Grilled Spiced Fish

Ingredients

• 2 whole fish (such as snapper or sea bass), cleaned and scaled 2 whole fish (such as snapper or sea bass), cleaned and scaled
• 2 tablespoons turmeric powder 2 tablespoons turmeric powder
• 2 stalks lemongrass, white part only, finely chopped 2 stalks lemongrass, white part only, finely chopped
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons chili paste 2 tablespoons chili paste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Lime wedges, for serving Lime wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 5g, 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine turmeric powder, lemongrass, ginger, chili paste, vegetable oil, and salt to make a marinade.
2. 2.
   Make diagonal cuts on both sides of the fish and rub the marinade all over, including the cuts.
3. 3.
   Let the fish marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
4. 4.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
5. 5.
   Place the marinated fish on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the fish is cooked through and has a nice char.
6. 6.
   Remove the fish from the grill and serve hot with lime wedges.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Turmeric — Turmeric stains easily, so be cautious while handling it to avoid staining your hands or clothes.
• Lemongrass — To release the flavor, bruise the lemongrass stalks by lightly pounding them with a rolling pin before chopping.
• Chili paste — Adjust the amount of chili paste according to your spice preference. Add more for a spicier kick or reduce for a milder flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the fish in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 15-20 minutes.
• Serve the Grilled Spiced Fish with a side of steamed rice and a refreshing cucumber salad for a complete meal.
• Experiment with different types of fish to find your favorite flavor combination.
• For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze fresh lime juice over the grilled fish before serving.
• If you prefer a smokier flavor, you can use a charcoal grill instead of a gas grill.

Serving advice

Serve the Grilled Spiced Fish hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and accompanied by lime wedges for squeezing over the fish. Pair it with steamed rice and a side of tangy sambal sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled fish on a platter, placing lime wedges around it for an attractive presentation. Garnish with sprigs of fresh herbs, such as cilantro or Thai basil, to add a pop of color and freshness.