Grilled Ugali-Crusted Tilapia with Spiced Tomato Relish

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

Fresh tilapia fillets coated with a crunchy layer of ugali flour and grilled to perfection, served with a vibrant Kenyan-style spiced tomato relish. This african-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) tilapia fillets, ugali flour (maize/cornmeal flour), salt 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 African cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Pat dry 4 tilapia fillets and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Spread 1/2 cup ugali flour evenly on a plate. Lightly press each fillet into the flour to coat one side with a thin layer.
  3. Step 3: Brush both sides of the fillets with 2 tbsp vegetable oil to help the coating adhere and prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Place the fillets coated-side down on the hot grill and cook for 4-5 minutes until the ugali crust is golden and crisp.
  5. Step 5: Carefully flip the fillets and grill for another 3-4 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Step 6: Meanwhile, combine 3 diced large plum tomatoes, 1 small finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, 1 clove minced garlic, and 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a bowl. Mix well to form the spiced tomato relish.
  7. Step 7: Serve the grilled tilapia hot topped with the fresh spiced tomato relish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Ugali-Crusted Tilapia with Spiced Tomato Relish take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Ugali-Crusted Tilapia with Spiced Tomato Relish?

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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Ugali-Crusted Tilapia with Spiced Tomato Relish?

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 Ugali-Crusted Tilapia with Spiced Tomato Relish 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 Ugali-Crusted Tilapia with Spiced Tomato Relish?

African 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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