Jul 09 2026
RestaurantsJollof & Grill Restaurant/LoungeWhole Tilapia Combo Recipe

Whole Tilapia Combo Recipe

Time1h
Serves4

Whole Charcoal-Grilled Seasoned Tilapia.

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Ingredients

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Fish

For Serving

Method

Preparation

  1. 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. 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. 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

  1. 4

    Preheat the Grill

    Prepare your charcoal grill by lighting the charcoal and allowing it to heat until covered with gray ash. Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

  2. 5

    Grill the Fish

    Place the marinated tilapia on the grill over medium heat. Grill for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid moving the fish too much to prevent sticking.

  3. 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

  1. 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.

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