Tilapia du Lac Kivu Grillé (Lake Kivu Herb-Crusted Tilapia with Lemon & Plantains) – Authentic Rwanda Recipe
From the shores of Gisenyi and Kibuye on Lake Kivu: crisp lemon-garlic tilapia with sweet plantains.
- Country of Origin
- 🇷🇼 Rwanda (East Africa, Africa)
- Dietary Profile
- pescatarian
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 18 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Whole or filleted tilapia, Roasted ripe plantains, Tomato, Garlic, Fresh lemon juice
Ingredients for Tilapia du Lac Kivu Grillé (Lake Kivu Herb-Crusted Tilapia with Lemon & Plantains) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) whole or filleted tilapia, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups roasted ripe plantains, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup tomato
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with garlic
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Rwanda seasoning (fresh lemon juice, parsley, ginger, olive oil)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Whisk together garlic, fresh lemon juice, parsley, ginger, olive oil, cooking oil, and sea salt in a bowl to form a fragrant Rwanda marinade.
- Coat whole or filleted tilapia and roasted ripe plantains thoroughly in the seasoning and let sit for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- Heat a cast-iron grill pan or heavy skillet over high heat until smoking hot.
- Sear whole or filleted tilapia and roasted ripe plantains for 4–5 minutes per side until blistered, charred at the edges, and cooked through.
- Transfer to a warm platter, scatter with tomato, and serve immediately.