Zesty Grilled Tilapia with Garlic Aioli
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Zesty Grilled Tilapia, a dish that is not only easy to prepare but also brimming with aromatic spices and creamy garlic aioli. Perfectly grilled to a tender finish, this recipe works wonderfully with various fish, including cod, monkfish, and scallops, making it a versatile choice for seafood lovers. The tangy aioli complements the fish beautifully, adding an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with sides like boiled new potatoes and crisp green beans. Discover a new favorite meal that balances simplicity and sophistication!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tilapia fillets
2 lbs (Clean and pat dry)
Olive oil
1 teaspoon (For brushing on fillets)
Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon (For seasoning fillets)
Old Bay Seasoning
1 teaspoon (For seasoning fillets)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (For aioli)
Garlic cloves
6, minced (For aioli)
Lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed for aioli)
Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tablespoons (For aioli)
Dried tarragon
3/4 teaspoon (For aioli)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat.
2
Rub both sides of the tilapia fillets with olive oil evenly to ensure moisture and flavor retention.
3
Generously sprinkle the cajun seasoning and Old Bay seasoning over the fillets, ensuring an even coating for a delightful taste.
4
Place the seasoned fillets on the hot grill. Cook for approximately 4 to 5 minutes on one side, then carefully turn them over and grill for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until cooked through and flaky.
5
While the tilapia is grilling, prepare the garlic aioli. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and dried tarragon. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
6
Once mixed, cover the aioli and place it in the refrigerator to chill until you are ready to serve.
7
When the tilapia is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a minute. Serve the fillets hot, accompanied by a generous dollop of garlic aioli on the side.
8
For a complete meal, serve the grilled tilapia alongside boiled new potatoes and fresh green beans, perfect for dipping into the creamy aioli.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Grilled Tilapia?
It is a flavorful and easy-to-prepare seafood dish featuring tilapia fillets seasoned with Cajun and Old Bay spices, served with a homemade garlic aioli.
How long should I cook the tilapia on the grill?
Grill the tilapia for approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side until the fish is cooked through and flaky.
What temperature should the grill be?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for the best results.
What seasonings are used for the tilapia?
The fillets are seasoned with a combination of Cajun seasoning and Old Bay seasoning after being rubbed with olive oil.
How do I make the garlic aioli?
Combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and dried tarragon in a bowl and mix until well blended.
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Yes, this versatile recipe works well with cod, monkfish, and scallops.
What side dishes go well with this recipe?
It is recommended to serve the grilled tilapia with boiled new potatoes and fresh green beans.
How much tilapia is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of tilapia fillets.
Should I chill the garlic aioli before serving?
Yes, cover the aioli and place it in the refrigerator to chill until you are ready to serve.
How much garlic is in the aioli recipe?
The recipe requires 6 minced garlic cloves for the aioli.
What is the role of olive oil in this recipe?
Olive oil is used to brush the fillets to ensure moisture and flavor retention while grilling.
How much mayonnaise is used for the aioli?
The aioli base consists of 1 cup of mayonnaise.
Can I use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1.5 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What type of mustard is used?
The recipe calls for 1.5 tablespoons of Dijon mustard.
Is tarragon used in this recipe?
Yes, 3/4 teaspoon of dried tarragon is mixed into the garlic aioli.
How should I prepare the fish fillets before seasoning?
You should clean the tilapia fillets and pat them dry.
How much Cajun seasoning is required?
Use 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to coat the fish.
How much Old Bay seasoning is required?
Use 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning for the fillets.
Do I need to rest the fish after grilling?
Yes, let the tilapia rest for about a minute after removing it from the grill.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-prepare meal that balances simplicity and sophistication.
Can I substitute the dried tarragon?
While the recipe calls for dried tarragon, you could likely use fresh tarragon if preferred, though the measurement may vary.
How do I know when the tilapia is done?
The fish is ready when it is opaque and easily flakes with a fork.
Is the garlic aioli tangy?
Yes, the combination of lemon juice and Dijon mustard gives the aioli a tangy flavor profile.
Can I serve this as a healthy dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy dinner and seafood recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 total ingredients including the fish, seasonings, and aioli components.
Can I use this seasoning on monkfish?
Yes, the description explicitly mentions that monkfish is a great alternative for this recipe.
Is the aioli served on top of the fish?
The recipe suggests serving a generous dollop of aioli on the side for dipping or topping.
How much olive oil is needed?
You need 1 teaspoon of olive oil for brushing the fillets.
What is the texture of the aioli?
The aioli is described as creamy and smooth.
Does this recipe work for scallops?
Yes, the flavor profile is noted to be compatible with scallops as well.