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Grilled Lemon Garlic Tilapia 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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Preheat the Grill: While the tilapia marinates, preheat your grill to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for cooking.
  4. Prepare the Grill Surface: Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the filets after cooking.
  5. 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.
  6. 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