09/01/2026
How to Fillet a Tilapia
What You’ll Need
• Sharp knife (fillet knife if available)
• Cutting board
• Cleaned tilapia (guts already removed)
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Descale and rinse
• Remove the scales by scraping from the tail toward the head
• Rinse thoroughly and pat dry
2. Remove the head
• Cut just behind the gills down to the bone
• Twist or slice through to remove the head
(Optional, but makes filleting easier)
3. Make the backbone cut
• Lay the fish on its side
• Slice along the top of the fish from head to tail until you feel the backbone
4. Slide the knife along the bones
• Keep the knife flat and close to the bones
• Gently slide the blade downward to separate the flesh from the rib bones
5. Repeat on the other side
• Flip the fish over
• Repeat the same process to get the second fillet
6. Remove pin bones
• Run your fingers along the center of the fillet
• Pull out small bones using tweezers or your fingers
7. Remove the skin (optional)
• Hold the skin firmly
• Slide the knife between the skin and flesh, keeping the blade flat
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Pro Tips
• Slightly frozen fish is easier to fillet
• Let the knife do the work—slide, don’t force
• Practice improves speed and yield