Description
Grilled tilapia is a healthy and flavorful dish featuring whole fish marinated in a zesty mix of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. Ideal for summer barbecues or quick weeknight meals, this recipe guarantees moist fish with a perfect char, served with lemon wedges and your choice of sides.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 whole tilapia, cleaned and scaled
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 lemons (1 for juice, 1 sliced for stuffing)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (like dill or thyme) for stuffing (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, juice of one lemon, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Rinse tilapia under cold water and pat dry. Make three diagonal slashes on each side of the fish to help the marinade penetrate. Place tilapia in a dish or resealable bag, pour marinade over, ensuring it gets into the slashes and cavity. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F to 400°F). Clean the grates and lightly oil them with a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil.
- Remove marinated tilapia from the refrigerator. Stuff the cavity of each fish with lemon slices and fresh herbs.
- Place tilapia on the grill diagonally across the grates. Grill for 6-8 minutes on one side until a crust forms. Flip gently and grill for another 6-8 minutes until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
- Transfer grilled tilapia to a serving platter. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Pair with your favorite sides like a fresh salad or grilled vegetables.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider marinating the fish overnight.
- If using a charcoal grill, ensure coals are evenly distributed for consistent heat.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs for stuffing based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-16 minutes