Whole Tilapia Combo Recipe
Whole Charcoal-Grilled Seasoned Tilapia.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Fish
Marinade
For Serving
Method
Preparation
- 1
Clean the Fish
Rinse the whole tilapia under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Use a sharp knife to make 3-4 diagonal slashes on each side of the fish to help the marinade penetrate.
- 2
Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Mix well to create a smooth marinade.
- 3
Marinate the Fish
Rub the marinade all over the tilapia, ensuring it gets into the slashes and the cavity. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the fish and place the leftover lemon halves inside the cavity along with some fresh parsley. Let the fish marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Grilling
- 4
- 5
- 6
Check for Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the fish reaches 145°F (63°C). If not, continue grilling for another 2-3 minutes.
Serving
- 7
Serve
Remove the tilapia from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve with lime wedges and fresh cilantro on the side for garnish.

