What Sauce Goes with Tilapia? (11 Tasty Sauces)

If you’re looking for a light and healthy fish to add to your dinner rotation, look no further than tilapia.

This versatile white fish can be cooked in so many different ways, and it pairs well with a variety of sauces.

So if you’re wondering what kind of sauce to put on tilapia, whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-frying it, then you’ve come to the right place.

I’m sharing 11 of my favorite sauces to serve with tilapia, including creamy sauces, salsa, pesto, and more.

What Sauce Goes with Tilapia

What Sauce Goes with Tilapia?

There are many different sauces that go well with tilapia. If you want to keep it light, you can simply use lemon juice or a white wine sauce. For something with a little more flavor, you can try a pesto sauce or a tomato-based sauce. If you are looking for something truly unique, you could even try a mango salsa or a pineapple chutney.

Still looking for ideas?

No problem – just keep reading!

Here are 11 sauces that go with tilapia:

1. Lemon Juice

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice has a tangy, sour, or acidic flavor.

It is used to add flavor to food or to make a dish more flavorful.

It can also be used as a marinade or to tenderize meat.

To add more flavor to the sauce, you can add more lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

You can also add other herbs and spices to taste.

2. Herbed Beurre Blanc

If you’re feeling fancy and want to impress your guests with a delicious and unique sauce, herbed beurre blanc is the way to go.

This sauce is light and refreshing, with a hint of herbs and buttery goodness.

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It’s the perfect pairing for tilapia, as the delicate flavor of the fish is enhanced by the sauce.

This sauce is surprisingly quick and easy to make, and can be done in under 30 minutes.

Simply combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan and cook over low heat until the sauce has thickened.

If you want to add a bit more flavor to the sauce, you can try adding different herbs or spices.

For a more savory flavor, try adding a bit of garlic or onion.

If you’re looking for something with a bit more kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Whatever you decide to add, make sure not to go overboard, as you don’t want to overpower the delicate flavor of the sauce.

3. Pesto

Pesto comes with a bold, vibrant flavor that can really liven up a dish.

It’s made with fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and pine nuts, so you can expect a fragrant and slightly nutty taste.

If you want to add a little more flavor to your pesto, try adding some additional herbs and spices.

Some good options include oregano, thyme, black pepper, or red pepper flakes.

Just add a pinch or two of whichever one you choose, and you’ll be good to go!

4. San Marzano Tomato Sauce

Any kind of tomato sauce is always welcome on my table, but this San Marzano tomato sauce in particular has a certain je ne sais quoi that I can’t get enough of.

It’s slightly sweet with a deep, rich flavor that compliments any dish it’s paired with.

I like to keep things simple when it comes to this sauce, but if you’re looking to add a little more flavor, consider adding some of these herbs and spices: oregano, basil, garlic, black pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes.

5. Mango Salsa

If you like exotic fruits and fish, then this is the sauce for you.

The sweetness of the mango compliments the tilapia perfectly.

You can add a bit of heat with some chili peppers, or keep it mild with just the mangoes.

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Either way, it’s a delicious and healthy option.

There are many ways to customize this sauce to your liking.

If you want more of a kick, add some diced onions, garlic, or ginger. If you want it more savory, add some cumin or smoked paprika.

And if you want it sweeter, add a bit more mango or a touch of honey.

6. Pineapple Chutney

Speaking of exotic flavors, this pineapple chutney is one of my favorites to pair with tilapia.

It’s sweet, tangy, and has just the right amount of spice.

I like to add a bit of fresh ginger to really give it a kick.

If you’re looking to add even more flavor to your tilapia, I suggest trying one (or all) of the following herbs and spices: cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder.

Just be careful not to add too much chili powder, as it can quickly overpower the other flavors.

7. Tartar Sauce

This semi-sweet, semi-savory sauce is the perfect accompaniment to tilapia.

The acidity from the pickles and capers brightens up the fish, while the mayonnaise and egg add a smooth and creamy texture.

If you want to add a bit more flavor to your tartar sauce, try adding some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill.

You could also add a pinch of spice with a bit of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.

8. Soy Sauce

Soy sauce needs no introduction. It’s salty, umami, and a little bit sweet.

It’s the perfect finishing touch for any dish – especially tilapia!

If you want to give your tilapia an extra boost of flavor, try adding some fresh ginger, garlic, or scallions.

You could also add a pinch of dried chili flakes for a bit of heat.

9. Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce has a very strong salty and slightly sweet flavor.

It is made from soybeans, vinegar, sugar, and a variety of other spices.

It is often used as a dipping sauce or a marinade.

If you want to add more flavor to your hoisin sauce, you can try adding some of these herbs and spices: garlic, ginger, green onion, chili pepper, or five-spice powder.

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10. Sweet and Sour Sauce

Or, how about an Asian-inspired sweet and sour sauce?

This one has a nice balance of sweetness and acidity, with a touch of heat from the red pepper flakes.

It would be great on tilapia, or really any type of white fish.

If you want to add a little more flavor to your sweet and sour sauce, try adding some fresh ginger or a dash of Chinese five spice powder.

You could also add a splash of rice vinegar or sesame oil for a more authentic flavor.

11. BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce is an American staple that can be used on just about anything.

The sauce itself is tangy and sweet, with a smoky flavor that comes from the addition of paprika.

If you want to add a little more flavor to your BBQ sauce, try adding some of these herbs and spices:

  • Paprika
  • Cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Ground black pepper

FAQ

What Sauce Goes with Breaded Tilapia?

Since breaded tilapia has a light and delicate flavor, you might want to choose a sauce that is not too overpowering. A simple lemon butter sauce or a white wine sauce would be a good choice. You could also try a more adventurous sauce, like mango salsa or pineapple chutney.

What Sauce Goes with Fried Tilapia?

When serving fried tilapia, you can either go for a classic like tartar sauce or remoulade, or something more unique like a mustard-based sauce. Other popular choices include apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and even ketchup.

What Kind of Sauce Goes with Tilapia

What Sauce Goes with Tilapia? (11 Tasty Sauces)

As you probably already know, tilapia is a delicious and versatile fish.
But what you may not know is that there are a variety of sauces that go wonderfully with tilapia.
In this post, we'll explore 11 of the best sauces for tilapia.
So whether you're looking for something simple and light, or something a little more robust and flavorful, we've got you covered.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 388 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Lemon Juice
  • Herbed Beurre Blanc
  • Pesto
  • San Marzano Tomato Sauce
  • Mango Salsa
  • Pineapple Chutney
  • Tartar Sauce
  • Soy Sauce
  • Hoisin Sauce
  • Sweet and Sour Sauce
  • BBQ Sauce

Instructions
 

  • Pick any of these sauces to serve with your delicious fish dinner.
  • Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
  • Serve in no time!
Keyword What Sauce Goes with Tilapia