Switch up your dinner routine with one of these fun tilapia recipes. We'll show you a bunch of delicious meal ideas for this delicate fish.
Our Favorite Tilapia Recipes
Updated on Mar. 19, 2024
Baked Tilapia Recipe
I’ve decided to cook healthier for my family, and that includes having more fish at home. After looking at easy tilapia recipes, I decided to try baked tilapia. I love that it’s fast, too! —Hope Stewart, Raleigh, North Carolina
1/24
2/24
Indian-Spiced Tilapia Sticks
Total Time
55 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These flavorful Indian-spiced fish sticks please my whole family. Serve them with the creamy dipping sauce. —Jessie Grearson, Falmouth, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 408 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 548mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
3/24
Tilapia with Corn Salsa
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves fish, and this quick and tasty dish is very popular at my house. Though it tastes like it takes a long time, it cooks in minutes under the broiler. We enjoy it with lemon wedges with couscous on the side. —Brenda Coffey, Singer Island, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 3/4 cup salsa: 354 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 934mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 38g protein.
4/24
Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love quick and bright meals like this one-skillet wonder. The way it tastes, you'd think it takes a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 203 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 522mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
5/24
Dijon-Crusted Fish
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Dijon, Parmesan and a hint of horseradish give this toasty fish lots of flavor. The preparation is so easy, it takes just 5 to 7 minutes to get 4 servings ready for the oven. —Scott Schmidtke, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 214 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 292mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
6/24
Broiled Greek Fish Fillets
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Combine olives, onion, dill and feta cheese in a tangy, Greek-inspired topping to boost the flavor of tilapia or your favorite whitefish. —Jennifer Maslowski, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 169 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 353mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
7/24
Grilled Tilapia Piccata
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We aren’t big fish eaters, but a friend made this for us, and we couldn’t believe how wonderful it was! Now we eat it regularly. I love making it for guests because it’s simple, looks lovely and tastes restaurant-worthy. —Beth Cooper, Columbus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 206 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
8/24
Tilapia with Jasmine Rice
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This tender, full-flavored tilapia with fragrant jasmine rice is absolutely to die for. Your family will love this healthy and delicious dish! —Shirl Parsons, Cape Carteret, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 3/4 cup rice: 412 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 615mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 3 starch, 1/2 fat.
9/24
Fish Tacos
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A cool sauce with just a bit of zing tops these breaded fish tacos (that are actually healthy!). This recipe is a delicious guilt-free dish that doesn't break the bank. —Lena Lim, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco: 190 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 269mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
10/24
Baked Tilapia
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you need a healthy, keep-it-simple solution to dinner tonight, you just found it. This restaurant-quality tilapia fillet recipe relies on spices you're likely to have on hand to deliver big flavor. This is how to make tilapia. —Dana Alexander, Lebanon, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 193 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 589mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
11/24
Lemon-Pepper Tilapia with Mushrooms
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are trying to add more fish and healthy entrees to our diet and this one makes it easy. It comes together in less than 30 minutes, so it's perfect for hectic weeknights. —Donna McDonald, Lake Elsinore, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 216 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 173mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
12/24
Tilapia & Lemon Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve this lemon tilapia with any tossed salad full of your favorite vegetables and buttered bread. It's easy, quick and unique. And it's a big hit with company too. —Susan Taul, Birmingham, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/2 cup rice and 4 teaspoons sauce: 334 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 593mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 very lean meat, 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
13/24
Grilled Tilapia with Pineapple Salsa
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings (2 cups salsa)
From the Recipe Creator:
Years ago I found a grilled tilapia recipe in a seafood cookbook. The pineapple salsa with cilantro has a touch of spice and goes so well with the flaky, tender fish. —Beth Fleming, Downers Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/4 cup salsa : 131 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fruit.
14/24
Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You won’t have to fish for compliments when this is the catch of the day! Christi McElroy — Neenah, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 287 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 440mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein.
15/24
Pine Nut-Crusted Tilapia
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This golden-brown fish has a tender texture, a nutty coating and a hint of sweet honey. It is fast to fix and can be served for a special family meal or when you want to impress guests. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 359 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated fat), 145mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 36g protein.
16/24
Tilapia Florentine Recipe
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a way to get a little more heart-healthy fish into your family’s weekly diet? You’ll win them over hook, line and sinker with this quick and easy entree. Topped with fresh spinach and a splash of lemon, it’s sure to become a favorite!
Melanie Bachman – Ulysses, Pennsylvania
Melanie Bachman – Ulysses, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/3 cup spinach mixture: 249 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 307mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
17/24
Soft Fish Tacos
Total Time
25 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband Bill and I created these tasty fish tacos. The combination with tilapia and cabbage may seem unusual, but after one bite, everyone’s hooked!—Carrie Billups, Florence, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 309 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 423mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 4 very lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
18/24
Baked Tilapia with Panko Bread Crumbs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This baked tilapia is perfectly crunchy. Dip it in the fresh lime mayo for a burst of bright citrus flavor. —Leslie Palmer, Swampscott, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 186 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 401mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
19/24
Lime-Cilantro Tilapia
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have so much fun serving this Mexican-inspired tilapia at summer parties. Finish it off with a side of rice and a salad loaded with sliced avocadoes and tomatoes. —Nadine Mesch, Mount Healthy, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 2 tablespoons sauce: 198 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
20/24
Parmesan Fish Sticks
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted a healthier approach to fish sticks and developed a baked tilapia with a slightly peppery bite. My husband and sons love the crispy coating. —Candy Summerhill, Alexander, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 281 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 154mg cholesterol, 641mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
21/24
Lemon-Butter Tilapia with Almonds
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sometimes I want a nice meal without a ton of effort or wait time. Thankfully, I have this lemony, buttery fish that's super fast and totally tasty. —Ramona Parris, Canton, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with about 2 tablespoons sauce and 2 tablespoons almonds: 269 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 427mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
22/24
Parmesan-Broiled Tilapia
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love that simple Parmesan cheese brings such richness to an otherwise mild-tasting fish. It's one dish where leftovers are never a problem! —Tracy Locken, Gillette, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 306 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 35g protein.
23/24
Breaded Tilapia
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
So much flavor…so few ingredients! A quick and easy crumb coating makes this yummy tilapia recipe ideal for busy weeknights. Try the breading on cod for a change of pace. —Brandi Castillo, Santa Maria, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 143 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat.
24/24
Mediterranean Tilapia
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I recently became a fan of tilapia. The mild taste makes it easy to top with our favorite ingredients. And it’s low in calories and fat. What’s not to love? —Robin Brenneman, Hilliard, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 197 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 446mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
