Lime and Basil Tilapia Recipe

By Derrick Riches

Updated 06/19/18

Raw tilapia on cutting board
Mike Kemp / Getty Images
Ratings (6)
  • Total: 25 mins
  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 10 mins
  • Yield: Serves 4
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
251 Calories
14g Fat
6g Carbs
24g Protein
(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/60 mL olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons/30 mL lime juice
  • zest of 2 limes
  • 1 tablespoon/15 mL fresh basil, minced
  • 2 teaspoons/10 mL bourbon
  • 1 teaspoon/5 mL salt

Steps to Make It

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

  2. Preheat grill for medium-high heat.

  3. 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.

  4. Grill tilapia fillets for about 3 to 5 minutes per side over a high heat. When fish reaches an internal temperature of 145 F. and appears opaque in color,  remove from grill and serve with a few spoonfuls of marinade drizzled over top.

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