Best Grilled Tilapia Marinade
Ingredients
- 4 tilapia fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for finishing)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper until combined.
- Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Place fillets in a shallow dish or zip-lock bag and pour marinade over them. Coat evenly and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes. Do not exceed 45 minutes.
- Heat grill to medium-high. Let it preheat for 10 minutes. Clean and oil the grates well.
- Remove fillets from marinade and let excess drip off. Place on the grill and cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until the fish releases naturally from the grates.
- Flip carefully and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until the fish is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from grill, rest for 2 to 3 minutes, then top with fresh cilantro and serve.
Notes
Don't marinate the tilapia for more than 45 minutes. The lime juice will start to break down the fish and make it mushy. Thirty minutes is the sweet spot.