Introduction

Grilled tilapia is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual weekend cookout. Marinated in a zesty lemon and garlic blend, this light fish grills up tender and juicy every time.

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.
Step 2: Pour the marinade into a large sealable bag or container. Add the tilapia filets, making sure they are fully coated. If using frozen filets, ensure they are completely thawed before marinating.
Step 3: Marinate the fish in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour to allow flavors to develop.
Step 4: While the tilapia marinates, preheat your grill to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 5: Remove the filets from the marinade. Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Grill the tilapia filets for 4–6 minutes on each side. The fish should easily lift from the grill when ready; if it sticks, allow another 1–2 minutes before turning.
Step 7: Remove the grilled tilapia from the grill and serve immediately, pairing with your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the marinade.
Use lime juice instead of lemon for a slightly different citrus note.
If you don’t have a grill, you can broil the fish in the oven on a lined baking sheet for similar results.
Serve the grilled tilapia over a bed of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover grilled tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. It’s best enjoyed fresh but works well cold in salads too.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tilapia for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen tilapia, but be sure to fully thaw the filets before marinating to ensure even flavor and proper cooking.

What if my fish sticks to the grill?

Make sure the grill is well oiled and preheated. If the fish still sticks, wait a couple more minutes before flipping; the fish will release more easily once it forms a seared crust.

Grilled Lemon Garlic Tilapia Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 59 reviews

This Grilled Tilapia recipe features tender tilapia filets marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and spices, then perfectly grilled to bring out a smoky, flavorful taste ideal for a quick and healthy meal.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 40-50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
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

Main

4 tilapia filets

Instructions

Whisk Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and mustard powder until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
Marinate Tilapia: Pour the marinade into a large sealable bag or container and add the tilapia filets. Make sure the tilapia is fully thawed if previously frozen. Seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow flavors to infuse.
Preheat Grill: While the fish is marinating, preheat your grill to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure proper cooking and grilling marks.
Prepare Grill Grates: Brush the grill grates lightly with olive oil to prevent the tilapia from sticking during cooking.
Grill Tilapia: Remove the filets from the marinade and place them on the preheated grill. Grill each side for 4 to 6 minutes, carefully flipping once. The fish should release easily from the grill when ready; if sticking, cook an additional 1 to 2 minutes per side.
Serve: Remove the grilled tilapia from the grill once perfectly cooked through and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Ensure tilapia filets are thoroughly thawed if using frozen fish before marinating.
Adjust grilling time based on filet thickness to avoid overcooking.
If you don’t have a grill, you can also broil the tilapia in the oven on high for similar results.
For extra flavor, garnish with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving.

Keywords: grilled tilapia, fish recipe, healthy seafood, lemon garlic tilapia, easy grilling recipe