| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 349 | 24g | 10g | 4g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 1g | 1g | 35g | 1.5g |
Why I Love Nigerian Grilled Tilapia with Garlic Butter
As a Bostonian with Irish grandparents, I have had the good fortune of being privy to delectable recipes from both sides of the Atlantic. One that I hold particularly dear to my heart due to its flavorful blend and tantalizing aroma is the Nigerian dish, Grilled Tilapia with Garlic Butter.
The first time I set out on the culinary journey to perfect this delightful dish, I journeyed beyond the boundaries of the familiar cuisines of my family, I was romanced by the vivid blend of spices and tastes that have since become synonymous with this beloved recipe.
Infusion of Authentic Nigerian Cuisine
Nigerian cuisine is rich, diverse, and full of robust flavours, mirroring a culture steeped in tradition and authenticity. The Grilled Tilapia with Garlic Butter is a classic depiction of this wonderful cuisine. As I prepared this dish, it was an almost spiritual reminder of the importance of heritage and how strongly tied it is to our tastes and aromas. A hint of cayenne pepper matching the warmth of the people as much as the Nigerian climate.
Interestingly, this recipe bears a striking resemblance to the Cameroonian grilled fish, renowned for its spicy and tangy flavor. However, both dishes want you to layer on your experience with the ingredients’ proportions on your own, thereby leaving room for creativity.
Inspired by Tradition and Brought to Life with Flavor
Our kitchen hero of the day, who inspired this delicious recipe, is none other than the famous Nigerian chef, Tunde Wey. His ability to bring Nigerian traditional recipes to the mainstream, adding his personal touches while respecting the original flavors, is nothing short of admirable. His food philosophy emphasizes the value of simplicity in every dish, allowing the ingredients to speak for themselves, an ethos carried through in the Grilled Tilapia with Garlic Butter recipe.
While its delicate taste stands firm on its own, this Grilled Tilapia with Garlic Butter will also make an excellent pair with a side of Jollof rice, often fondly referred to as the celebratory Nigerian dish or just a simple green salad if you’re looking for a lighter affair.
In the end, what I love most about this recipe is not only the incredible combination of diverse flavors but also the sense of connection it brings. It provides me with a unique opportunity to experience a different culture and heritage while creating memories around our home kitchen table.
What You’ll Need
- 6 whole Tilapia
- 12 cloves Garlic
- 1 cup Butter
- 6 tablespoons Olive oil
- 6 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 teaspoons Salt
- 3 teaspoons Black pepper
- 3 teaspoons Cayenne pepper (optional)
Method
Step One
Start by preheating your grill to a medium heat, suitable for the preparation of the Tilapia.
Step Two
Rinse the Tilapia and pat dry using a clean towel. Season each piece of Tilapia with salt, black pepper and optional cayenne pepper on both sides.
Step Three
In a small saucepan, melt the Butter over medium heat. Add minced Garlic to the melted Butter and sauté until it is golden and fragrant. Make sure to stir to prevent burning. Remove from heat.
Step Four
Add Olive oil, Lemon juice, and chopped Fresh parsley to the Garlic Butter. Stir well to combine.
Step Five
Brush the Tilapia with the Garlic Butter mixture on both sides. Reserve some of the Garlic Butter mixture for serving.
Step Six
Place the Tilapia on the preheated grill. Grill each side for about 4-5 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Step Seven
Once the Tilapia is grilled, remove from the grill and serve hot with the remaining Garlic Butter mixture. Optional: Garnish with some extra Fresh parsley if desired.
Step Eight
Enjoy your Grilled Tilapia with Garlic Butter!
