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.