Name: Grilled Lemon Pepper Tilapia
Ingredients: Tilapia Fillets: (1.5-2 pounds) The star of the show! Tilapia is a mild, white fish that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. Look for fillets that are firm and have a fresh, clean scent.; Fresh Lemons: (2-3 medium) Lemons are essential for that bright, citrusy flavor. We’ll use both the zest and the juice to maximize the lemony goodness. Choose lemons that are heavy for their size, indicating they are juicy.; Olive Oil: (3 tablespoons) A good quality olive oil is the base of our marinade and helps keep the tilapia moist during grilling. Extra virgin olive oil adds a richer flavor, but regular olive oil works just as well.; Lemon Pepper Seasoning: (2 tablespoons) This pre-mixed seasoning is a convenient way to get that classic lemon pepper flavor. Check the ingredients to ensure it’s primarily lemon peel and black pepper, avoiding excessive salt or additives if you prefer to control the sodium levels.; Garlic Powder: (1 teaspoon) Garlic powder adds a subtle savory depth that complements the lemon and pepper. It’s easier to incorporate into a marinade than fresh garlic, which can burn on the grill.; Dried Parsley: (1 tablespoon) Parsley adds a touch of herbaceous freshness and a pop of color. Dried parsley is convenient and holds up well in the marinade and during grilling. Fresh parsley can be used as a garnish.; Salt: (To taste) Salt enhances all the flavors and is crucial for seasoning the fish properly. Use sea salt or kosher salt for best results, and adjust to your preference.; Black Pepper: (Freshly ground, to taste) Freshly ground black pepper provides a more robust and aromatic pepper flavor than pre-ground. Adjust the amount to control the spiciness.

Ingredients

Tilapia Fillets: (1.5-2 pounds) The star of the show! Tilapia is a mild, white fish that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. Look for fillets that are firm and have a fresh, clean scent.
Fresh Lemons: (2-3 medium) Lemons are essential for that bright, citrusy flavor. We’ll use both the zest and the juice to maximize the lemony goodness. Choose lemons that are heavy for their size, indicating they are juicy.
Olive Oil: (3 tablespoons) A good quality olive oil is the base of our marinade and helps keep the tilapia moist during grilling. Extra virgin olive oil adds a richer flavor, but regular olive oil works just as well.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning: (2 tablespoons) This pre-mixed seasoning is a convenient way to get that classic lemon pepper flavor. Check the ingredients to ensure it’s primarily lemon peel and black pepper, avoiding excessive salt or additives if you prefer to control the sodium levels.
Garlic Powder: (1 teaspoon) Garlic powder adds a subtle savory depth that complements the lemon and pepper. It’s easier to incorporate into a marinade than fresh garlic, which can burn on the grill.
Dried Parsley: (1 tablespoon) Parsley adds a touch of herbaceous freshness and a pop of color. Dried parsley is convenient and holds up well in the marinade and during grilling. Fresh parsley can be used as a garnish.
Salt: (To taste) Salt enhances all the flavors and is crucial for seasoning the fish properly. Use sea salt or kosher salt for best results, and adjust to your preference.
Black Pepper: (Freshly ground, to taste) Freshly ground black pepper provides a more robust and aromatic pepper flavor than pre-ground. Adjust the amount to control the spiciness.

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice (from 1-2 lemons, reserving the rest for serving), lemon zest (from 1 lemon), lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are combined and the seasoning is evenly distributed. This vibrant marinade is the key to infusing the tilapia with irresistible flavor.
Marinate the Tilapia: Place the tilapia fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the lemon pepper marinade over the tilapia, ensuring each fillet is thoroughly coated. Gently massage the marinade into the fish. If using a dish, turn the fillets to coat both sides. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour. Marinating for longer than an hour can sometimes make the fish texture a little mushy due to the acidity of the lemon juice, so stick to the recommended time for optimal results.
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C). For a gas grill, preheat with all burners on medium, then adjust as needed. For a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are glowing and covered with white ash. Clean the grill grates thoroughly and lightly oil them with cooking oil or cooking spray to prevent the tilapia from sticking. This step is crucial for easy grilling and beautiful grill marks.
Grill the Tilapia: Carefully remove the tilapia fillets from the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off. Place the fillets directly onto the preheated and oiled grill grates. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets and the heat of your grill. Tilapia cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking and drying out. You’ll know the tilapia is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Avoid flipping the fish too often; allow it to sear and develop nice grill marks on each side.
Check for Doneness: To check if the tilapia is cooked through, gently insert a fork into the thickest part of a fillet. If it flakes easily and the flesh is no longer translucent but opaque white, it’s done. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Be careful not to overcook, as tilapia can become dry quickly.
Serve and Garnish: Once the tilapia is cooked, carefully remove it from the grill and transfer it to a serving platter. Squeeze fresh lemon juice from the remaining lemons over the grilled tilapia for an extra burst of citrus flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs or lemon wedges for an attractive presentation. Serve immediately while it’s hot and juicy.

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 250
Protein: 30g