Final answer:
Tilapia fillets are typically cooked from a raw state. Cooking methods for tilapia include baking, grilling, frying, or poaching, and it's important to ensure the fish is opaque and flakes with a fork when done.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tilapia fillets are cooked from a raw state. When cooking tilapia, or any other kind of fish like the Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris), it's important to start with a proper preparation to ensure that the fillets reach the right temperature and texture for safe consumption.
Before cooking, the fish should be clean and ready to cook. If the fillets have been frozen, they should be fully thawed before being cooked. During the cooking process, it's crucial to use the right techniques to preserve the nutritional content and flavor of the fish. This could include baking, grilling, frying, or poaching the tilapia.
The endpoint of cooking fish, including tilapia, is when its flesh becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Every cooking method and recipe may have its specific guidelines for temperature and cooking times, so it's important to follow them closely for the best results.