Grilled Cajun-style Mudfish

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we infuse the Vietnamese dish of Cá lóc nướng trui with the bold flavors of Louisiana Creole cuisine. The original dish is typically marinated in Vietnamese spices and grilled over an open flame. However, we replace the traditional Vietnamese spices with a Cajun spice blend, incorporating paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic, and thyme. Additionally, we serve the grilled mudfish with a tangy Creole sauce, adding a unique twist to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Cá lóc nướng trui, so you can check it out.

• 2 mudfish fillets (500g / 1.1 lb) 2 mudfish fillets (500g / 1.1 lb)
• 2 tablespoons paprika 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Creole sauce, for serving Creole sauce, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 2g, 0g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. 2.
   In a small bowl, combine paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to create the Cajun spice blend.
3. 3.
   Rub the spice blend evenly over both sides of the mudfish fillets.
4. 4.
   Drizzle olive oil over the fillets to prevent sticking.
5. 5.
   Place the mudfish fillets on the preheated grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6. 6.
   Remove the grilled mudfish from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
7. 7.
   Serve the Grilled Cajun-style Mudfish with a side of Creole sauce for dipping.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mudfish — Ensure the mudfish fillets are fresh and properly cleaned before marinating. If mudfish is not available, you can substitute it with catfish or tilapia.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Creole sauce.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the Cajun spice blend.
• Serve the Grilled Cajun-style Mudfish with a side of coleslaw or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Experiment with different types of fish to find your favorite variation of this Cajun-inspired dish.
• If grilling is not an option, you can also cook the mudfish fillets in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 12-15 minutes.

Serving advice

Serve the Grilled Cajun-style Mudfish as the main course, accompanied by a generous portion of Creole sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for added freshness and visual appeal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled mudfish fillets on a platter, drizzle the Creole sauce over them, and sprinkle with chopped green onions for a vibrant presentation. Serve with a side of coleslaw or a fresh green salad to complete the dish.