Seafood-Tilapia

1 Tilapia (various species and hybrids of the genus Tilapia) originated from Mediterranean and African countries and has been successfully cultured throughout the world in temperate to tropical regions. Within the last few years, production of tilapia (pronounced "tuh-laa-pee-ah") in the United States has exceeded freshwater trout.

2 Tilapia is a hardy fish that will thrive in outdoor ponds or high-tech tank systems using several different filter types to cleanse and recycle water. The fish is fed high-quality, grain-based pellets to produce a mild flavored fillet. Oregon has a wild fishery of tilapia found in Central Oregon lakes and Rivers brackish water estuary that are sold in regional seafood retail shops as fresh, gutted fish.

3 Similar in appearance to bream tilapia are produced with a wide range of skin colors, black to dark blue to brilliant golden red. Much of the tilapia production in the United States is sold to Asian buyers as a live product which is generally harvested at 1 - 1 1/2 pounds.

4 Tilapia's mild flavor and medium to fine-grained flake lends itself well to all types of cooking: fried, broiled, grilled and blackened. Tilapia cooks quickly; when the flesh turns opaque white, it is ready to be served. If fish is cooked in parchment, foil or a sauce, add 5 minutes to the total cooking time. Fillets less than 1/2 inch thick do not need to be turned during cooking. Fish cooks quickly. Do not overcook. Fish is done when the flesh becomes opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork. Poaching, steaming, baking, broiling, saut'ing, microwaving are excellent low-fat cooking methods, if you do not add high fat ingredients.

5 Marinate in your favorite salad dressing prior to cooking. Broil, bake, steam or microwave, then cube and add to pasta or salad greens for a delicious salad. Broil or grill with lime-butter and seasoned salt. Oil the grill to prevent fish from sticking. Bake whole fish with a crab or shrimp stuffing. Add leftover fish in broken pieces to salads, soups or sauces.