Name: Oven Grilled Tilapia w/ Fried Plantains Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 1 Tilapia; ½ lemon or lime; 2 bulbs of Scallions; 1 Green scotch bonnet pepper; 1 Green Bell Pepper; 1 Red Bell Pepper; ½ cup celery; 1 inch of Peeled Ginger; ¼ tsp curry powder; ½ small onion; 2 cloves of garlic; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp chicken bouillon; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 large purple onion; ½ red + green bell peppers; 1 tomato chicken bouillon to taste.; 2-3 ripe plantains; 1 avocado

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 10 reviews

If you’re looking for a meal that absolutely bursts with vibrant flavor while still being incredibly simple to pull together, this Oven Grilled Tilapia w/ Fried Plantains is a must-try. The combination of succulent, spice-marinated tilapia and perfectly caramelized plantains is a match made in culinary heaven—trust me, I made it for lunch yesterday and nearly swooned at my kitchen table! This is family-style food with flair, healthy enough for any day of the week but tasty enough to make you feel you’re celebrating something special. Whether you’re serving a quick lunch or a weekend feast, this dish will surprise and delight everyone at your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Oven Grilled Tilapia w/ Fried Plantains Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

I just love how Oven Grilled Tilapia w/ Fried Plantains comes together with simple, fuss-free ingredients—each one playing a crucial role in making this dish pop. You probably already have most of these on hand, and the combination of fresh produce and pantry staples creates a colorful, irresistible plate.

Tilapia: The star of the show! Fresh whole tilapia gives you the best texture and flavor.
Lemon or Lime: Essential for rinsing the fish and adding a burst of brightness that awakens every bite.
Scallions: These add a mild oniony sweetness to the marinade.
Green Scotch Bonnet Pepper: Just enough for a touch of heat and vibrant color—adjust to your spice preference!
Green Bell Pepper: Brings freshness, crunch, and a grassy sweetness.
Red Bell Pepper: Sweetens the marinade and gives gorgeous color both inside and out.
Celery: Adds crunch and a subtle aromatic note to balance the flavors.
Peeled Ginger: A zingy undercurrent that keeps things lively.
Curry Powder: Lends just the right depth and warmth to the fish.
Onion: Savory and slightly sweet, onion is crucial for the flavor base.
Garlic: A little garlic goes a long way in perfuming both the fish and the marinade.
Olive Oil: Moisturizes the fish and helps marry all the flavors together.
Chicken Bouillon: Packs a punch of umami richness—delicious in both the marinade and sautéed veggies.
Salt & Black Pepper: The essentials for coaxing out all the natural flavors.
Purple Onion: For the veggies, this type adds a hint of sweetness and looks stunning on the plate.
Extra Red & Green Bell Peppers: These get sautéed for a pop of color and sweet-savory taste.
Tomato: Juicy and bright, perfect for the sautéed vegetable topping.
Ripe Plantains: The ultimate side—golden, sweet, and a little crispy at the edges.
Avocado: Adds creamy richness and balances the heat and depth of the fish.

How to Make Oven Grilled Tilapia w/ Fried Plantains

Step 1: Clean and Prep Your Tilapia

Start by giving your tilapia a proper spa day—scrape off any remaining scales with a kitchen knife and rinse the fish under cold water, using lemon or lime juice. This trick not only gets rid of any fishy smell, it also infuses a citrusy zing right from the start. Once it’s all clean, pat the fish dry and make four deep diagonal cuts on both sides; this lets all those delicious flavors soak straight into the flesh.

Step 2: Blend the Marinade

Into the blender go scallions, green and red bell peppers, celery, ginger, curry powder, onion, garlic, olive oil, and chicken bouillon. These powerhouse aromatics transform the humble tilapia into something truly special—the marinade is fragrant, colorful, and thick enough to cling to every crevice.

Step 3: Glaze and Marinate

Scoop out a couple of tablespoons of marinade and mix with a little more olive oil; you’ll use this to glaze the fish later for extra shine and flavor. Rub the remaining marinade deeply into the tilapia, working it into the cuts you made. Sprinkle generously with salt and black pepper. Ideally, let the marinated fish rest for at least 30 minutes to soak up every bit of flavor.

Step 4: Oven Grilled Tilapia

Position your oven rack right near the top (second-highest position) and preheat the broiler on high. Lightly oil a grill pan or broiler-safe baking pan, then lay the marinated fish on top. Broil for about 15 minutes on each side, brushing with your reserved marinade halfway through—watch it sizzle and caramelize into something irresistible!

Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables

While your tilapia cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet and toss in sliced purple onions, extra bell pepper, and tomatoes. These veggies become soft, colorful, and lightly browned, and just a sprinkle of chicken bouillon brings it all together. You’ll love piling these veggies over your grilled tilapia for even more flavor and crunch!

Step 6: Fry the Plantains

No plate of Oven Grilled Tilapia w/ Fried Plantains is complete without those sweet, caramelized plantain slices. Peel your ripe plantains, slice them on a bias for extra surface area, and fry them in oil until both sides turn golden and slightly crisp. Their sweetness is the perfect partner to the savory, spicy fish.

Step 7: Serve It Up!

Fan the fried plantains alongside the tilapia, top everything with a scoop of the sautéed veggies, and crown your plate with creamy slices of avocado. Your tastebuds are in for an absolute treat!

How to Serve Oven Grilled Tilapia w/ Fried Plantains

Garnishes

Bright, fresh garnishes really make Oven Grilled Tilapia w/ Fried Plantains shine. Try a handful of chopped cilantro or parsley sprinkled across the top, a few extra lime or lemon wedges on the side, or even a scattering of thinly sliced green onions for a punch of color and freshness. Don’t forget the avocado; its creamy texture turns every bite into pure bliss.

Side Dishes

This duo is hearty on its own, but if you’re feeling extra, serve with a heap of steamed white rice or a light green salad. If you want some crunch, a small bowl of pickled onions or cabbage on the side beautifully cuts through the richness, adding zing to every mouthful.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not serve your Oven Grilled Tilapia w/ Fried Plantains family-style on a big platter, letting everyone help themselves? For a more artistic touch, stack the plantains like edible “chips,” tuck avocado slices into the fish, or pile the sautéed veggies high for that wow-factor. You can even serve mini portions in individual bowls for an appetizer or party dish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), simply transfer tilapia, plantains, and veggies into separate airtight containers. Everything will keep beautifully in the fridge for two to three days—just be sure to let the fish cool before sealing it up, so it stays fresh and flaky.

Freezing

The tilapia itself freezes quite well: wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Plantains, on the other hand, are best eaten fresh—freezing can affect their perfect texture, but if you must, freeze them individually on a tray before storing in a bag.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the fish in a 300-degree oven or air fryer until heated through; avoid microwaving if you can, as it can make the flesh rubbery. Plantains can crisp up nicely in a skillet with just a touch of oil. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime before serving for that just-cooked zing!

FAQs

Can I make Oven Grilled Tilapia w/ Fried Plantains with fillets instead of a whole fish?

Absolutely! Fillets work just fine if you’re in a hurry or can’t find whole tilapia. You might need to reduce the marinade and cooking time—keep an eye on them under the broiler, as fillets cook faster and can dry out more quickly.

What type of plantain should I use?

Choose plantains that are fully ripe: their skins should be mostly black with a bit of yellow remaining. This ripeness guarantees natural sweetness and that perfect caramelized outside when fried.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level really depends on your scotch bonnet and how much you include. If you love spice, add the whole pepper; for milder palates, use just a half or substitute with a milder chili—or skip entirely!

Can I grill the tilapia outdoors instead of using the oven?

Definitely! Outdoor grilling adds a wonderful smokiness to the fish. Just be sure to oil the grates or use a fish basket, and keep an eye on your timing—the marinade might drip, so grill over indirect heat when possible.

What can I use instead of tilapia?

Snapper, sea bass, or any mild, firm white fish are delicious swaps that work beautifully in this recipe. Adjust cook times as needed based on thickness; the signature flavors of Oven Grilled Tilapia w/ Fried Plantains will shine with any of them.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving something a little different, a meal that feels both special and totally doable on a weeknight, give Oven Grilled Tilapia w/ Fried Plantains a try. This recipe has become a regular in my kitchen for good reason—it’s vibrant, satisfying, and full of those punchy flavors and textures that make every bite downright fun. Bring everyone to the table and let this dish steal the spotlight!