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Grilled Lemon Pepper Tilapia with Fresh Herbs

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This easy grilled tilapia recipe features flaky fish marinated in zesty lemon, cracked black pepper, and fresh herbs, then cooked to perfection on the grill. It’s light, healthy, and bursting with summer flavor—perfect for quick weeknight dinners or backyard cookouts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tilapia fillets (4–6 oz each), fresh or thawed
  • 1 large lemon, sliced and juiced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, leaves only
  • Zest from 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. If using frozen fillets, thaw overnight and drain well.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, cracked black pepper, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon zest.
  3. Add tilapia fillets to the bowl and gently turn to coat. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
  4. Preheat grill to medium-high (about 400°F). Clean and oil the grates.
  5. Place fillets on the grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Add lemon slices to the grill for the last minute, just until lightly charred.
  7. Transfer tilapia to a platter. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, dill, and thyme. Squeeze grilled lemon slices over the top.
  8. Serve immediately while hot and fragrant.

Notes

For best results, use fillets of similar thickness for even cooking. Don’t over-marinate—lemon juice can make the fish mushy. Oil grill grates well to prevent sticking. If you don’t have fresh herbs, substitute with half the amount of dried. Tilapia can be swapped for cod, haddock, or chicken breasts. Leftovers are great flaked onto salads or tacos.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled tilapia, lemon pepper fish, easy fish recipe, healthy seafood, summer grilling, gluten-free, fresh herbs, quick dinner

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/grilled-lemon-pepper-tilapia-recipe-easy-with-fresh-herbs/