Delicious Grilled Tilapia
Serve up a storm with these simple and flavorful grilled tilapia fillets, perfectly seasoned and garnished for a fresh and delicious meal.
Are you ready to fire up the grill and cook some delicious tilapia fillets? I hope so! These fish fillets taste like heaven (if heaven had a taste, which I presume it does not) AND it’s a cinch to make. You won’t be able to get enough of the flavor combo of smoked paprika, garlic, and fresh parsley.
This super zesty tilapia recipe is a lot like other kickass seafood faves I’ve shared before, like my Baked Honey Cajun Salmon and my Quick-Boiled Shrimp. They may differ in taste but all are seafood dishes that can be put together in no time flat and yet taste like some gourmet treasure. But today, let’s focus on the glory that is the tilapia. Let’s get those grills prepped!
Is Grilled Tilapia Healthy?
You bet it is! If you were a health guru, you would probably dream of this dish nightly (and if not, you would at least recommend it to your clients). Tilapia is packed with protein, the tomatoes are your antioxidant heroes on a plate, and the olive oil with capers contain the heart-healthy fats your body needs. Even the squeeze of lemon delivers a punch of vitamin C!
INGREDIENTS
Adjust the amount of paprika, garlic, and parsley to your liking.
- 2 tilapia fillets
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 tbsp capers
- 1 sprig of fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ lemon, cut into wedges
INSTRUCTIONS
Prep
Preheat your grill to 450°F. Pat the tilapia fillets dry and rub with the olive oil and crushed garlic cloves. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
Grill
Grill the fish fillets and the cherry tomatoes for 4 minutes on each side, until cooked through.
Garnish
Remove the grilled tilapia fillets from the grill and transfer them to a plate. Garnish with chopped parsley, capers, and lemon wedges.
DEVOUR!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this grilled tilapia right off the grill with a crisp, green side salad for a refreshing, balanced meal. Alternatively, you can plate it over a warm quinoa or couscous salad for a comforting yet nutritious supper.
Tips & Tricks
Use fresh tilapia fillets: Fresh fish is tops in taste and texture. And don’t forget to give it a little pat to dry if; you want that tilapia dry to attain that crispy sear.
Quality matters: Simple dishes like this one can’t hide behind an unruly mix of ingredients so go for quality. Higher-end olive oil and fish will taste better than their lowly counterparts.
Marinate your fish: Let your tilapia sit in the olive oil, garlic, and paprika mix for at least 15 minutes before you put it on the grill so it really absorbs the flavors.
Keep an eye on your grill: Fish cooks super quickly, so don’t leave your tilapia hanging on the grill for too long – 4 minutes each side is just about perfect.
Add a squeeze of lemon: A squeeze of lemon makes for a lovely final touch just before you serve your fish. It’s subtle, but anyone with a functional tongue will notice its zest.
FAQs
My tilapia fillets are sticking to the grill. How do i prevent this?
Make sure your grill is preheated to the right temperature before applying your fillets to the heat. And make sure your grill is clean; a good scrub with a grill brush to get rid of all the gunk should do the trick.
Can I grill frozen tilapia fillets?
I don’t recommend it. Thaw them out in the fridge overnight before you grill so they cook more evenly.
How do I know when the tilapia fillets are cooked?
When they effortlessly flake with a fork, they’re done. Just give the fattest part a poke.
What type of grill is best for grilling tilapia?
Gas grills give you greater temperature control, which is key to getting the perfect cook level, while charcoal grills give you that lovely smoky flavor. It’s up to you!
Can I use a grill pan on the stovetop if I don’t have a grill?
A grill pan or even your trusty ol’ non-stick frying pan will do fine, especially if you’re cooking indoors. Just follow the same steps, but keep a close eye on the cooking time to avoid overcooking your fish.
What other fish can I use instead of tilapia?
Though this is a recipe specifically for tilapia, other firm white fish like cod, halibut, snapper, or even trout are equally tasty.
How to Store Grilled Tilapia
This dish can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a pan over low heat, or use a microwave, ensuring the fish is heated all the way through.
Delicious Grilled Tilapia
Serve up a storm with these simple and flavorful grilled tilapia fillets, perfectly seasoned and garnished for a fresh and delicious meal.
Servings 2
Calories 248kcal
Ingredients
- 2 tilapia fillets
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 1 tbsp capers
- 1 sprig of fresh parsley chopped
- ½ lemon cut into wedges
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to 450°F. Pat dry the tilapia fillets and rub with the olive oil and crushed garlic cloves. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Grill the fish fillets and the cherry tomatoes for 4 minutes on each side, until cooked through.
- Remove the grilled tilapia fillets from the grill and transfer them to a plate. Garnish with chopped parsley, capers, and lemon wedges.
Notes
Use fresh tilapia fillets: Fresh fish are tops in taste and texture. And don’t forget to give it a little pat to dry off before it hits the grill. You want that tilapia dry to attain that perfect, crispy sear.
Quality matters: Simple dishes like this one can’t hide behind an unruly mix of ingredients so you’ve got to go for quality with each one. Higher-end olive oil and fish will taste better than their lowly counterparts, so splurge.
Marinate your fish: Let your tilapia chill in the olive oil, garlic, and paprika mix for at least 15 minutes before it hits the grill. It will amp up the flavors.
Keep an eye on your grill: Fish cooks super quick, so don’t leave your tilapia hanging on the grill for too long – 4 minutes each side is just about perfect.
Add a squeeze of lemon: A squeeze of lemon makes for a lovely final touch just before you serve that tilapia. It’s subtle but anyone with a functional tongue will notice the zest it adds.
Nutrition
Calories: 248kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 205mg | Potassium: 671mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 729IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 2mg
The post Delicious Grilled Tilapia appeared first on Food Faith Fitness.
