Are you tired of the same old boring fish recipes? Look no further! We’ve got a mouth-watering collection of 18 crispy tortilla encrusted tilapia recipes that will take your taste buds on a wild ride. From spicy and smoky to tangy and creamy, these dishes are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
In this article, we’ll be exploring the world of tortilla-encrusted tilapia, where the crunch of crispy tortilla meets the flaky tenderness of perfectly cooked fish. Whether you’re a fan of bold flavors or prefer a more subtle approach, there’s something on this list for everyone. So without further ado, let’s dive in and explore these 18 mouth-watering recipes!
Spicy Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia with Lime Crema
Experience the bold flavors of Mexico with this unique and delicious dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1 cup crema (or sour cream)
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together crushed tortilla chips, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. Coat each tilapia fillet with the tortilla mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, mix lime juice and crema in a small bowl.
7. Serve tilapia with lime crema spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Cheesy Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia with Avocado Salsa
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful and crunchy tilapia recipe, smothered in a cheesy tortilla crust and served with a fresh avocado salsa.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together cheese, tortilla chips, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the crust mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, combine avocado, lime juice, red onion, and jalapeño in a bowl.
7. Serve tilapia with avocado salsa spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Garlic Herb Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia
Tilapia gets a flavorful makeover with this simple and delicious recipe, featuring crispy garlic herb tortilla crumbs and a hint of Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup crushed garlic herb tortilla chips
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together crushed tortilla chips, olive oil, minced garlic, and dried oregano.
3. Season tilapia fillets with salt and pepper.
4. Dip each tilapia fillet into the tortilla chip mixture, coating both sides evenly.
5. Place coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Cajun Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia with Remoulade Sauce
Experience the bold flavors of Louisiana with this spicy and savory tilapia recipe, featuring a crunchy Cajun tortilla crust and a tangy remoulade sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup Cajun tortilla crumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup remoulade sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together tortilla crumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the crumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Serve with remoulade sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Panko and Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia with Chipotle Mayo
Elevate your seafood game with this flavorful Panko and tortilla-encrusted tilapia dish, paired with a spicy chipotle mayonnaise. The crispy exterior gives way to tender fish, while the chipotle mayo adds a bold kick.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 corn tortillas, crushed
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup chipotle mayonnaise (see below for recipe)
Chipotle Mayonnaise:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix Panko breadcrumbs, crushed tortillas, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Serve with chipotle mayonnaise. Enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lemon Pepper Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia
Add a burst of citrusy flavor to your tilapia with this easy and delicious recipe. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup lemon pepper tortilla chips, crushed
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 lemons, juiced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together crushed tortilla chips and panko breadcrumbs.
3. Drizzle tilapia fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Dip each tilapia fillet into the lemon-herb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Baked Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia with Mango Salsa
Experience the flavors of Mexico and the Caribbean with this unique fusion dish, combining crispy tortilla croutons with the sweetness of mango salsa.
Ingredients:
For the tilapia:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the mango salsa:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together crushed tortilla chips, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place tilapia fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle the tortilla mixture evenly over each fillet.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until fish is cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine mango, red onion, jalapeño, and lime juice in a bowl.
6. Serve tilapia with mango salsa spooned on top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Air Fryer Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia
Transform ordinary tilapia into an extraordinary treat by encrusting it with crunchy tortilla chips and cooking it to perfection in your air fryer. This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup tortilla chips
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together crushed tortilla chips, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the tortilla chip mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place the coated tilapia in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side (if desired).
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Blackened Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia with Cilantro Lime Rice
A flavorful twist on traditional fish, this recipe combines the bold flavors of blackening seasoning with the crunch of tortilla chips and the brightness of cilantro lime rice.
Ingredients:
For the tilapia:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
– 2 tbsp blackening seasoning
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
For the cilantro lime rice:
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
– 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together crushed tortilla chips, blackening seasoning, and garlic powder.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the tortilla chip mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Cook rice according to package instructions. Mix in chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and salt to taste.
6. Serve blackened tilapia atop cilantro lime rice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Crunchy Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia Tacos
A flavorful twist on traditional tacos, these crunchy tortilla-encrusted tilapia bites are a delicious and satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Taco seasoning blend (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together crushed tortilla chips and panko breadcrumbs.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and taco seasoning (if using).
