Tilapia is a versatile and affordable fish that is perfect for cooking on a Blackstone griddle. With its mild flavor and flaky texture tilapia soaks up any marinades or seasoning beautifully. Griddling tilapia allows you to achieve a crisp flavorful exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. Follow this complete guide to learn everything you need to know to cook mouthwatering tilapia fillets on your Blackstone griddle.
Why Choose Tilapia for the Blackstone Griddle
There are several reasons why tilapia is an exceptional choice for cooking on the Blackstone griddle:
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Quick cooking time: Tilapia fillets are thin, so they cook fast on the high heat of the griddle, usually in just 6-8 minutes. This makes tilapia a great choice for quick weeknight dinners.
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Delicate flavor The mild taste of tilapia allows seasoning and marinades to shine. The fish absorbs additional flavors easily.
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Lean and flaky With little fat tilapia fillets cook up tender and flaky on the griddle while staying moist inside.
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Budget-friendly: Farm-raised tilapia is affordable, providing an economical way to enjoy tasty fish.
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Kid-approved: Because of its mild flavor and flaky texture, tilapia appeals to kids and picky eaters alike.
With all these advantages, it’s easy to see why tilapia is a perfect match for cooking on the versatile Blackstone griddle!
Picking the Best Tilapia for Griddling
Choosing high-quality tilapia fillets is key to achieving the best results on the Blackstone griddle. Keep these tips in mind when selecting tilapia fillets at the store:
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Opt for fresh rather than frozen fillets for optimal texture. Completely thaw frozen fillets before cooking.
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Look for Grade A fillets, which will be the most uniform in size and appearance. Avoid lower grades with blemishes.
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Seek out fillets that are similarly sized for even cooking—aim for 4-6 ounces each.
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Pick fillets that are 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch thick. Thinner portions cook the fastest and most evenly.
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Make sure fillets have a white or faint pink hue without discoloration. Avoid yellowish fillets.
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Check that the fillets have a neutral smell. Pass on any with a fishy odor, indicating spoilage.
With high-quality, fresh fillets you’ll be ready to cook up gorgeous, griddled results!
Seasoning Tilapia Fillets for Maximum Flavor
One of the best things about cooking tilapia on the Blackstone is that you can infuse the mild fillets with so much flavor. From basic to bold, here are tasty ways to season your tilapia:
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Salt and pepper: Simply sprinkle fillets with salt and pepper before griddling.
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Spice rubs: For bolder flavor, coat tilapia with Cajun seasoning, jerk seasoning, or a custom dried spice blend.
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Fresh herbs: Chop fresh parsley, basil, dill or cilantro and mix with oil to brush onto the fish.
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Citrus: Add zest and juice of lemons, limes, or oranges to impart brightness.
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Garlic: Mince raw garlic or use garlic powder to add aroma.
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Marinades: Soak fillets briefly in marinades of oil, herbs, spices, garlic, and acidic ingredients like citrus juice or vinegar.
With endless seasoning options, you can give your griddled tilapia a unique flavor profile every time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Tilapia on the Griddle
Follow these simple steps for tender, flaky tilapia made on your Blackstone griddle:
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Pat tilapia fillets dry with paper towels so they don’t stick. Wet fish causes sticking.
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Brush both sides of fillets with olive oil or melted butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
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Season the fillets as desired with spices, herbs, pepper, salt, garlic, citrus zest, etc.
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Preheat griddle to 375°F-400°F over medium-high heat.
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Add oiled, seasoned fillets carefully to the hot griddle. Don’t overcrowd.
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Cook fillets undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until underside browns.
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Flip fillets gently with tongs or spatula. Cook 3-4 minutes on second side.
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Check for doneness. Fillets should flake easily and be opaque throughout, around 145°F internally.
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Transfer cooked fillets to a platter and tent with foil. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Avoid overcooking, as tilapia dries out quickly. Follow these simple steps for tender, flavorful results every time.
Handy Tips for Tilapia Griddling Success
Use these helpful tips for flawless tilapia cooked on the Blackstone griddle:
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Gradually preheat the griddle to prevent uneven cooking from hot spots.
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Use metal spatulas and tongs to avoid melting utensils on the hot cooking surface.
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Brush the griddle with oil between batches for easy release of fillets.
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Cook fillets in a single layer without crowding for proper searing.
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Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning. Lower heat slightly if fillets brown too fast.
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Use the griddle lid to speed up cooking, checking fillets often as they’ll cook quicker.
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Test doneness frequently. Tilapia overcooks rapidly.
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Let fillets rest before serving so juices redistribute for maximum moisture.
With the right techniques, you’ll be a pro at cooking tilapia on the Blackstone in no time!
Creative Ways to Serve Blackstone Griddled Tilapia
The fun doesn’t stop when the fillets come off the griddle. Get creative with how you serve up your Blackstone tilapia:
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Stuff fillets into lettuce wraps with avocado and tomato.
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Pile fillets high on burger buns with tartar sauce for tasty sandwiches.
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Toss chunks of fillet with pasta, olive oil, and parmesan.
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Fill tortillas with tilapia pieces, shredded cabbage, salsa, and avocado for fish tacos.
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Arrange fillets over rice and drizzle with teriyaki or orange glaze.
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Top fillets with roasted veggies for a one-pan meal.
The possibilities are endless for serving up your griddled tilapia in creative, appetizing ways.
Perfect Side Dishes to Pair with Blackstone Tilapia
Here are some excellent sides to consider pairing with your griddle-cooked tilapia:
- Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus
- Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Rice pilaf or cauliflower rice
- Fresh green salad or spinach salad
- Fruit salsa with mango, pineapple, or peach
- Garlic bread or grilled flatbread
- Simple roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, etc.
You can even use the expansive griddle surface to cook sides at the same time as the tilapia for easy one-pan meals.
Safety Tips for Cooking on the Blackstone Griddle
While cooking with the Blackstone is fun and flavorful, safety should be a priority:
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Use caution when cooking over an open gas flame. Keep children and pets at a safe distance.
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Avoid wearing loose clothing that could catch fire. Dress appropriately.
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The extremely high heat requires care when handling. Use proper mitts and tools.
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Oil spattering can occur, so use a spatter screen when appropriate.
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Allow the griddle to fully cool before cleaning to avoid burns.
With some basic safety precautions, you can griddle tilapia worry-free and enjoy the mouthwatering results!
Frequently Asked Questions About Griddling Tilapia
How long should I cook tilapia on the griddle?
Cook tilapia fillets for 3-4 minutes per side, 6-8 minutes total. Check often for doneness.
What temperature is best for cooking tilapia on the griddle?
Preheat your griddle to 375°F-400°F over medium-high heat. Adjust as needed during cooking.
How can I prevent tilapia sticking to the griddle?
Brush the hot griddle with oil before adding tilapia. Dry the fillets well and coat both sides with oil to prevent sticking.
What are the signs that tilapia is done on the griddle?
