Lao-style Grilled Fish with Herb Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 whole fish (such as tilapia or trout), cleaned and scaled 2 whole fish (such as tilapia or trout), cleaned and scaled
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, finely chopped 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 1 lemongrass stalk, white part only, finely chopped 1 lemongrass stalk, white part only, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 bunch fresh mint leaves, chopped 1 bunch fresh mint leaves, chopped
• Juice of 2 limes Juice of 2 limes
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 5g, 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped shallots, chopped lemongrass, fish sauce, soy sauce, vegetable oil, sugar, and black pepper to make the marinade.
3. 3.
   Score the fish on both sides and rub the marinade all over the fish, ensuring it gets into the cuts.
4. 4.
   Place the fish on the preheated grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and has a nice char.
5. 5.
   While the fish is grilling, prepare the herb sauce by combining the chopped cilantro, mint leaves, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Mix well.
6. 6.
   Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the grill and transfer it to a serving platter.
7. 7.
   Drizzle the herb sauce over the grilled fish and garnish with additional cilantro and mint leaves.
8. 8.
   Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy the flavors of Laos!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fish — Ensure the fish is fresh and properly cleaned before marinating and grilling. Score the fish to allow the marinade to penetrate and infuse flavor throughout.

Tips & Tricks

• If you don't have access to a grill, you can also cook the fish in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 15-20 minutes.
• For an extra burst of flavor, add a small amount of chopped chili peppers to the herb sauce.
• Serve the grilled fish with a side of sticky rice for an authentic Lao experience.
• Experiment with different types of fish to find your favorite flavor combination.
• If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of black pepper in the marinade.

Serving advice

Serve the Lao-style Grilled Fish with Herb Sauce as the main course of a Lao-inspired meal. Accompany it with steamed rice and a side of fresh vegetables or a crisp salad.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled fish on a platter, garnish with additional cilantro and mint leaves, and drizzle the herb sauce over the top. Serve with a wedge of lime for an extra touch of freshness.