Lime and Basil Tilapia Recipe

Written by
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches is a grilling and barbecue expert. He has written two cookbooks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Derrick Riches
Updated 04/16/21
Lime and Basil Tilapia Recipe

The Spruce / Kristina Vanni
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Total: 25 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
251 Calories
14g Fat
6g Carbs
24g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 251
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 14g 18%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 64mg 21%
Sodium 839mg 36%
Total Carbohydrate 6g 2%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Protein 24g
Calcium 56mg 4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

The combination of lime and basil really adds flavor to the tilapia. This dish can either be eaten along with grilled vegetables or sliced and served in tacos or over rice.

Ingredients

  • 4 tilapia fillets (about 1 pound)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • Zest of 2 limes
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, sliced
  • 2 teaspoons bourbon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Black pepper to taste

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Lime and Basil Tilapia Recipe ingredients

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  2. Combine olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, fresh basil, bourbon, salt and black pepper in a small bowl.

    Combine olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, fresh basil, bourbon, salt and black pepper in a small bowl

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  3. Place tilapia fillets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over top. Make sure all surfaces are coated well with the marinade. Seal bag and refrigerator for 30 minutes. Preheat grill for medium-high heat.

    Place tilapia fillets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over top

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  4. Remove fish from bag and pour marinade into a saucepan. Bring marinade to a boil, immediately reduce heat and let simmer on low for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and keep warm.

    pour marinade into a saucepan.

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  5. Grill tilapia fillets for 3 to 5 minutes per side over high heat. When fish reaches an internal temperature of 145 F and appears opaque in color.

    tilapia cooking on a grill pan

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  6. Remove from grill and serve with a few spoonfuls of marinade drizzled over top.

    Lime and Basil Tilapia on a plate

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

Variation

If using the fish for tacos, brush the tilapia with the cooked marinade as it cooks.  Remove from heat once done and flake into bite-sized pieces.