Summer is here, and with it comes the perfect excuse to fire up your grill and enjoy some delicious seafood. One of our favorite options for a quick and flavorful meal is grilled tilapia – a mild-flavored fish that pairs well with a wide range of seasonings and sauces. In this article, we’ll share 18 different ways to grill tilapia, from classic lemon garlic to spicy Cajun and exotic curry-inspired flavors.
Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for your next barbecue, these recipes are sure to please. So why not get grilling and add some excitement to your summer menu?
Lemon Garlic Grilled Tilapia
This recipe combines the zesty brightness of lemon with the pungency of garlic, creating a dish that’s both light and satisfying. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush both sides of tilapia fillets with the lemon-garlic mixture.
4. Place tilapia on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes total
Spicy Cajun Grilled Tilapia
Add a spicy kick to your grilled tilapia with this bold and flavorful Cajun-inspired dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup Cajun seasoning
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together Cajun seasoning, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.
3. Place tilapia fillets in a shallow dish and brush the spicy mixture evenly over both sides of the fish.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill tilapia for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Honey Lime Grilled Tilapia
A sweet and tangy twist on traditional grilled fish, this recipe combines the flavors of honey and lime to create a deliciously moist and flavorful tilapia dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, and salt.
3. Brush both sides of the tilapia fillets with the honey-lime mixture.
4. Place the tilapia on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove from heat and brush with olive oil.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Mediterranean Herb Grilled Tilapia
Experience the bright flavors of the Mediterranean with this simple and flavorful grilled tilapia recipe. Fresh herbs, lemon, and garlic come together to create a dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, juiced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, oregano, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush both sides of the tilapia fillets with the herb mixture.
4. Place the tilapia on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve immediately with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Coconut Curry Grilled Tilapia
Elevate your grilling game with this flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the richness of coconut milk, the warmth of curry powder, and the tenderness of grilled tilapia.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 2 tbsp curry powder
– 1 tsp grated ginger
– 1/4 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together coconut milk, curry powder, ginger, and cumin.
3. Place tilapia fillets in a shallow dish and brush both sides with the coconut-curry mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until fish is cooked through.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pineapple Salsa Grilled Tilapia
Elevate your seafood game with this sweet and tangy recipe that combines the freshness of pineapple salsa with the flaky goodness of grilled tilapia. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and olive oil. Stir well.
3. Season tilapia fillets with salt and pepper.
4. Grill tilapia for 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked through.
5. Serve topped with pineapple salsa. Garnish with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Garlic Butter Grilled Tilapia
This recipe is a simple and flavorful way to prepare tilapia, with the added bonus of garlic butter for an extra boost of flavor. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and softened butter until well combined.
3. Place tilapia fillets on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. During the last minute of cooking, brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over each fillet.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
6. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Blackened Grilled Tilapia
This recipe adds a bold kick to traditional grilled tilapia by using the Cajun spice blend, blackening seasoning. The result is a flavorful and spicy fish dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 tsp blackening seasoning
– 1 tsp olive oil
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together blackening seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
3. Brush both sides of the tilapia fillets with the blackening mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place the tilapia on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Mango Chili Grilled Tilapia
Elevate your grilled fish game with this sweet and spicy twist on a classic tilapia dish. The combination of juicy mango, bold chili peppers, and flaky fish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/2 cup chili flakes
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together mango, chili flakes, and garlic.
3. Brush both sides of tilapia fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place tilapia on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of cooking, spoon the mango-chili mixture over the fish.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Teriyaki Glazed Grilled Tilapia
This Asian-inspired recipe combines the delicate flavor of tilapia with the rich sweetness of teriyaki glaze, perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 tsp grated ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic.
3. Brush both sides of the tilapia fillets with olive oil.
4. Grill the tilapia for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush the teriyaki glaze on both sides of the fish.
6. Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (if using).
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Smoky Paprika Grilled Tilapia
Elevate your grilled fish game with this smoky and savory recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ. With the rich flavor of smoked paprika, tangy lime juice, and a hint of garlic, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 lime, juiced
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the tilapia fillets.
4. Place the fish on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Squeeze lime juice over the fish during the last minute of cooking.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Pesto Crusted Grilled Tilapia
Pesto Crusted Grilled Tilapia: A flavorful and refreshing seafood dish that’s perfect for a light and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup pesto sauce
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together pesto sauce and panko breadcrumbs.
3. Dip each tilapia fillet into the pesto-breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place the coated tilapia on the grill or grill pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove from heat and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and chopped parsley (if using).
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Jerk Seasoned Grilled Tilapia
Experience the bold flavors of the Caribbean with this simple yet flavorful recipe. Jerk seasoning adds a spicy kick to tender tilapia, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1 lime, juiced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning, brown sugar, lime juice, and garlic.
3. Brush both sides of tilapia fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place tilapia on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of cooking, brush tilapia with the jerk seasoning mixture.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Grilled Tilapia
Experience the sweet and tangy combination of flavors with this simple yet impressive dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe combines the delicate taste of tilapia with the rich flavor of balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic glaze, olive oil, garlic, and thyme.
3. Place tilapia fillets on the grill and brush the glaze mixture evenly over each piece.
4. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Cilantro Lime Grilled Tilapia
Brighten up your dinner plate with this zesty and flavorful recipe that combines the freshness of cilantro and lime with the delicate taste of tilapia. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
– 2 limes, juiced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush both sides of the tilapia fillets with olive oil.
4. Place the tilapia on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush the cilantro-lime mixture evenly over each fillet.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 1 minute before serving.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Thai Basil Grilled Tilapia
This recipe combines the bright flavors of Thai basil with the delicate taste of grilled tilapia, creating a dish that’s both exotic and familiar. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy this flavorful fish at home.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup Thai basil leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together Thai basil leaves, garlic, and lime juice.
3. Brush both sides of the tilapia fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the tilapia for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush the tilapia with the Thai basil mixture.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Thai basil leaves and sliced jalapeño peppers if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Orange Ginger Grilled Tilapia
This recipe combines the sweetness of orange with the spiciness of ginger to create a mouthwatering grilled tilapia dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey, and ginger until well combined.
3. Brush both sides of the tilapia fillets with olive oil.
4. Grill tilapia for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of grilling, brush the fish with the orange-ginger mixture.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Rosemary Lemon Grilled Tilapia
This refreshing summer recipe combines the bright flavors of lemon and rosemary with tender grilled tilapia, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying this Mediterranean-inspired dish in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4 tilapia fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped rosemary.
3. Season tilapia fillets with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the lemon-rosemary mixture evenly over both sides of the tilapia.
5. Grill tilapia for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your summer with these mouth-watering grilled tilapia recipes! From classic flavors like lemon garlic and honey lime, to bold twists like spicy Cajun and coconut curry, there’s something for everyone. Add some Mediterranean flair with herbs or a sweet and sour kick with pineapple salsa. For those who like a little heat, try the blackened or jerk seasoned options. And don’t forget about the creamy teriyaki glaze or smoky paprika crusts. Whatever your taste buds desire, these 18 recipes are sure to satisfy!
