This cooking method involves preparing a complete, unfilleted tilapia fish through the application of dry heat within an enclosed appliance. The process typically requires seasoning the fish, optionally stuffing the cavity, and placing it directly on a baking sheet or in a baking dish inside the oven. Elevated temperatures cook the tilapia until it reaches a desired level of doneness, usually indicated by flaking flesh and opaque coloration.
Preparing the fish in this manner offers numerous advantages, including moisture retention due to the skin acting as a barrier during cooking. This results in a more succulent final product. Furthermore, it allows the natural flavors of the tilapia to develop and intensify, producing a more complex and satisfying culinary experience. Historically, cooking whole fish has been a practice common across various cultures, maximizing the utilization of the available resource and preserving essential nutrients.