Grilled Tilapia

This grilled tilapia recipe is a great way to prepare flavorful, flaky white fish without worrying about it sticking to the grates or overcooking. Grilling it on foil makes for a fuss-free, healthy meal with minimal cleanup–the perfect way to cook when you’re new to grilling fish over open flames!

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Grilled Tilapia Fish

Grilled tilapia on foil is a simple, flavorful way to cook tender, flaky fish with just four ingredients. The foil helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy while keeping the tilapia moist. With its mild taste, it’s great for those who don’t love “fishy” fish, and a sprinkle of cheese adds a delicious touch. Just season, place on foil, and let the grill do the work for an easy, healthy meal!

Ingredients for Grilled Tilapia

• Tilapia: You can use either fresh or frozen fillets for this fish recipe.
• Olive oil: You can also use avocado oil.
• Garlic salt
• Parmesan cheese 

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How to Make Grilled Tilapia

1. Spray The Sheet: Place tilapia on a sheet of aluminum foil coated with non stick cooking spray.
2. Brush: Brush olive oil over the top and sides of the tilapia.
3. Season: Sprinkle garlic salt and shredded parmesan cheese over the tilapia.
4. Cook: Grill over medium-high heat with the grill cover closed for 15 minutes.
5. Serve: Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!

How Long to Grill Tilapia

Grilling tilapia is quick and easy! Below, I’ve highlighted some general guidelines for the best grilling times to ensure your fresh fish fillet is perfectly cooked.

Cook fresh tilapia about 10-15 minutes over medium heat (around 375°F to 400°F). If your tilapia fillets are thinner (around 1/2-inch thick), they’ll cook closer to 10 minutes. Thicker fillets may take the full 15 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. If you’re using foil, it can also help trap the moisture and prevent overcooking.

If you’re grilling on foil, you don’t need to flip the fillets since the foil helps cook the fish evenly on both sides. If you’re grilling directly on the grill grates, make sure to flip the fish halfway through for even cooking. This timing will ensure your tilapia fillet is perfectly tender and juicy every time! Also, if you’re grilling directly on the grates, you may want to oil them lightly to prevent sticking.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Tilapia

• Dinner Is Done: Tilapia cooks quickly. Aim for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The fish should flake easily and be opaque throughout when done. For perfect doneness, aim for an internal temperature of about 145°F. This ensures the fish is fully cooked but still moist.
• Brush Before Grilling: Lightly brushing the fish with olive oil or your favorite marinade before grilling helps keep it moist and enhances flavor.
• Don’t Skimp On Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to season the fish! Whether with a simple sprinkle of salt, pepper, or a custom spice blend, seasoning before grilling brings out the best in your tilapia.
• Avoid Flipping If Using Foil: If you’re grilling your tilapia in foil, there’s no need to flip it. The foil helps cook the fish evenly on both sides.
• Minimize The Mess: You can use a grill basket to help reduce the mess and keep the food contained. It will also keep your grill grates cleaner and preventing small food particles from falling through the grates.
• Let It Rest: After grilling, let the tilapia rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the fish tender.
• Grab A Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley, cilantro, or basil on top for a pop of color and a fresh, herby flavor. Or serve the tilapia filets with lemon wedges or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to add a bright, zesty touch.
• Tasty Toppings: Top your tilapia filets with sliced avocado for a creamy, buttery contrast that pairs perfectly with the grilled fish. A sprinkle of diced cherry tomatoes or a fresh salsa adds a refreshing, juicy bite. For a bit of crunch, try topping your tilapia with crispy fried onions or shallots.
• Pick Another Protein: For those who don’t care for tilapia, you can cook burgers, Rib Eye Steak with Ginger Teriyaki Sauce, Grilled Chicken Breast, or Grilled Salmon for them at the same time as you grill your fish fillet!

Best Seasonings for Grilled Tilapia

Simple seafood seasonings can add great flavor to your fillets without overwhelming the fish. Some of my favorites include:

• Simple Seasonings: Start with a sprinkle of garlic salt or create your own blend with black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and a touch of spice mix like Cajun or Italian seasoning.
• Experiment With Enhancers: Experiment with a pinch of paprika or lemon zest for extra depth and brightness.
• Dried Herbs: Add freshness and earthiness with dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.

A marinade can also elevate the taste of your tilapia.

• Lemon-Garlic Marinade: Mix fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt to enhance the fish’s natural flavor while keeping it moist.
• Sweet and Tangy Marinade: Try a mixture of honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and a little vinegar for a zesty kick.
• Asian-Inspired Marinade: Blend soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey or brown sugar for a savory-sweet twist.

What to Serve with Grilled Tilapia

Grilled tilapia pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that complement its light, flaky texture. A side dish can help make it a complete, satisfying, well-balanced meal.

• Get Grilling: Pair your tilapia with grilled vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, bell peppers, eggplant, or Whole Roasted Cauliflower. Grilled corn on the cob is always a crowd-pleaser, and the smoky flavor from the grill enhances both the veggies and the fish. For a simple side, my Garlic Potato Foil Packets are easy to make on the grill and offer a savory addition.
• Serve With Salad: If you’re serving this in the summer and looking for a light salad to go with, I love this Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad or my classic Broccoli Salad. For a tangy, crunchy contrast, a creamy coleslaw adds a great texture that complements the fish.
• Rice or Roasted Potatoes: For a starchy option, try serving the tilapia with Cauliflower Fried Rice, Seasoned Rice, or a stick of butter rice. Oven-roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries are also excellent choices that add substance to the meal.
• Sauteed Spinach or Kale: A quick sauté of spinach or kale with garlic and olive oil makes for a simple, nutritious side that complements the fish without overpowering its delicate flavor.
• Go With Garlic Bread: For a more indulgent side, serve your grilled tilapia with garlic bread or air fryer garlic knots. The buttery, garlicky toast is a delicious pairing with the light fish.

How to Store and Reheat Grilled Tilapia

• In The Refrigerator: Let the tilapia cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or place it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
• To Freeze: For longer storage, freeze your leftovers for 1-2 months.
• To Reheat: To reheat in the oven, cover the fish with foil, and reheat for 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees. To reheat in the microwave, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. You can also reheat on the grill on medium heat over foil for 5-7 minutes.

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4 from 1 vote

Grilled Tilapia

Author — Jennifer Fishkind

Serves — 1

Time to get grilling with this easy Grilled Tilapia Recipe – only four ingredients needed! A healthy way to cook a light, flaky fish with minimal mess or clean-up.

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Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Cook Time 13 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Ingredients

 

• ▢ 1 Tilapia loin fresh or frozen
• ▢ Olive oil
• ▢ Garlic salt
• ▢ Parmesan cheese Shredded
• ▢ Non-stick aluminum foil

Instructions

 

• Place tilapia on non-stick aluminum foil
• Lightly brush olive oil over the top and sides of the tilapia
• Sprinkle garlic salt and parmesan cheese gernerously over the tilapia
• Grill over medium heat with grill cover closed for 15 minutes – do not turn over (I do 15 minutes with frozen tilapia, cut about 2 – 3 minutes off for fresh.)

Jenn’s Notes

How to Store and Reheat Grilled Tilapia

• Refrigerate: Let tilapia cool, then wrap in plastic wrap, foil, or an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze leftovers for 1-2 months.

Reheat:

• Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
• Microwave: Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals.
• Grill: Reheat on foil over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition Info

Calories: 163kcal | Protein: 34g | Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 88mg | Potassium: 513mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg

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POST UPDATED: Original posting May 8, 2014