Grilled Tilapia with Lemon Garlic Marinade Recipe
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.
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
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.
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Grilled Tilapia with Lemon Garlic Marinade Recipe
- Total Time: 40-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Grilled Tilapia recipe features tender, flavorful fillets marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and spices. Perfectly grilled to achieve a smoky, slightly charred finish, this dish is quick to prepare and ideal for a healthy, delicious meal.
Ingredients
Marinade 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
Main Ingredients
- 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 the marinade.
- Marinate Tilapia: Pour the marinade into a large sealable bag or container and add the tilapia filets. Ensure frozen fillets are fully thawed before marinating. Seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow flavors to infuse.
- Preheat Grill: While marinating, preheat your grill to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for cooking.
- Grill Tilapia: Remove the tilapia from the marinade and brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the filets on the grill and cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side. The fillets should release easily when ready; if not, grill an additional 1-2 minutes before flipping or removing.
- Serve: Take the grilled tilapia off the grill and serve immediately. Enjoy your flavorful and healthy meal!
Notes
- If using frozen tilapia, make sure it is completely thawed before marinating to ensure even flavor absorption and cooking.
- Brushing the grill grates with olive oil helps prevent the delicate fish from sticking and breaking apart.
- Adjust grill time based on the thickness of the fillets; thinner pieces may cook faster.
- Serve with fresh lemon wedges or a side salad for a light and refreshing meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Grilled Tilapia, Easy Fish Recipe, Healthy Grilled Fish, Lemon Garlic Tilapia, Quick Seafood Dinner
