15-Minute Grilled Tilapia Fish Recipe – Quick and Delicious
If you’re looking for a simple yet flavour-packed meal, this 15-minute oven-grilled tilapia fish is just what you need. It’s easy to prepare and makes for a healthy and delicious dish that can be paired with your favourite sides. Whether you’re serving it with Jollof rice, plantains, potatoes, or even garri, grilled tilapia is a versatile option that’s sure to satisfy.
In this recipe, we’ll be using a blend of fresh herbs and spices to enhance the natural flavours of the fish, making it succulent and perfectly seasoned. Best of all, this dish can be ready in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients for Grilled Tilapia Fish:
- Tilapia fish (whole, cleaned, and scaled)
- Fresh rosemary – 1 sprig
- Curry powder – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
- Crayfish stock powder – 1 tablespoon (optional for added flavour)
- Green chilli – 1, finely chopped
- Red chilli – 1, finely chopped
- Onion – 1 small, finely chopped
- Ginger – 1 teaspoon, grated
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Scotch bonnet – 1, finely chopped (adjust for desired heat level)
- Vegetable oil – 2 tablespoons
- Dried thyme – 1 teaspoon
Step-by-Step Guide to Grilling Tilapia Fish in the Oven
1. Prepare the Marinade
- In a small bowl, combine the curry powder, salt, crayfish stock powder, fresh rosemary, green chilli, red chilli, onion, ginger, garlic, scotch bonnet, dried thyme, and vegetable oil.
- Mix everything well to form a thick, aromatic paste that will infuse the fish with flavour.
2. Marinate the Tilapia Fish
- Clean and pat dry the tilapia fish to remove any excess moisture.
- Make a few diagonal slashes on both sides of the fish. This will help the marinade penetrate the fish, ensuring it’s well-seasoned.
- Rub the marinade generously all over the fish, making sure to get inside the slashes and cavity. Let it sit for at least 5-10 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
3. Preheat the Oven
- While the fish is marinating, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Make sure to set it to high heat as this will help the fish cook quickly while giving it a nice, crispy exterior.
4. Grill the Tilapia
- Line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup, and lightly grease it with a bit of oil.
- Place the marinated tilapia on the tray and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Grill the fish for 15 minutes. Depending on the size of your fish, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. The fish is done when the flesh is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and the skin is crispy.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Once grilled to perfection, remove the fish from the oven and let it rest for a minute or two.
- Serve your oven-grilled tilapia with your side of choice. It pairs beautifully with Jollof rice, fried plantains, potatoes, chips, beans, or even garri.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Tilapia:
- Check doneness: Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your tilapia. Larger fish may need a couple of extra minutes in the oven. You can use a fork to check if the fish flakes easily to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Customise your seasoning: Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less scotch bonnet or chilli based on your preference.
- Crispier finish: For an extra crispy finish, turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of grilling.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Grilled tilapia is a quick, healthy, and flavourful dish that works well for lunch or dinner. The blend of herbs and spices in this recipe elevates the natural taste of the fish, making it deliciously aromatic and satisfying. Plus, with a total cook time of just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast but full of flavour.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some great side dishes to serve with your grilled tilapia:
- Jollof rice – A classic West African rice dish with rich tomato and pepper flavours.
- Fried plantains – Sweet or savoury plantains add a wonderful contrast to the spicy fish.
- Potatoes or chips – A classic option for a hearty meal.
- Garri or Eba – For a more traditional pairing, serve the fish alongside garri, a popular Nigerian staple.
- Beans – Stewed beans add a hearty, nutritious side to your meal.
Where to Buy Fresh Tilapia and Ingredients
To get the best ingredients for this recipe, visit Ofoodi African Store, where you’ll find fresh tilapia fish, a variety of spices, herbs, and everything you need for authentic African cooking. Ofoodi offers both in-store and online shopping, so you can shop from the comfort of your home.
- In-store: Visit Ofoodi’s Burslem location in Stoke-on-Trent for all your African, Asian, and Caribbean grocery needs.
- Online: You can also shop on the Ofoodi website or via the Ofoodi app, available on Apple App Store and Google Play Store, and enjoy convenient home delivery.
Conclusion
This 15-minute oven-grilled tilapia fish recipe is a great option for a quick, easy, and healthy meal. With its rich flavour, crispy skin, and moist interior, it’s bound to become a favourite. Pair it with Jollof rice, fried plantains, or any of your preferred sides for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. For all your fresh ingredients, trust Ofoodi African Store to deliver quality and convenience.