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until fish is cooked through.
6. Warm tortillas according to package instructions.
7. Assemble tacos by placing a piece of tilapia on a tortilla, topping with your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, and salsa.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Smoky Paprika Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia
This recipe combines the crispy texture of tortillas with the rich flavor of smoky paprika, creating a unique and delicious tilapia dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
– 2 tbsp smoky paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together crushed tortilla chips, smoky paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the tortilla mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the fish.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Parmesan Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia with Garlic Butter
Elevate your seafood game with this crispy and flavorful tilapia recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion. This dish combines the delicate taste of tilapia with the savory goodness of parmesan cheese and garlic butter.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together crushed tortilla chips and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the chip mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Dot the top of each fillet with garlic butter (mix softened butter and minced garlic).
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Southwest Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia with Corn Salsa
Experience the bold flavors of the Southwest with this crispy and flavorful tilapia dish, paired with a sweet and tangy corn salsa.
Ingredients:
For the tilapia:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp lime zest
– 1/2 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the corn salsa:
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup diced yellow onion
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together tortilla chips, olive oil, lime zest, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet in the mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, combine corn kernels, red bell pepper, yellow onion, lime juice, and olive oil in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve baked tilapia with corn salsa spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Jalapeño Lime Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia
Experience the bold flavors of Mexico with this spicy and tangy tilapia recipe, perfect for a quick dinner or appetizer. Crispy tortilla strips add a satisfying crunch to tender fish.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup tortilla chips, crushed
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together crushed tortilla chips, chopped jalapeño, and lime juice.
3. Season tilapia fillets with salt and pepper.
4. Dip each tilapia fillet in the tortilla mixture, coating evenly.
5. Place coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Mediterranean Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia with Tzatziki
Mediterranean Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia with Tzatziki: A flavorful and refreshing twist on traditional fish dishes!
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup Mediterranean tortilla chips, crushed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp lemon zest
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Tzatziki sauce ingredients: 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill, 1 tbsp lemon juice, salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together crushed tortilla chips, olive oil, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge tilapia fillets in the chip mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, prepare Tzatziki sauce by mixing all ingredients together. Refrigerate until serving.
7. Serve baked tilapia with a dollop of Tzatziki sauce and a side of your favorite greens.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Coconut Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia with Pineapple Salsa
Elevate your seafood game with this tropical twist on traditional tilapia. The combination of crispy coconut tortilla crust and sweet pineapple salsa is a match made in heaven!
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup coconut flakes
– 2 cups corn tortillas, crushed
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Pineapple Salsa (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together coconut flakes, crushed tortillas, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the coconut mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until fish is cooked through.
Pineapple Salsa:
– 1 cup diced fresh pineapple
– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Serve with Coconut Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia.
Buffalo Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia with Blue Cheese Dip
Experience the bold flavors of buffalo wings on a new level with this spicy and savory tilapia recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup buffalo wing sauce
– 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together buffalo wing sauce and crushed tortilla chips.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the buffalo mixture, coating evenly.
4. Place coated tilapia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the tilapia and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Blue Cheese Dip:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl until smooth. Serve with baked tilapia.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes for tilapia, 5-10 minutes for Blue Cheese Dip (depending on desired consistency).
Sweet Chili Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia with Cucumber Salad
Experience the perfect blend of spicy and savory flavors with this unique tilapia recipe, paired with a refreshing cucumber salad.
Ingredients:
For the tilapia:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
– 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
For the cucumber salad:
– 2 cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together crushed tortilla chips, sweet chili sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the chip mixture, coating evenly.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated tilapia for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Prepare the cucumber salad by combining sliced cucumbers, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir well and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
7. Serve the tilapia with the cucumber salad and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your tilapia game with 18 delicious recipes featuring crispy tortilla encrusting! From spicy and cheesy to herby and smoky, these mouthwatering dishes offer a world of flavors. Try Spicy Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia with Lime Crema, Cheesy Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia with Avocado Salsa, or any of the other 16 recipes on this list. With options for baking, air frying, and more, you’re sure to find your new favorite way to enjoy tilapia.