Zesty Orange Ginger Grilled Tilapia
This vibrant dish, crafted by my talented daughter, combines the zesty flavors of fresh ginger and orange with savory soy sauce, creating a sensational marinade that perfectly complements the delicate tilapia. The fish absorbs these rich flavors, and when grilled to perfection, it emerges with a slightly charred exterior and moist, flaky interior. Ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a delightful weekend dinner, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike. Serve alongside your favorite vegetables or over a bed of rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
N/A
Servings
180
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tilapia fillets
1 1/2 lbs (filets)
Soy sauce
6 tablespoons
Rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons
Orange zest
1 tablespoon
Orange juice (for marinade)
1/4 cup
Fresh ginger
2 tablespoons (grated)
Garlic
3 tablespoons (roughly chopped)
Scallions
3 (roughly chopped)
Orange juice (for sauce)
3/4 cup
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, orange zest, orange juice, grated ginger, and roughly chopped garlic and scallions. Whisk thoroughly to create a cohesive marinade.
2
Separate the marinade into two equal parts. Set aside one half in the refrigerator for later use as a sauce.
3
Place the tilapia fillets into the bowl with the other half of the marinade, ensuring the fish is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4
Preheat the grill on high heat for at least 10 minutes.
5
Once the grill is ready, remove the tilapia from the marinade and discard the marinade used for marinating.
6
Grill the fish for 1-3 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until they are cooked through and have grill marks.
7
While the tilapia grills, take the reserved marinade and combine it with the additional 3/4 cup of orange juice in a saucepan. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Allow the sauce to reduce by two-thirds, stirring occasionally.
8
Once the tilapia is cooked, remove it from the grill and drizzle the reduced sauce over each fillet before serving.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
10g
Carbs
30g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Orange Ginger Grilled Tilapia?
It is a vibrant fish dish featuring a marinade made of fresh ginger, orange, and soy sauce, grilled to create a smoky yet citrusy flavor.
How many calories are in this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 180 calories.
What are the main ingredients for the marinade?
The marinade consists of soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, orange zest, orange juice, grated ginger, chopped garlic, and scallions.
How long should I marinate the tilapia fillets?
You should refrigerate the fish in the marinade for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes, while tilapia is recommended, other delicate white fish fillets like cod or snapper would also work well.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy option with high protein, low fat, and fresh ingredients.
How much protein is in a serving?
There are 30 grams of protein per serving.
How long does it take to grill the tilapia?
The fish grills quickly, taking only 1 to 3 minutes per side depending on thickness.
What temperature should the grill be?
The grill should be preheated on high heat for at least 10 minutes before cooking.
How do I prepare the sauce?
Combine the reserved clean marinade with 3/4 cup of orange juice, bring to a boil, and reduce by two-thirds.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Yes, you can use bottled orange juice, though fresh-squeezed juice provides a more vibrant citrus flavor.
What side dishes go well with this tilapia?
This dish pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables or served over a bed of rice.
How much soy sauce is required?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of soy sauce.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic should be roughly chopped before being added to the marinade.
Do I need to peel the ginger?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of grated fresh ginger; peeling it first makes grating easier.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
The recipe contains 5g of sugar, which comes naturally from the orange juice.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This dish contains 5 grams of fat per serving.
Can I prepare this in a pan instead of a grill?
Yes, you can sear the fillets in a hot skillet for a similar amount of time if a grill is not available.
Why is the marinade split into two parts?
One half is used to marinate the raw fish, while the other clean half is used to create a safe, delicious reduction sauce.
How much orange zest is used?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of orange zest.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written with soy sauce, it contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy alternative.
What are the primary flavor tags for this recipe?
Key tags include tilapia, grilled fish, orange ginger, quick dinner, and citrus flavors.
How do I know when the tilapia is finished cooking?
The fish is done when it is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork.
Can I use frozen tilapia fillets?
Yes, but ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before marinating.
How much total orange juice is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup for the marinade and an additional 3/4 cup for the sauce reduction.
What provides the 'zesty' element in this dish?
The combination of fresh orange zest and grated ginger provides the signature zesty flavor.
How many scallions are used?
The recipe uses 3 scallions, roughly chopped.
Can I marinate the fish overnight?
It is not recommended to marinate tilapia for more than an hour, as the acid in the citrus can break down the delicate fish texture.
What is the fiber content per serving?
There is approximately 1.5 grams of fiber per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a family meal?
Yes, it is a quick and impressive meal that is generally well-liked by both adults and children.