How to Grill Tilapia

Tilapia is a mild white fish that can be prepared in many ways. It's a quick and easy meal for the grill - the biggest issue is making sure not to overcook it! Learning how to grill tilapia includes finding ways to marinade the fish as well as learning the best way to grill so the fish doesnt stick or turn out to dry to eat.

To grill tilapia you'll need hot coals, a marinade to season the fish, and fresh tilapia fillets. The fish can be grilled directly on the grate, or you can use a seafood grill basket to make it easy to flip.

• Gather the following ingredients in preparation of a grilled tilapia meal

1. 4 tilapia fillets
2. 1 cup marinade of your choice
3. Gas or charcoal grill
4. Wide spatula, or a seafood grill basket

Marinade possibilities:

• Soy sauce, olive oil, and lemon juicehttp://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1818,159179-234194,00.html
• Orange juice, orange zest, and white winehttp://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,2245,158181-235201,00.html

1. Marinate the tilapia for 30 minutes before grilling. Do not leave the fish in the marinade too long, as any acid in the marinade will "cook" the fish if its left marinating too long.
2. If not using a marinade, brush with an oil or butter to hold seasonings to the fish. Season bottom side before placing on heat and season top while the fish is cooking
3. Grill the tilapia on one side for 3 minutes, then flip and grill the second side. Thicker filets may need more time.
4. Tilapia turns white and flaky when done.

• Be careful not to overcook the tilapia. Overcooking removes the moisture and causes the fish to be dry
• You can make your own marinade, or use bottled salad dressing or barbecue sauce. Any liquid ingredient can be considered and can either be used as a marinade or brushed on the fish while cooking
• If you're using frozen fillets, rather than fresh, it will take 5-6 minutes per side to cook. Thick frozen fish should be thawed before adding to the grill.

Grilled tilapia can be marinated with many ingredients and can also be topped with various salsas when cooked. Recipe variations to consider include:

1. Served grilled tilapia topped with a mango salsa for a fruity tropical taste.http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Grilled-Tilapia-with-Mango-Salsa/Detail.aspx
2. A grilled tilapia marinaded in a lemon or orange juice can be accompanied with a Mango coconut rice as a side dish.http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/zesty-grilled-tilapia-recipe/index.html
3. Instead of filets, consider visiting the fish market and grill a whole tilapia.http://www.congocookbook.com/fish_and_seafood_recipes/grilled_tilapia.html
4. For a spicier fish, use cajun seasonings or Old Bay when seasoning the tilapia.http://www.food.com/recipe/grilled-tilapia-208470