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Steamed Tilapia in foil

What I love about this Steamed Tilapia in Foil is how a simple marinade with cilantro transforms this into a quick weeknight meal that’s low-fat, high in protein, and packed with fresh flavors. This is the way I cook steamed tilapia in foil at home, I learned this recipe growing up in Mexico. Whether you’re looking for an easy way to cook fish or a light dinner tonight, this recipe is one of the best ways to prepare tilapia with minimal effort and easy cleanup.

This tilapia fillet recipe is perfect for those following a calorie-conscious diet and looking for a simple way to cook fish. I usually prepare this as a steamed tilapia fillet, but I also provide instructions for baked tilapia in foil, grilled tilapia or if you prefer I have a recipe for how to steam a whole tilapia.

steamed tilapia in foil
Steamed tilapia fillet in cilantro sauce

Why You’ll Love This Tilapia Recipe

Perfect for the Whole Family – A mild-flavored flaky fish like tilapia is great for those who aren’t big on seafood, especially kids.

Low-Fat – You can completely avoid using any kind of for making this steamed tilapia, plus tilapia protein is naturally low in fat.

Easy to Make – Whether it’s your first time cooking fish or you’re a pro, this is a simple recipe with minimal steps.

Minimal Cleanup – Using foil packets or parchment paper means less mess in the kitchen!

Versatile Cooking Methods – You can steam for a fast cooking time, bake, or grill this dish, depending on your preference. This recipe pairs perfectly with Arroz Rojo or Arroz Primavera.

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Where to Buy Tilapia & How to Thaw It Properly

I love using Costco tilapia fish fillets for this recipe! They are affordable, fresh-tasting, and great for a quick seafood meal. You can also substitute with cod, flounder, pollock, haddock, or basa if you prefer a different white fish recipe. I also have a delicious Mexican Caldo de Pescado if you are looking how to cook costco tilapia.

How to Thaw Tilapia Fillets the Right Way

Best Method: Place frozen fish in the fridge overnight for a slow, controlled thaw that keeps it moist and flaky.

Quick Method: Submerge the whole tilapia or fillets in room-temperature water (not hot) for faster thawing. Change the water every 10-15 minutes.

Avoid: Never thaw fish using hot water—it will dry out the fish and affect the flavor and texture.

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Ingredients for 4 Steamed Tilapia Fillets

4 tilapia fillets (or substitute with another mild white fish)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1garlic clove

1 bunch cilantro

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/2 cup water

1/4 onion (for the sauce)

1/2 sliced onion

1 sliced tomato

1 seeded, sliced jalapeño

4 pieces of foil or parchment paper

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How to make steamed tilapia in foil

  • Prepare the Cilantro Marinade – Blend garlic, cilantro, onion, salt, and water until smooth.
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  • Season the Fish – Place the fillets in a dish, sprinkle with salt, black pepper and cover with the marinade.
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  • Assemble Foil Packs – Place the fish in the center of a foil sheet, add sliced onion, tomato, and jalapeño, and sprinkle a bit of extra salt.
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  • Steam the Fish – Add water to a steamer, bring it to a boil, and steam the tilapia for 15-20 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
  • Enjoy this fantastic recipe along Arroz Rojo or Arroz Primavera.

How to Cook Tilapia in the Oven (Alternative Method)

If you prefer baked tilapia, follow these steps:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Place the tilapia fillets in a baking dish and pour the cilantro marinade over the top.

Add sliced onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, and a few cilantro branches.

Cover the dish with foil or parchment paper to lock in the steam and moisture.

Bake for 12-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish.

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Other Cooking Methods for Tilapia

Grilled Tilapia in aluminum foil – Place the foil packets on a grill at medium heat and cook for 10-12 minutes, flip after 8 minutes.

Can I Use Other Types of Fish?

Yes! Here are some great alternatives to tilapia:

  1. Cod – A firm, flaky white fish perfect for steaming.
  2. Flounder – A mild-flavored fish that pairs well with citrus.
  3. Red Snapper – A flavorful option for a delicious meal.
  4. Pollock or Haddock – Great for those looking for a low-fat, high-protein seafood choice.

Final Tips for the Best Steamed Tilapia

  1. Marinate overnight for a deeper flavor.
  2. Use high-quality fish – Costco frozen tilapia is a great option.
  3. Don’t overcook – Fish flakes easily when done, around 145°F internal temperature.
  4. For a Filipino twist, try Pinaputok na Tilapia, a dish where the fish is stuffed with spices and baked in banana leaves!

More Easy Mexican Seafood Recipes

  1. Aguachiles – Spicy shrimp in a lime-cilantro marinade.
  2. Ceviche de Camarón – A classic Mexican shrimp salad.
  3. Whole Tilapia in Foil – Perfect for feeding a whole family!
  4. Ceviche de Jaiba Recipe – Easy and affordable meal
  5. Fry a whole fish – My Whole fried tilapia recipe is fantastic! 
tilapia in foil recipe

Steamed Tilapia

5 from 1 vote
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fish fillets
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 bunch of cilantro
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 1/4 onion for the sauce
  • 1/2 sliced onion
  • 1 sliced tomato
  • 1 sliced jalapeño
  • Aluminum foil

Instructions
 

  • Start by placing in the blender the garlic clove, 1/2 cilantro, 1/4 onion, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Blend until liquified.
  • Place the fillets in a container and sprinkle salt and pepper on top. Cover with the marinade.
  • Cut a piece of foil and place the piece of fish in the middle. Rinse with some marinade, add slices of onion, tomato, and jalapeno to taste, and add some salt on top as well as a couple of branches of cilantro. Cover with another piece of aluminum and fold foil twice on the edges so the marinade can stay inside while cooking or use foil packs if you have.
  • Place water in the steamer and allow to boil. Add the tilapia inside the steamer, cover, and allow to cook 15-20 minutes.

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