Introduction

Grilled tilapia is a light and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual summer barbecue. This recipe uses a simple marinade to enhance the mild taste of the fish and delivers tender, juicy fillets with a hint of citrus and spice.

Grilled Lemon Garlic Tilapia Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon mustard powder
4 tilapia filets

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the marinade by whisking together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and mustard powder in a bowl until well combined.
Step 2: Pour the marinade into a large sealable bag or container and add the tilapia filets. Make sure frozen filets are fully thawed before marinating.
Step 3: Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to let the flavors infuse.
Step 4: While marinating, preheat your grill to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 5: Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Remove the tilapia from the marinade and place the filets on the grill.
Step 6: Grill the tilapia for 4-6 minutes on each side. The fish should lift easily from the grill; if it sticks, allow an additional 1-2 minutes before flipping.
Step 7: Once cooked through and flaky, remove the tilapia from the grill and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to the marinade.
Serve with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Use a grill pan or broiler if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.
Swap tilapia for other mild white fish such as cod or haddock for variation.

Storage

Store any leftover grilled tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven to avoid drying out the fish. For best texture, it’s recommended to enjoy grilled tilapia fresh.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I marinate the tilapia for longer than an hour?

While marinating for up to an hour is ideal, you can extend it to 2 hours if needed. Avoid marinating too long as the acid in the lemon juice can start to “cook” the fish and change its texture.

How do I know when the tilapia is fully cooked?

The tilapia is done when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking times may vary slightly based on thickness, but grilling 4-6 minutes per side usually ensures a perfectly cooked filet.

Grilled Lemon Garlic Tilapia Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 74 reviews

This Grilled Tilapia recipe features tender, flavorful tilapia filets marinated in a zesty mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and spices, then perfectly grilled to achieve a deliciously light and healthy seafood dish ideal for any meal.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 40-50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon mustard powder

Fish

4 tilapia filets

Instructions

Whisk the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon mustard powder until well combined.
Marinate the Tilapia: Pour the marinade into a large sealable bag or container. Add 4 tilapia filets (thawed if frozen) to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to infuse the fish.
Preheat the Grill: While the tilapia marinates, preheat your grill to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for cooking.
Prepare the Grill Surface: Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the filets after cooking.
Grill the Tilapia: Remove the filets from the marinade and place them on the preheated grill. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side, allowing a nice char to develop and the fish to become opaque and flaky. If the filets stick when flipping, allow an additional 1 to 2 minutes before trying again.
Serve: Carefully remove the grilled tilapia from the grill and serve immediately, pairing with your favorite side dishes or fresh salad.

Notes

Ensure tilapia filets are thawed completely if previously frozen before marinating to allow proper flavor absorption.
Marinating time should not exceed 1 hour to avoid the acidity breaking down the delicate fish texture too much.
Use a clean, well-oiled grill grate to prevent fish from sticking and tearing.
Cooking times may vary slightly based on thickness of the filets and grill heat distribution.

Keywords: Grilled Tilapia, Fish Recipe, Healthy Seafood, Lemon Garlic Fish, Summer Grilling, Low Fat Dinner