Transport yourself to the shores with our BBQ Whole Tilapia—a culinary ode to the sea. This dish captures the essence of coastal indulgence, featuring a whole tilapia, marinated in vibrant flavors, and grilled to perfection. Whether you're hosting a beachside gathering or craving a taste of seaside charm at home, this BBQ Whole Tilapia promises a delightful journey for your palate.
BBQ Whole Tilapia is a celebration of simplicity and freshness. The entire fish, marinated in a blend of zesty ingredients, takes center stage on the grill. The result is a smoky and succulent dish that allows you to savor the delicate flavors of tilapia. The crispy skin and tender flesh, infused with the essence of the barbecue, create a symphony of taste that embodies the spirit of coastal feasting.
Ingredients
2 whole tilapia, cleaned and scaled
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 Servings
Prep Time:
0 Hrs 20 Mins
Cook Time:
0 Hrs 20 Mins
Total TIme:
0 Hrs 0 Mins
Directions
Step
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
Step
Pat the whole tilapia dry with paper towels. Make three diagonal cuts on each side of the fish.
Step
Rub the marinade all over the tilapia, including inside the cavity. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.
Step
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Step
In a small saucepan, combine barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and lemon zest. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to create the BBQ glaze.
Step
Place the marinated whole tilapia on the preheated grill. Cook for 10-12 minutes per side, or until the skin is crispy, and the fish flakes easily.
Step
Brush the grilled tilapia with the BBQ glaze during the last 2 minutes of grilling, allowing it to caramelize.
Step
Carefully transfer the BBQ Whole Tilapia to a serving platter.
Step
Serve the whole tilapia hot, with extra BBQ glaze on the side, and garnish with fresh lemon wedges.
Tips for this recipe
For an extra layer of flavor, stuff the cavity of the tilapia with lemon slices, fresh herbs, or thinly sliced garlic before grilling.
