Kariba Bream Grilled with Lemon-Garlic Butter (Lake Kariba Tilapia) – Authentic Zambia Recipe

Ingredients for Kariba Bream Grilled with Lemon-Garlic Butter (Lake Kariba Tilapia) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) scored whole or filleted bream (tilapia), prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups garlic-sautéed rape/collard greens and tomatoes, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup roasted potato wedges or nshima
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with fresh lemon juice
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Zambia seasoning (5 cloves garlic, butter, parsley, cracked black pepper)
• 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Whisk together fresh lemon juice, 5 cloves garlic, butter, parsley, cracked black pepper, cooking oil, and sea salt in a bowl to form a fragrant Zambia marinade.
2. Coat scored whole or filleted bream (tilapia) and garlic-sautéed rape/collard greens and tomatoes thoroughly in the seasoning and let sit for 10 minutes at room temperature.
3. Heat a cast-iron grill pan or heavy skillet over high heat until smoking hot.
4. Sear scored whole or filleted bream (tilapia) and garlic-sautéed rape/collard greens and tomatoes for 4–5 minutes per side until blistered, charred at the edges, and cooked through.
5. Transfer to a warm platter, scatter with roasted potato wedges or nshima, and serve immediately.