Grilled Cajun Tilapia Recipe
Make Grilled Cajun Tilapia Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Cajun Marinade & Seasoning
Fish & Garnish
Method
Cajun Marinade & Seasoning
Make the marinade
In a medium bowl whisk together 0.25 cups olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dry oregano, 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional), 0.5 teaspoon salt and 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
Taste and adjust
Taste a small smear of the marinade and adjust heat or salt as needed — add more Cajun seasoning for heat, more lemon for brightness, or more hot sauce for extra kick.
Fish & Grilling
Prep the tilapia
Pat the 8 tilapia fillets dry with paper towels. Place fillets in a shallow baking dish or a large resealable plastic bag in a single layer.
Marinate
Pour the prepared Cajun marinade evenly over the fillets, making sure each piece is lightly coated on both sides. Cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes (no longer than 45 minutes) to allow flavors to penetrate without breaking down the fish.
Preheat grill
Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). If using a grill pan, preheat over medium-high heat. Oil the grill grates lightly with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or use nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Grill the fish
Remove fillets from the refrigerator and let them come close to room temperature for 5 minutes. Place fillets on the hot grill. Cook 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, without moving them the first 3 minutes to develop a slight char. Flip carefully with a wide spatula and cook another 2–4 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Make-ahead and holding (catering note)
For catering service: grill fillets to about 95% doneness, then hold on a shallow hotel pan covered with foil over an oven set to 140°F (60°C) for up to 30–45 minutes. Finish in a 350°F oven for 4–6 minutes or briefly on a hot grill to finish just before service to avoid overcooking.
