These perfectly seasoned Grilled Tilapia fillets are the key to a fresh and delicious seafood dinner.
I’ve hosted a lot of barbecues over the summer with burgers and hot dogs as the main entrées. It was only recently that I started using the grill during the week to cook simple dinner meals. Let’s face it, the charred flavor you get from the grill can’t be beat! While meat and vegetables are traditional choices for the grill, I encourage you to think about grilling your fish as well. This grilled tilapia recipe is a cinch to make.
Since tilapia is a mild fish, it’s perfect for absorbing seasoning. If you have the time, let your tilapia rest for 15 minutes before you put it on the grill. That extra time will help the fish marinate and absorb the delicious olive oil, garlic, and paprika mix. The addition of cherry tomatoes adds a burst of sweet and slightly acidic flavor to the dish.
The best part? The fish cooks so quickly on the grill! You’ll be able to serve a full, flavorful meal in no time. Before you dig in, add a squeeze of lemon. It’s a subtle, final touch that will give your fish an extra level of flavor.
Is Grilled Tilapia Healthy?
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s about as healthy as can be! Tilapia is an excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, niacin, and phosphorus. Basically, it’s a nutritious powerhouse. The cherry tomatoes, when cooked, are especially rich in lycopene (an antioxidant). They also have potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. The garlic and capers are also sources of antioxidants. Even the squeeze of lemon delivers a punch of vitamin C!
Pack On The Seasonings
Tilapia is known for being versatile and neutral, so you’ll have a blank slate for flavors. Before you start seasoning, make sure that your tilapia is as dry as can be. That will help the fish absorb the flavors and ensure that you get a crispy sear on the grill. I love the garlic and smoked paprika in this recipe, but that’s only one way to season the fish. I encourage you to experiment with other flavor combinations. One of my favorite blends is parsley, thyme, and cayenne pepper. That combination really brings an interesting balance to the fish.
Also, don’t limit yourself to dry rubs. Tilapia will absorb marinades and sauces, as well. Consider combining olive oil, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce for an Asian-inspired fillet. For a rich, tangy, and sweet flavor, you can marinade tilapia in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Once you’re ready to enjoy, preheat your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. I recommend placing the fish on a lightly greased baking sheet, covering it in foil, and reheating it for 15 minutes in the oven. You’ll want to splash the fish with a little water to prevent it from drying out in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
For a simple dinner, one of the best ways to serve grilled tilapia is with other grilled sides. Using the grill will be an easy way to cook a full meal without having to run back and forth to the stove. I’d suggest a variety of colorful sides, like Grilled Zucchini, Grilled Eggplant and Grilled Sweet Potatoes.
If you’re hosting a barbecue, you’ll want to add some other proteins to the grill for variety. I happen to love this Juicy Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe because of that delicious charred grill flavor. For the meat lovers in your group, try this Grilled London Broil. It will be even more tender than you can imagine!
Ingredients
- Canola oil to oil the grill
- 2 tilapia fillets
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- Salt and pepper to your liking
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 sprig of fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1/2 lemon cut into wedges
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to 450°F and lightly oil your grill with canola oil. Pat dry the tilapia fillets and rub them with 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 tilapia fillets and cherry tomatoes from the grill and transfer them to a plate. Garnish with chopped parsley, capers, and lemon wedges.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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