Ingredients Used
- Whole tilapia (cleaned and sliced)
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Scotch bonnet / chilli
- Fresh thyme
- Paprika
- Lime
- Onion
- Cooking oil
- Salt and seasoning
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
The flavour starts with a rich homemade marinade.
Blend together:
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Chilli
- Paprika
- Oil
- Seasoning
Blend until it forms a smooth paste packed with flavour and aroma.
Step 2: Prepare the Fish
Take your cleaned whole tilapia and make deep cuts across both sides of the fish. This allows the marinade to soak deep into the flesh.
Rub the marinade generously over the fish, making sure it gets:
- Inside the cuts
- Inside the fish cavity
- On both sides evenly
Stuff fresh thyme and lime slices inside the fish for extra fragrance and citrus flavour.
Step 3: Build the Baking Tray
Spread sliced onions across the baking tray to create a flavourful base for the fish.
Place the marinated fish on top, then:
- Add more paprika
- Scatter extra onions around the tray
- Add fresh lime slices around the fish
This helps create a rich, juicy oven bake packed with flavour.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake until the fish is:
- Golden on the outside
- Tender inside
- Slightly crispy around the edges
The aroma from the thyme, garlic, paprika, and lime creates the perfect oven-baked seafood experience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your baked tilapia with:
- Coconut rice
- Ugali
- Fries
- Steamed vegetables
- Kachumbari salad
Final Thoughts
Fresh ingredients and simple preparation can turn whole tilapia into a restaurant-style meal right at home. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, weekend meals, or seafood lovers looking for bold East African-inspired flavour.
Fresh fish. Bold flavour. Perfectly baked.
Order your tilapia from https://pazurifish.com/products/tilapia
