Tilapia

Scientific name:  Tilapia spp.
Market name:  Tilapia
Common names:  St. Peter’s fish, sunfish

The Tilapia Story

Tracing its origin to the Nile River, tilapia has been farm raised for decades and is cultivated in warm waters the world over. It is the second-most cultured group of fish in the world, exceeded only by carp. Domestically, tilapia are cultured in the southern and western states. Costa Rica and Colombia are major suppliers of frozen product. Three of the most common species cultivated in the United States are Tilapia nilotica, an emerald-green tilapia known for its high yield and rapid growth; T. aureus, a cold-resistant strain; and T. mossambica, noted for its reddish skin color, which makes it popular for the live market and display tanks. Legend has it that tilapia was the fish Jesus of Nazareth multiplied a thousandfold to feed the masses. This gave the species its frequently used name of “St. Peter’s fish,” a name the FDA does not allow to be marketed. Whole tilapia normally range from 1 to 2 pounds. Some buyers prefer fish larger than 2 pounds.

Product Profile

The mild, sweet tasting, lean-meated tilapia has a slightly firm, flaky texture. Many compare the mild taste of tilapia to that of another farm-raised success story, catfish. Raw meat is white to pinkish-white and may have a thin layer of darker muscle tissue just below the skin side of fillets. The cooked meat is white and lean with tender flakes.

Water quality and feed are critical to the raising of premium tilapia. Poor quality results in an off-flavor or a muddy, grassy taste similar to that of wild-run catfish.

You Should Know...

Tilapia absorbs flavor from the water it’s raised in, so buy fish from a reliable source. If you buy on the basis of price alone, expect to get an inferior product.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size: 100g/3.5 oz. (raw)
Amount per serving
Calories 95
Fat Calories 9
Total Fat 1 g
Saturated Fat 0.5 g
Cholesterol 55 mg
Sodium 37 mg
Protein 20 g
Omega-3 N/A

Cooking Tips

Tilapia is highly versatile, but whatever cooking method you choose, stick with a subtle sauce to help avoid overpowering tilapia’s delicate flavor. The tilapia’s attractive skin — gold, red or black and white — should be featured but not necessarily eaten, as it can have a bitter taste.

Substitutions: Catfish, Flounder, Orange roughy

Cooking Methods

Bake, Broil, Sauté, Steam

Primary product forms

Live

Fresh

• Whole
• H&G
• Fillets (boneless, skin-on/skinless)

Frozen

• Whole
• H&G
• Fillets (boneless, skin-on/skinless)

Value-added

• Frozen, breaded fillets
• Marinated or sauced portions

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