How To Cook Perfect Tilapia on a Blackstone Griddle: The Ultimate Guide

Tilapia is a versatile and delicious fish that can be prepared in endless ways. One of the best cooking methods for tilapia is using a Blackstone griddle. The even heat distribution and direct contact of the griddle allows you to achieve restaurant-quality sear marks and caramelization on the fish.

Cooking tilapia on a Blackstone griddle, whether you are a beginner or a pro, results in tender and flaky fillets brimming with flavor. This complete guide will teach you everything you need to know to cook foolproof tilapia on your Blackstone time and time again.

Why Choose Tilapia for the Blackstone Griddle

Tilapia has gained immense popularity in recent years due to its mild flavor, affordability, and adaptability to various cooking methods Here are some of the reasons why tilapia is a perfect choice for the Blackstone griddle

• Quick Cooking Time Tilapia fillets are relatively thin so they cook fast on the high heat of the griddle. Fillets take only about 6-8 minutes to cook through.

• Delicate Flavor The mild taste of tilapia allows the flavors of marinades rubs and sauces to shine. The fish takes on any added seasonings beautifully.

• Lean and Flaky: With little fat, tilapia fillets cook up tender and flaky on the griddle while staying moist inside.

• Affordable: Farm-raised tilapia is budget-friendly while still providing high-quality protein. Feeding a family tasty fish is made easy.

• Nutritious: Tilapia provides an impressive nutritional profile, with ample protein, omega-3s, vitamin B-12, potassium, and more.

• Kid-Friendly: Because it has a mild taste and flaky texture, tilapia appeals to kids and picky eaters. It’s a great way to get more fish in family diets.

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 the Griddle

Not all tilapia fillets are created equal when it comes to getting the best results on the griddle. Here are some tips for selecting top-notch tilapia fillets:

• Go Fresh: Choose fresh rather than frozen tilapia fillets for optimal texture and moisture content. Thaw frozen fillets completely before cooking.

• Get Good Grades: Select Grade A fillets, which will be the most uniform in size and appearance. Avoid lower grades with dark spots or blemishes.

• Pick Uniformity: Look for fillets that are similarly sized for even cooking. Aim for 4 to 6 ounces each.

• Check Thickness: Thinner fillets around 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch thick will cook fastest and most evenly. Avoid extremely thin or thick fillets.

• Examine Color: The fillets should have a white or slightly pinkish hue without discoloration. Pass on yellowish fillets.

• Assess Scent: Fresh tilapia has a neutral smell. Avoid any strong or fishy odors, which indicate spoilage.

With premium quality fillets, you’ll be assured gorgeous griddle-seared results!

Seasoning Your Tilapia for Maximum Flavor

One of the best aspects of cooking tilapia on the Blackstone griddle is that you can infuse the mild fillets with so much flavor. Take your pick from endless seasoning possibilities:

Simple Seasoned Salt

• Coat fillets with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoned salt blends, like lemon-pepper or garlic salt.

Spice Rub

• For bolder flavor, coat with Cajun seasoning, jerk seasoning, or your own blend of dried spices before cooking.

Fresh Herbs

• Chop fresh herbs like parsley, basil, dill, or cilantro and mix with olive oil to brush onto the fish.

Zesty Marinades

• Marinate fillets for 30 minutes up to 2 hours in mixtures of oil, citrus, herbs, garlic, and spices for added flavor.

Sauces and Salsas

• Brush with barbecue sauce or pesto, or top cooked fish with pineapple salsa or chimichurri sauce.

With so many options for seasoning tilapia, you can enjoy a different flavor every time you cook it on the Blackstone!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Tilapia on the Griddle

Ready to get cooking? Just follow these simple steps for perfection:

Step 1) Pat the tilapia fillets completely dry with paper towels. Damp fish will cause sticking.

Step 2) Brush both sides of the fillets with olive oil or melted butter. This helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.

Step 3) Season the fillets as desired with salt, pepper, spices, herbs, garlic, or citrus zest.

Step 4) Preheat the Blackstone griddle to medium-high, around 375°F to 400°F.

Step 5) Carefully place the oiled and seasoned fillets onto the hot griddle. Do not overcrowd.

Step 6) Allow the fillets to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until the underside is browned.

Step 7) Use tongs to gently flip each fillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes on the second side.

Step 8) When done, the fish will be opaque throughout and flake easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.

Step 9) Transfer the cooked fillets to a platter and tent with foil. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Be sure not to overcook the tilapia. It goes from perfect to dried out quickly. Follow these simple steps for tender, flaky fillets every time.

Handy Tips for Blackstone Griddle Success

Cooking tilapia on the Blackstone griddle is fairly straightforward. However, these pro tips will help you ace the process:

• Heat the griddle gradually to avoid hot spots and uneaven cooking.

• Use metal spatulas and tongs to avoid melting utensils on the hot griddle.

• Brush the griddle with oil between batches for easy release of the fillets.

• Cook fillets in a single layer without overcrowding for proper searing.

• Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning. Lower heat slightly if fillets brown too quickly.

• Use the lid to speed up cooking if desired. Keep an eye on fillets as they’ll cook faster.

• Test doneness early and often. Remember, tilapia overcooks rapidly.

• Let fillets rest before serving to allow juices to redistribute for maximum moisture.

With the right tools and techniques, you’ll become a Blackstone tilapia pro!

Creative Serving Suggestions for Blackstone Tilapia

The fun doesn’t stop when the fillets come off the griddle! Get creative with how you serve up your griddle-seared tilapia:

• Nestle fillets in bibb lettuce leaves with avocado and tomato for tasty lettuce wraps.

• Pile fillets high on toasted buns with tartar sauce for incredible fish sandwiches.

• Break fillets into large chunks and toss with pasta, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.

• Fill warmed corn or flour tortillas with chunks of tilapia, shredded cabbage, avocado, and salsa for fish tacos.

• Arrange fillets over brown rice and top with teriyaki or orange glaze.

• Pile colorful veggies over fillets and roast on the griddle for a one-pan meal.

The possibilities are endless for how to serve your griddled tilapia creatively!

Complementary Side Dishes for Tilapia

Tilapia cooked on the Blackstone pairs perfectly with an array of side dishes. Here are some surefire sides to consider:

• Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
• Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Rice pilaf or roasted cauliflower rice
• Fresh garden salad or spinach salad
• Fruit salsa with mango, pineapple, or peach
• Garlic bread or grilled flatbread
• Simple roasted veggies like zucchini, squash, bell peppers

Or use the expansive griddle surface to cook side dishes simultaneously with the tilapia. That’s part of the beauty and efficiency of the Blackstone!

Safety Tips for Blackstone Griddle Cooking

While cooking with the Blackstone is fun and flavorful, it’s important to keep safety in mind:

• Use caution when cooking over an open gas flame. Keep children and pets at a safe distance.

• Avoid wearing loose clothing that could catch fire. Dress appropriately for griddle cooking.

• With extremely high heat, the gri