Grilled Tilapia Fillets

The Best Way to Season Grilled Tilapia Fillets

I love to season my tilapia with pantry-staple spices. Salt and pepper are basics. But onion and garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne make for a beautifully balanced flavor.

I’ve detailed my go-to fish seasoning below so you can make it, too. That said, you can use any seasoning mix or blend you prefer. Therefore, if you have a favorite seasoning blend, go ahead and use that. Just keep in mind that tilapia is a mild-flavored fish, so don’t overdo it with the seasonings.

Recipe Ingredients

• Fish – Fresh or frozen tilapia filets will work with this recipe. If you go with frozen, just make sure to thaw them out beforehand. And if you don’t have tilapia, almost any white fish will do great.
• Oil – A touch of oil helps the seasoning stick and, ironically, prevents the fish from sticking to the grill. 😆
• Fish Seasoning – Use your favorite, or try my homemade spice and herb blend with onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper.

How to Grill Tilapia

1. Seasoning Blend – Mix the seasoning ingredients in a small bowl if making a spice mix. Set aside until ready to use.
2. Prep Tilapia – Pat the fish dry with paper towels and place them on a cookie tray or plate. Brush them with oil and lightly season with salt and fish seasonings. (Photos 1-2)
3. Prep Grill – Clean the grill grates thoroughly and lightly oil them to prevent the tilapia fillets from sticking. Dip a folded paper towel in cooking oil and rub it across the grates with tongs.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high (375-400°F/109-205℃). If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are evenly lit and glowing.
5. Grill – Place seasoned fish fillets directly on the preheated grill grates. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on the fillet’s thickness, or until the fish is cooked (internal temperature will be 130-140℉/55-60℃). Avoid flipping the fish too often to prevent it from falling apart. If possible, use a fish spatula to carefully flip the fillets. (Photos 3-4)
6. Serve – Allow to rest for a few minutes, then take them off the grill, garnish, and serve with your favorite sides.

Recipe Variations

• Tropical Tilapia: Indulge in mango-salsa-topped grilled tilapia. Marinate the tilapia filets in lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, and olive oil. Grill the filets and top them with a fresh mango salsa made from diced mango, red onion, jalapenos, minced cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. 🥭
• Teriyaki-Glazed Grilled Tilapia: Marinate the tilapia filets in a teriyaki sauce with soy sauce, brown sugar, minced ginger and garlic, and a splash of rice vinegar. Grill the marinated filets and baste them with teriyaki sauce as they cook.
• Coconut-Curry Tilapia: Create a marinade with coconut milk, curry powder, minced ginger, minced garlic, and lime juice. Use half to marinate the filets for an hour or two before grilling. Grill the tilapia filets and serve them with a side of steamed rice. Heat the rest of the coconut curry marinade in a saucepan before serving, and drizzle it over the fish and rice.
• African Grilled Tilapia: I learned this from my Auntie, and it’s so good. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the fillets. Then season them with black and white pepper, garlic and onion powder, just a touch of ground nutmeg and anise, ginger, and paprika.

Tips and Tricks

• Cooking time depends on the fillets’ thickness. As a general guideline, grill fish for 3-5 minutes per side for every half inch of thickness. Use a fork to gently check for doneness – the fish should easily flake apart but remain moist in the center.
• Since fish filets are very delicate, only flip them once to keep them from falling apart. But don’t flip them until they release from the grill grates. 👌
• Consider using a grill basket to prevent any shredding while flipping the fish.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Grilled tilapia fillets are best right off the grill. And it’s so quick and easy that you really don’t need to make it ahead. However, you can season and freeze it in an airtight freezer bag for later.

Serving and Storage Instructions

• Serve tilapia fillets hot off the grill with any sides you like.
• Leftover tilapia lasts refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, completely thaw it, and then pop it in the microwave for a minute or less so it doesn’t dry out.

FAQs

What to Serve With Grilled Tilapia Fillets

Just about anything! Delicate jasmine rice and some veggies make a complete meal. And I like to grill the veggies right with the fish; grilled peppers or grilled avocado are both delicious. Sometimes, I skip the rice and grill potato wedges for a fully grilled meal! 😋

More Sensational Seafood and Fish Recipes

• Decadent Grilled Scallops
• Grilled Shrimp Salad
• Grilled Rockfish
• Smoked Lobster Tail
• Salmon Burgers

Conclusion

And with that, you’re ready to make one of the fastest, healthiest, tastiest grilled tilapia dinners out there. Are you a fish fan? Don’t forget to drop your best tips and tricks in the comment section below. 😉