Masai Mara-Inspired Grilled Tilapia with Lemon-Savory Pilau Rice

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-08 · Updated 2026-06-08

Fresh whole tilapia grilled with aromatic spices, paired with Kenyan-style pilau rice simmered in savory broth and fragrant herbs. This african-inspired seafood ready in about 50 minutes pairs lemon juice, minced garlic cloves, ground coriander for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

Ingredients

• 2 fish (about 1 lb each) whole tilapia, cleaned
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups basmati rice
• 3 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1 medium, sliced onion
• 4 cardamom pods
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 3 whole cloves
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp lemon zest

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 2 whole cleaned tilapia under cold water and pat dry. In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp salt. Rub this marinade inside and outside the fish. Let marinate for 20 minutes.
2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the tilapia for 6-7 minutes per side until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
3. Step 3: While the fish marinates, rinse 2 cups basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter and sauté 1 medium sliced onion until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add the rinsed rice, 4 cardamom pods, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 whole cloves, and 1 bay leaf to the onions, stirring to coat the rice for 2 minutes.
5. Step 5: Pour in 3 cups beef or vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. Step 6: Remove the whole spices and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tsp lemon zest. Fluff rice with a fork.
7. Step 7: Serve the grilled tilapia with a generous helping of lemon-savory pilau rice, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.