This baked whole fish tilapia recipe makes cooking a whole tilapia easier than you think, and it’s so worth it! This affordable, versatile fish pairs perfectly with roasted potatoes and a fresh salad for a simple, balanced meal. Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, tilapia is as healthy as it is delicious, making it perfect for quick, satisfying lunches or dinners.

Recipe

Cooking a whole fish might seem a bit daunting, but this baked tilapia recipe makes it simple and stress-free! Baking the fish with its skin and natural fats keeps it juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. Plus, those healthy fish fats are good for your heart and taste amazing when cooked just right.

With just a handful of ingredients, like wine, lemon, and a few spices, this dish is packed with bright, aromatic flavors. The skin on the outside helps to seal in the flavors and the fish turns out flaky on the inside.

Tilapia’s mild taste and soft texture are perfect even for those who aren’t big on fish, and it soaks up all the delicious seasonings beautifully. Whether you’re new to whole fish or already a fan, this baked tilapia recipe is a must-try!

Jump to:

⭐Why You'll Love This Baked Whole Fish Tilapia
🧾Baked Whole Tilapia Ingredients
👩🏻‍🍳How to Bake Whole Fish Tilapia
🍽 What to Serve with Baked Whole Fish Tilapia
💭Tips for Recipe Success
🍛More Seafood Recipes to Try!
🍛More Dinner Recipes!
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

⭐Why You'll Love This Baked Whole Fish Tilapia

Easy to Make: This dish is super simple with just a few ingredients, yet it looks and tastes amazing. The fish and potatoes bake together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze!
Tender & Juicy Fish: The tilapia bakes perfectly, staying moist and flaky with a crispy outside. Scoring the fish helps it cook evenly, while sherry and olive oil add a delicious touch.
Customizable: The recipe is flavorful on its own, but feel free to add your favorite herbs, spices, or veggies. You can even stuff the fish with herbs, tomatoes, or olives for extra flavor.
Impressive Presentation: A whole baked fish looks fancy but is actually easy to serve. Browned beautifully and garnished with herbs, it adds elegance to any meal.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a special event, this dish is perfect for any occasion, easy to dress up or down!

🧾Baked Whole Tilapia Ingredients

Here’s the breakdown of what’s in this baked whole fish tilapia recipe:

Whole Tilapia: I love using fresh whole tilapia for its mild flavor and flaky texture. It soaks up the seasonings beautifully, making it tender and delicious. Plus, it’s packed with protein and omega-3s!
Salt & Pepper: A sprinkle of salt and black pepper brings out the natural flavors of the fish and potatoes. Salt enhances and balances the dish, while pepper adds just the right hint of spice.
Lemon: A few lemon slices add a bright, zesty touch. The citrus cuts through the richness, making the dish feel fresh and vibrant.
Garlic: Roasted garlic adds a savory, slightly sweet depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the fish and potatoes.
Bay Leaves: Tucked inside the fish, bay leaves bring a subtle herbal aroma that gently infuses the dish as it bakes.
Potatoes: Potatoes make this meal hearty and satisfying. They soak up all the delicious flavors and turn crispy on the edges, creamy inside.
Onion: Roasted onions caramelize beautifully, adding a sweet, rich flavor that complements the fish and potatoes.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil keeps the fish moist and tender while helping the potatoes crisp up. It also adds a fruity, peppery richness to the whole dish.
Sherry Wine: A splash of sherry wine over the fish and potatoes adds a sweet, nutty flavor. It deepens the taste, keeping everything juicy and flavorful as it roasts.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

👩🏻‍🍳How to Bake Whole Fish Tilapia

These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.

1. Make diagonal cuts on both sides of the tilapia for even cooking. Rub salt and pepper into the fish, including the cuts.

2. Stuff the fish cavity with lemon slices, garlic, and bay leaves, then refrigerate.

3. In a baking dish, mix diced potatoes and onion with salt, pepper, olive oil, and sherry wine.

4. Bake in a fan oven at 180°C (356°F) for 40 minutes.

5. Put the seasoned tilapia on the potato mixture in the baking dish.

6. Pour 40 ml of sherry and 2 tablespoon of olive oil over the fish.

7. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 30 more minutes, or until the fish is cooked and the potatoes are golden.

8. Serve the hot baked tilapia with fresh herbs, if desired, alongside the sherry potatoes and onions.

🍽 What to Serve with Baked Whole Fish Tilapia

This baked whole tilapia is so easy and incredibly juicy! Serve it with those flavorful baked potatoes and onions for a perfect combo.

Pair it with warm ciabatta or garlic bread to soak up all the goodness. Add a fresh touch with pasta salad or an avocado pear salad.

For the perfect ending, treat yourself to a sweet dessert like chocolate mousse or tiramisu!

💭Tips for Recipe Success

Clean the Fish: Make sure the fish is cleaned and scaled properly. Rinse it well and pat it dry to remove any excess moisture.

Score for Flavor: Lightly score the fish with diagonal cuts on both sides. This helps it cook evenly and soak up the marinade, but don’t cut too deep to keep it intact.

Marinate for Flavor: Let the fish sit with salt, pepper, lemon, and garlic for at least 30 minutes. Rub the seasoning and olive oil into the scored cuts and cavity for even flavor.

Season the Veggies: Toss the potatoes and onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper so they roast perfectly golden and flavorful.

Layer for Flavor: Bake the potatoes and onions first to caramelize them. Then place the fish on top so its juices seep into the potatoes, adding delicious flavor.

Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the fish. It’s ready when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque.