Baked Whole Tilapia : Enjoy your weeknight dinner with this flavorful baked tilapia. Baked whole with herbs, lemon, and garlic, it’s a healthy and delicious meal the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Nutritious: Tilapia is a lean source of protein packed with essential nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin B12, and selenium.
- Budget-Friendly: Whole tilapia is often more affordable than fillets, offering better value without compromising on flavor.
- Effortlessly Impressive: Baking the fish whole locks in moisture and flavor, making it look as good as it tastes.
Tips and Tricks for Baking Whole Tilapia
To ensure your baked whole tilapia is perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor, keep these tips in mind:
- Select Fresh Tilapia: Look for clear, bright eyes, shiny scales, and a mild, fresh smell. Avoid fish with dull eyes or a strong odor.
- Prep is Key: Thoroughly clean and pat the fish dry with paper towels. Make diagonal slashes on both sides of the fish for even cooking and better seasoning absorption.
- Season Generously: Rub the fish with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill for a flavorful crust.
- Use Citrus: Stuff the cavity with lemon or lime slices, which infuse the fish with a zesty aroma while keeping it moist.
- Bake on High Heat: Baking at 400°F (200°C) ensures a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the flesh tender and juicy.
- Line Your Pan: Use parchment paper or foil to minimize cleanup and prevent sticking.
Variations of Baked Whole Tilapia
- Mediterranean-Style: Season the fish with oregano, paprika, and thyme. Add cherry tomatoes, olives, and red onions around the fish for a hearty one-pan meal.
- Asian-Inspired: Marinate with soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Add a splash of rice vinegar and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
- Spicy Cajun: Coat the fish with a Cajun spice mix and pair it with roasted corn and potatoes for a southern-style feast.
- Herb-Crusted: Top the fish with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley for a crispy herb crust.
How to Serve Baked Whole Tilapia
Baked whole tilapia pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some serving ideas:
- Rice or Grains: Serve with steamed white rice, quinoa, or a Mediterranean couscous salad for a hearty meal.
- Vegetables: Pair with roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a fresh garden salad.
- Sauces: Drizzle with a homemade lemon butter sauce, tzatziki, or a zesty chimichurri for added flavor.
- Bread: Offer a side of crusty bread to mop up the delicious juices from the fish.
How to Store and Reheat Baked Whole Tilapia
- Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Remove any garnishes like herbs or citrus before storing.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the fish tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the fish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it may dry out the fish.
Recipe FAQs
Do I need to remove the scales and guts before baking whole tilapia?
Yes, it’s essential to scale, gut, and clean the fish before baking. Most fish markets will do this for you if requested.
How do I know when the tilapia is cooked?
Tilapia is done when the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Can I bake frozen whole tilapia?
It’s best to thaw the fish first to ensure even cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water for faster results.
Can I use this recipe for other types of fish?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with other whole fish like snapper, branzino, or trout. Adjust the cooking time based on the fish size.
How do I make the fish less “fishy”?
Marinating the fish in lemon juice or milk for 15-20 minutes before seasoning can help neutralize any strong fishy odor.
Baked Whole Tilapia
Baked Whole Tilapia : Enjoy your weeknight dinner with this flavorful baked tilapia. Baked whole with herbs, lemon, and garlic, it's a healthy and delicious meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 whole tilapia (scaled and gutted)
- 1 tsp bouillon powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp coriander powder (optional)
- 1 tsp ginger and garlic paste
- 2 tsp chili sauce (or sriracha)
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Lemon slices (or lemon balm/lemongrass)
Instructions
- Preheat to 400℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a bowl, combine all the ingredients except the lemon slices. Stir until smooth.
- Pat the fish dry with a paper towel. Make deep diagonal cuts on both sides, pat it dry again, and set it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Rub the marinade all over the fish, ensuring it seeps into the slits and the belly.
- Stuff the fish belly with lemon slices or your preferred citrus herbs for added flavor.
- Bake the fish for 20-30 minutes at 400℉, or until the flesh is flaky and reaches an internal temperature of 145℉.
- Let the fish rest for 3 minutes before serving with your favorite sides.
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 316Total Fat 24gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 19gCholesterol 49mgSodium 1011mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 23g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Baking whole tilapia is a delightful way to enjoy this versatile fish in its most flavorful form. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or exploring new culinary adventures, this dish is sure to impress. With endless seasoning variations, it adapts beautifully to any cuisine or occasion. Plus, the ease of preparation and cleanup makes it a must-have in your recipe rotation.
Try these other Tilapia recipes:
