Quick & Easy Baked Tilapia Veracruz

When it comes to quick and easy dinner recipes there’s nothing better than fish! Here’s a healthy, delicious, and easy baked tilapia veracruz recipe that you have to try. Baking is just one easy way to cook tilapia.

I have shared some other tilapia recipes with you over the years and they are always a hit! Check out my baked tilapia recipe and these 5 easy tilapia recipes for kids as well! 

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Tilapia Veracruz

The traditional version of this dish is called huachinango a la veracruzana and is made with red snapper. It doesn’t usually use salsa, but that turns out to be a good shortcut. Pepitas are a type of roasted and salted pumpkin seeds, which are also good as a snack or salad topping. 

Is this a quick dinner recipe? 

I think this is a quick and easy dinner recipe. When it comes to fish you can pretty much count on a quick baking time and this recipe is ready in about 40 minutes or so! There’s not a whole lot of prep to do and apart from the baking time there’s not much to it.

I usually pop this easy baked tilapia recipe into the oven, set the timer, and go about getting everything cleaned up or organized in the kitchen and by the time it’s done everyone is ready for dinner! 

Here’s what you’ll need to make this baked tilapia recipe at home: 

• canned crushed tomatoes
• chunky salsa (mild or medium)
• minced garlic
• fresh Italian parsley
• dried oregano
• Kalamata olives
• raisins
• capers
• pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
• frozen Tilapia fillets (do not thaw)

 

Do I have to use frozen tilapia filets? 

Yes! This recipe is calculated for frozen tilapia. If you decide to use fresh tilapia you’ll have to adjust the cooking times significantly. It can definitely be done but this particular recipe and set of instructions is going to work best with frozen tilapia.

I used still frozen tilapia fillets so that they require cooking time long enough for the sauce to cook. Alternatively, you could simmer the sauce on the stove and cook the tilapia separately – but then you’d have double the dishes to wash.

If you are not in the habit of keeping frozen tilapia fillets on hand you might want to change that. I love to make baked tilapia for my family and once you try this recipe for Tilapia Veracruz you will be as hooked on tilapia as we are. 

How to make easy baked Tilapia Veracruz: 

1. Preheat the oven to 325° F.
2. Combine all the ingredients in an 9×12″ glass baking dish (or equivalent).
3. Add the tilapia fillets, and spread the sauce over them.
4. Then, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
5. Bake for 30 minutes, and then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes.

 

What kitchen supplies do I need to make this great dinner recipe? 

My favorite kitchen supplies make cooking at home easy! Thanks for using my Amazon referral links at no additional cost to you:

• Pyrex Oblong Baking Pan
• Oval Serving Platter
• Slotted Spatula

 

Can I have this Tilapia Veracruz on Weight Watchers? 

Most fish recipes are great for Weight Watchers because the protein itself is free, zero points. This recipe is also great for Weight Watchers because there’s not much in the way of oils and butter, etc. The sauce is made from the spices, tomatoes, and salsa! Each serving is 2 Freestyle Smart Points. I calculated that on the Weight Watchers app which is a really nice resource for anyone who might be participating in the program! 

If you are on Weight Watchers this baked tilapia is a great choice for dinner and makes a nice lunch option too if you have leftovers! Sometimes I make a double batch so that I can pack a few portions up for lunches. They’re easy to reheat in the microwave and with some fresh steamed veggies it’s a perfect low point meal! 

Looking for other great tilapia recipes to try? 

One I started making tilapia for my family I was hooked and so were they! It’s such an easy thing to stock up on and keep in the freezer. I always know that I have something healthy on hand. It’s a great choice for those busy weeknights when I don’t have the energy to be creative at mealtime. I can put something like this together and know that there won’t be any complaints from the kids! 

• 5 Easy Tilapia Recipes for Kids
• Easy Baked Tilapia {20 Minute Meal}
• 7 Easy Tilapia Recipes That Kids Will Like
• Almond Tilapia and Broccoli Slaw
• Balsamic Salmon {Easy Weeknight Meal}

Printable Tilapia Veracruz recipe: 

This recipe is linked up to Meal Plan Monday at Julia’s Simply Southern.