Are you ready to transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary masterpiece? Imagine a perfectly grilled tilapia fillet, kissed by zesty lemon and bold pepper, that's so delicious it'll have everyone at the table begging for seconds! This Lemon Pepper Grilled Tilapia isn't just a recipe—it's a quick, healthy, and mouthwatering experience that proves gourmet cooking can be simple and absolutely irresistible.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the tilapia fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better seasoning adherence and grilling results.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
- Brush both sides of the tilapia fillets generously with the prepared marinade, ensuring even coating.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (approximately 400-450°F), cleaning and lightly oiling the grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the marinated tilapia fillets on the hot grill, cooking for 3-4 minutes on the first side until light grill marks appear and the fish begins to turn opaque.
- Carefully flip the fillets using a wide spatula, cooking an additional 2-3 minutes on the second side until the fish is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove the tilapia from the grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and optional chopped parsley before serving hot.
Tips
- Pat the fish completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, well-seasoned exterior that locks in moisture.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor profile.
- Don't overcrowd the grill—give each fillet space to cook evenly and develop beautiful grill marks.
- Watch your cooking time closely: tilapia cooks quickly and can dry out if left too long.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill just before serving.
- If you don't have a grill, this recipe works beautifully in a hot grill pan or even under the broiler.
- Always let the fish rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain its juiciness and tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 130kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 55mg
