Introduction

Grilled tilapia is a simple, flavorful fish dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend cookout. The marinade infused with lemon, garlic, and mustard powder enhances the delicate taste of the tilapia, making it light yet delicious.

A white rectangular plate holds five pieces of grilled fish fillets arranged slightly overlapping in two rows. Each fillet shows clear, dark brown grill marks running diagonally across a light golden-brown surface, sprinkled with small green parsley flakes and coarse black pepper. Around the edges of the plate, thin slices of bright yellow lemon add color contrast. Fresh green parsley sprigs peek underneath some fillets. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with small scattered parsley bits and lemon halves on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 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 and place the tilapia filets inside. If the filets were frozen, make sure they are fully thawed before marinating.
Step 3: Marinate the tilapia for 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator to absorb the flavors.
Step 4: While the fish marinates, preheat your grill to 400°F (204°C). Brush the grill grates lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Remove the filets from the marinade and place them on the grill. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side. If the filets stick, give them an additional 1-2 minutes before flipping to ensure they release easily.
Step 6: Once cooked through and slightly charred, remove the tilapia from the grill and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to the marinade.
You can substitute tilapia with other mild white fish such as cod or haddock.
Serve the grilled tilapia with a squeeze of fresh lemon or a side of grilled vegetables.
If you don’t have a grill, cook the fish on a hot grill pan or broil in the oven instead.

Storage

Store any leftover grilled tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid drying out the fish. For best texture and flavor, consume leftovers cold or at room temperature in salads or sandwiches.

How to Serve

The image shows several pieces of grilled chicken breasts arranged closely on a white marbled surface. Each piece has clear dark brown grill lines crossing over the light golden brown cooked chicken, with visible seasoning of black pepper and finely chopped green herbs scattered on top. Small parsley sprigs and thin lemon wedges surround the chicken, adding fresh green and bright yellow color details to the composition. The grilled chicken looks juicy with a slightly glossy texture and char marks that give a homemade and appetizing feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I marinate the tilapia overnight?

While marinating overnight is possible, it may cause the fish to become too soft or mushy due to the acidity of the lemon juice. It’s best to marinate for 30 minutes to an hour.

How do I know when the tilapia is fully cooked?

Tilapia is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque all the way through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.