Tilapia fish recipes are a dieter’s dream come true! Low in fat and calories, high in protein
Tilapia, while a fairly recent addition to the U.S. fish market, has been consumed with relish for over 2000 years. Tilapia is sometimes called ‘St. Peter’s fish’ due to a Biblical reference in the book of Matthew. This fish, which Peter caught, contained a coin in its mouth, used to pay taxes, at Jesus’ behest, is believed to have been tilapia. We can only surmise that this fish was also served for dinner! It makes sense that tilapia fish recipes are a highly recommended dish for us today.
If you’re looking to lose weight, tilapia fish recipes should be a must-have on your menus. Here’s why. Just a 3.5 ounce portion contains just a bit more than 2 grams of fat, 98 calories and a whopping 21 grams of protein! Tilapia is similar in texture to perch, sole and flounder, with a delicate, mild flavor, and white meat. These characteristics make tilapia a versatile, healthy meat which can be prepared in a variety of ways, making it easy to include a couple of tilapia fish recipes in your weekly menus.
Tilapia originated in African and Asian waters, but is now found all over the world. Most tilapia sold in the markets today are commercially farm raised. Most tilapia sold in the U.S. come from Central and South America. You can buy this economically priced fish in bulk bags in the frozen section, as well as in frozen, prepared meals complete with a sauce and ready to microwave in minutes.
If you go for the plain fish, your choice of cooking method is basically wide open. Tilapia may be baked, grilled, broiled or pan fried with equally good results. You can serve it simply and quickly, with just a drizzle of garlic butter, for a delicious and satisfying dieter’s entree. Some of the most popular tilapia fish recipes include a variety of crusts, such as a mixture of crushed pecans and flour, ‘blackened’ crust mixtures and cornmeal and flour, in a 50-50 mix. A Parmesan crust is a perfect counterpoint to the delicate flavor of tilapia.
Other quick and tasty tilapia fish recipes require a simple 20-minute marinade and you’re ready to cook. You’ll find a dozen different bottled marinades at the supermarket. Almost any marinade goes well with tilapia. Choose whatever marinade appeals to your taste buds.
If you’d like to mix up your own marinade, here’s a quick and easy marinade for a tantalizing tilapia fish recipe that provides a juicy and flavorful dish. Use fresh herbs, as possible, for the best taste. Finely mince a couple of cloves of garlic, about ½ cup of parsley and just a ½ tablespoon of oregano leaf. Squeeze the juice of a half of a lemon into a clean jar or plastic zipper bag. Add ¼ cup of dry red wine, ¾ cup of olive oil and a few dashes of Tabasco sauce. Add your herbs and a few grindings of black pepper. Close your bag or jar and shake well. Marinate for just 20 minutes, then fry or grill, for 2-3 minutes per side. Voila! Sit down and enjoy!
You can also cook tilapia plain and dress it with a couple of tablespoons of salsa or chutney, for a marvelous diet-dream tilapia fish recipe that’s ready in 10 minutes! It doesn’t get any easier than that. Lose weight and eat like a gourmet!