In brief
- Grilled tilapia: freshwater fish marinated in garlic, ginger and lime, then cooked on the barbecue or in the oven
- Origin: freshwater fish native to Africa's lakes and rivers, a common dish in West and Central Africa
- Essential ingredients: whole tilapia, garlic, fresh ginger, lime, chili
- Served with rice, fried plantain or cassava, for an everyday meal as much as for special occasions
Origins and cultural history of tilapia
Tilapia belongs to the genus Oreochromis, a freshwater fish native to Africa: it is found naturally in the Nile basin, Lake Victoria and many other lakes and rivers across the continent. Since the 1950s, its farming has developed with the support of the FAO, the United Nations organization for food and agriculture, making it today one of the most widespread farmed fish in the world.
Grilled fish holds an important place in several African cuisines, particularly in Cameroon and Côte d'Ivoire, where it accompanies family meals and large gatherings. Marinated then cooked on a grill or barbecue, it is traditionally served with rice, fried plantain or cassava.
What are the essential ingredients of tilapia
The marinade for grilled tilapia relies on a few simple ingredients commonly found in African and Caribbean grocery stores, including NKOSI.
- whole tilapia
- garlic
- fresh ginger
- lime
- chili
- fefe pepper, a pungent West African spice
What to know about tilapia
Grilled tilapia is a freshwater fish marinated in garlic, ginger, lime and chili, then cooked whole on the barbecue or in the oven. In Cameroon and Côte d'Ivoire, it is served at family meals and large gatherings. It comes with rice, fried plantain or cassava.
Frequently asked questions about tilapia
How to keep fresh tilapia before cooking?
Keep whole or filleted tilapia in the coldest part of the refrigerator, between 0 and 4°C, and eat it within 24 to 48 hours of purchase. Otherwise, freeze it rather than keep it in the refrigerator for several days, and always thaw it in the refrigerator, never at room temperature.
What dishes are made with tilapia in Africa?
Tilapia is prepared grilled on the barbecue or in the oven, pan-fried, or simmered in tomato sauce or peanut sauce, depending on the region. It is usually served with rice, fried plantain, attiéké or cassava.
Where to find tilapia ingredients in France?
NKOSI sells the spices and condiments for this marinade (fefe pepper, lime juice, fish stock) and ships them from the Paris area within 24 to 72 working hours, to mainland France (2 to 3 working days) and to ten European countries. The minimum order is 39 €: in France, delivery to a pickup point is then free, and home delivery is free from 69 €.
