Make this Grilled Tilapia for an delicious weeknight meal. You will love the flavor from the simple ingredient seasoning and how easy it is to grill.
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If you love easy grilled seafood recipes, then you are going to love this Grilled Tilapia Recipe. The savory and smoky flavors makes this white fish a family favorite meal idea.
We love grilling out and grilled fish is at the top of our list. If you love this recipe, check out Grilled Tilapia in Foil.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
This delicious fish recipe is always on the menu when we are grilling out for the summer. It cooks quick and easy with simple seasoning.
We usually grill out this Grilled Salmon Sandwich when we are feeding a crowd, but this grilled tilapia recipe is now on the menu more. Feel free to change the seasoning to what you prefer. Serve it with your favorite grilled side dishes for a complete meal idea.
Ingredients
- Tilapia Fillets
- Avocado Oil
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Garlic Powder
- Paprika
- Dried Thyme
- Lemon slices and fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.
Variations Ideas
- Seasoning – The seasoning in this recipe can easily be changed to what you prefer. You can add in onion powder, smoked paprika, or a lemon pepper seasoning blend.
- Change the Fish – This seasoning marinade can be used for other types of fish. We have used on mahi mahi, shrimp and salmon.
- Oil – We used avocado oil on this recipe, but you can also use olive oil or melted butter.
Step by Step Instructions
- Step 1 – Prepare Grill – Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F to 400°F).
- Step 2 – Prepare Tilapia – Rinse the tilapia fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Step 3 – Combine Seasoning Mixture – In a small bowl, mix together the avocado oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme.
- Step 4 – Rub on Tilapia – Brush this mixture over both sides of the tilapia fillets. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 5 – Grill Tilapia – Lightly oil the grill grate to prevent sticking. Place the tilapia fillets on the hot grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and has nice grill marks.
- Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy – Remove the tilapia from the grill and place onto a serving platter. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Grill Prep – Make sure the grill is properly preheated and the grates are oiled with avocado oil to prevent sticking.
- Cooking Time – Pay close attention to cooking times as fish cooks quickly and can easily become dry if overcooked. Cook the tilapia until it is opaque then you will know it is done. You may need to use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. If it reaches 145 degrees in the thickest part it is finished cooking.
- Cooking Methods – We cooked this on an an outdoor grill directly on the grill grates. But if you prefer you can also use a grill pan. If you prefer, you can also cook the tilapia on the stove top or on an indoor grill.
Serving Suggestions
Tilapia can be served with many different side dish recipes. We love to make our side dishes on the grill to make cleanup a breeze. Some of our favorite side dishes to serve is Grilled Potatoes in foil, grilled green beans, or grilled zucchini.
I have have even did a grilled vegetables in foil option and add cherry tomatoes, zucchini and broccoli for a light and healthy side dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store tilapia filet leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
When you are ready to serve again, reheat in the microwave or the oven. I prefer to reheat in the oven so there is not in hot spots. We love using leftover tilapia to make fish tacos for a quick lunch the next day.
More Easy Tilapia Recipes
If you make this Grilled Tilapia Recipe, make sure to leave us a comment or a star review. We love hearing from you.
Grilled Tilapia
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Lemon slices and fresh herbs for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F to 400°F).
- Rinse the tilapia fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together the avocado oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme. Brush this mixture over both sides of the tilapia fillets. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Lightly oil the grill grate to prevent sticking. Place the tilapia fillets on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and has nice grill marks.
- Remove the tilapia from the grill and place onto a serving platter. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!