Top-Rated Tilapia Recipes

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Broiled Tilapia with Thai Coconut-Curry Sauce

Budget-friendly and versatile, tilapia has rapidly become one of America's best-selling fish. Quick cooking and easy to prepare, its mild flavor serves as a base for a wonderful variety of recipes.

In this recipe, ginger, curry paste, and coconut milk combine in a spicy sauce for a dish that has converted more than a few people to love this fish.

"I'm not a big fish eater, so I'm always looking for new and exciting ways to serve it. This one is a winner!" wrote reviewer Kelly. "Once you get the chopping done, it is a snap to prepare. Will definitely make again!"

View Recipe: Broiled Tilapia with Thai Coconut-Curry Sauce

Photo: Levi Brown

Blackened Tilapia Baja Tacos

Blackening tilapia gives it a bold flavor, which is further enhanced with cilantro, lime, and avocado in a corn tortilla.

View Recipe: Blackened Tilapia Baja Tacos

Photo: John Autry

Sweet and Spicy Citrus Tilapia

This versatile marinade works well with several types of dishes, especially flaky, white fish like tilapia. Round out the meal with a cool side of green beans tossed with cilantro and lime.

View Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Citrus Tilapia

Photo: Marcus Nilsson

Broiled Tilapia with Frisée-Apple Salad and Mustard-Parsley Sauce

Because it's sustainably farm-raised and widely available, tilapia is a great option. And since it doesn't have an assertive flavor, it pairs well with a variety of ingredients, such as the apple, mustard, and parsely featured in this recipe.

View Recipe: Broiled Tilapia with Frisée-Apple Salad and Mustard-Parsley Sauce

Photo: Beau Gustafson; Cindy Barr; Kathryn Conrad; Mike Wilson

Pan-Seared Tilapia with Citrus Vinaigrette

Sherry vinegar is mildly acidic, which gives the tilapia a tangy flavor. If you can't find it, substitute white wine vinegar.

View Recipe: Pan-Seared Tilapia with Citrus Vinaigrette

Photo: John Autry

Broiled Tilapia Gyros

Tilapia is a excellent choice for a lighter gyro filling in comparision to heavier cuts of red meat. Vegetables and tzatziki sauce round out this take on the Greek classic.

View Recipe: Broiled Tilapia Gyros

Photo: Randy Mayor

Tilapia Piccata

Tilapia is the perfect flaky white fish for this piccata recipe, which is even better when served with orzo.

View Recipe: Tilapia Piccata

Photo: Randy Mayor

Roasted Tilapia with Orange-Parsley Salsa

All parts of the orange—juice, rind, and pulp—flavor the quickly cooked tilapia. This recipe calls for white rice as a side dishe, but brown, basmati, and jasmine rice are nice options as well.

View Recipe: Roasted Tilapia with Orange-Parsley Salsa

Photo: Randy Mayor

Blackened Cumin-Cayenne Tilapia

Tilapia fillets are a reliable, speedy weeknight dinner option. After rubbing the fish with cumin, salt, garlic powder, and peppers, broil to make the process even quicker.

View Recipe: Blackened Cumin-Cayenne Tilapia

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Tilapia Tostadas with Roasted Corn Relish

These crisp tilapia tostadas have all the appeal of traditional fish tacos, but the flat shape allows you to pile toppings high. Although we broil corn tortillas for the base, substitute flour tortillas, or use prepared shells, if you prefer.

View Recipe: Tilapia Tostadas with Roasted Corn Relish

Photo: Randy Mayor

Cornmeal-Crusted Tilapia with Tomatillo Salsa

Tomatillo salsa adds a nice twist to this tilapia's cornmeal crust, while roasted potatoes and steamed green beans round out the plate.

View Recipe: Cornmeal-Crusted Tilapia with Tomatillo Salsa

Sauteed Tilapia with Honey-Scallion Dressing

Randy Mayor

Sautéed Tilapia with Honey-Scallion Dressing

The bright, citrusy flavor of this simple dressing requires only six ingredients. Served with fast-cooking rice noodles and salad greens, this meal is a cinch to prepare in about 20 minutes.

"This recipe was amazingly simple and delicious!" said LISA B from Pennsylvania. "I used 2 of the individually frozen tilapia filets and cut the sauce in half. YUMMY! Unfortunately I didn't think ahead and make rice or the noodles. They are a must to soak up the delicious sauce!"

View Recipe: Sauteed Tilapia with Honey-Scallion Dressing

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Tilapia with Coconut, Mint, and Chive Relish

Jalapeños and flaked coconut add heat and sweetness, while a bit of mint lends a cool, smooth finish to the relish that sets this dish apart. It works equally well with red snapper, though you can try other mild white fish choices, like this reader did.

"I made this with orange roughy―it was amazing!!!" said Larissa. "The fish in and of itself is terrific without the relish. The relish, however, is equally delicious! This is a summer keeper!"

View Recipe: Tilapia with Coconut, Mint, and Chive Relish

Randy Mayor

Spicy Tilapia with Pineapple-Pepper Relish

Cajun seasoning and ground red pepper add some sizzle to this quick and easy recipe. Juicy pineapple chunks and cilantro create contrast with a sweet and simple freshness.

"This is a great quick recipe. The relish was excellent and held up well in the fridge after a few days," said one anonymous reviewer. "It was a nice balance of sweet and spice. It will become part of our rotation!"

View Recipe: Spicy Tilapia with Pineapple-Pepper Relish

Lee Harrelson

Tilapia Tacos with Peach Relish

Oven-fried fillets with a crisp panko crust are the calling card of these fish tacos, and a spicy-sweet peach salsa seals the deal. Substitute shrimp or other types of fish in this easy, breezy favorite.

"These were so good, I think my husband ate one of his in two bites. We love them! The panko crumbs make the fish really crunchy, which is essential in a fish taco, in our opinion." – kbse67

View Recipe: Tilapia Tacos with Peach Relish

Sauteed Tilapia with Lemon-Peppercorn Pan Sauce

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Sautéed Tilapia with Lemon-Peppercorn Pan Sauce

Brine-packed green peppercorns and a lemony, buttery pan sauce create bright flavors in a flash. Serve with rice and a side salad for a light yet satisfying supper.

"This was a lovely weeknight meal. It could be served to company as well. It was very light, but had a lot of flavor. I served this with rice and a green salad. We will be adding this to our weekly meal roster. Very good." ―Wendyb

View Recipe: Sautéed Tilapia with Lemon-Peppercorn Pan Sauce

Beau Gustafson

Grilled Tilapia with Smoked Paprika and Parmesan

Smoky flavors and creamy polenta make this a deeply satisfying dinner that's quick enough for a weeknight meal, but sophisticated enough for company.

"This tilapia recipe is one of our family's all-time favorite Cooking Light recipes―so easy, fast and tasty. We like it best with Jasmine rice or black beans and a corn and red pepper salsa. There are never leftovers!" ― cilantrofrsh

View Recipe: Grilled Tilapia with Smoked Paprika and Parmesan Polenta