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Grilled Tilapia Recipe

Grilled Tilapia Recipe

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tilapia fillets (6 to 8 oz each)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for the grill
  • ¾ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ tsp lemon zest, optional
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Method
 

  1. Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high, about 400°F. Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry. Rub both sides with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Oil the grates, then lay the fish down. Grill the first side for 3 to 4 minutes until the edges turn opaque and the fish releases easily. Flip and grill the second side for 2 to 3 minutes, until the fish flakes apart at the thickest part.
  3. While the fish cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and a pinch of salt, swirling for 1 minute until fragrant. Off the heat, stir in the lemon juice and zest.
  4. Plate the fillets, spoon the lemon butter sauce over them, and scatter parsley on top. Serve immediately.

Notes

Tilapia is delicate, so handle it gently when flipping. If you don’t have a grill, a heavy skillet or cast-iron grill pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat works the same way. The fish doesn’t need to rest, but carryover cooking will finish it on the plate.