a delicious mayo based sauce. I bet you can’t eat just one!
Get the Recipe @ myeverydaytable
29. Herbed Tilapia and Vegetable Foil Packs
These Herbed Tilapia and Vegetable Foil Packs are a great way to save on dishwashing time! Fish, potatoes and veggies are loaded into foil packs and cooked on the grill, and you can eat them right out of the packet!
30. Fish Tostadas
We’re wrapping up this list with these great fish tostadas. They have grilled tilapia, cilantro-lime crema, avocado, cabbage and cilantro atop crispy baked corn tortillas.
Get the Recipe @ parsnipsandpastries
Wow, so many ways to cook tilapia. Grab some the next time you’re at the grocery store and start cooking your way through this list.
Pin or bookmark this tasty collection of tilapia recipes so you always know where to find it. And be sure to sign up for our newsletter, we’re always cooking up new things for you!
The 30 BEST Tilapia Recipes
This collection of easy ways to cook Tilapia will give you plenty of tasty meals to prepare this healthy and budget friendly fish. For starters, try this easy Southern fried tilapia:
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 1.5 cups buttermilk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp Creole seasoning
- 2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Place tilapia fillets and buttermilk in a shallow bowl and soak for 20 minutes.
- While fish is soaking, mix dry ingredients in a plate.
- In a cast iron skillet or electric skillet, fill to 1/2 inch oil and heat to 375°F.
- Remove tilapia fillets from buttermilk and dredge in flour mixture, coating both sides.
- Add fillets to preheated oil and fry 2-3 minutes per side. Do not overcrowd, work in batches if necessary.
- Remove fried tilapia fillets to paper towel lined plate, then serve.
Notes
- Let me know which recipes you try, I love hearing from you.
Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former wordwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.
Get griddling! Try these Blackstone Recipes!
Never miss a recipe!
Join the GypsyPlate mailing list and get easy dinner recipes right in your mailbox. From homestyle comfort food to exotic dishes from around the world.
