Grilled Tilapia Wrapped in Banana Leaves with Lemongrass

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fresh whole tilapia stuffed with lemongrass and spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and grilled to impart a smoky, herbal aroma. This filipino-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs garlic cloves, minced, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Filipino cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 2 whole tilapia and pat dry. Season inside and out with 1 tbsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp calamansi juice.
  2. Step 2: Stuff the cavity of each fish with 2 pieces of bruised lemongrass stalks and 2 cloves minced garlic.
  3. Step 3: Brush each banana leaf with 1 tbsp vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Wrap each stuffed fish tightly in 2 banana leaves and secure with kitchen twine.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F). Place wrapped fish on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes per side, turning carefully, until fish flakes easily and banana leaves are charred.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill, unwrap, and serve immediately with steamed rice and dipping sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Tilapia Wrapped in Banana Leaves with Lemongrass take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Tilapia Wrapped in Banana Leaves with Lemongrass?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep garlic cloves, minced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Tilapia Wrapped in Banana Leaves with Lemongrass?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Tilapia Wrapped in Banana Leaves with Lemongrass for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Tilapia Wrapped in Banana Leaves with Lemongrass?

Filipino seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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