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CaribbeanAuthentic Cuisine

Caribbean Fish Grill

Serves 4 to 6 Entree seafood, Fish

Caribbean Fish Grill

The Caribbean Fish Grill is a staple of home-cooked meals across the islands, a dish that embodies the essence of everyday Caribbean dining. This preparation is not reserved for special occasions but is a regular feature on family tables, where simplicity and flavor take center stage. Each household has its own touch, yet the essentials remain: fish, fat, and a generous spirit.

When grilled to perfection, the fish emerges with crispy skin and tender flesh, enriched by the kiss of olive oil and brightened by fresh herbs and lemon. The salt is measured by feel, a nod to tradition, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned. This dish feels like a warm embrace, inviting everyone to savor the shared experience of a truly Caribbean meal.

Ingredients

  • 2whole fish
  • 2 tbspolive oil
  • lemon — sliced
  • herbs — chopped
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Rinse the 2 whole fish under cold running water to remove any scales or debris. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels, ensuring the skin is dry to achieve a crisp finish when grilling. Make three diagonal slashes on each side of the fish to help the flavors penetrate and to ensure even cooking.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil with a generous squeeze of lemon juice. Add a handful of chopped fresh herbs of your choice, such as thyme, parsley, or cilantro. Season the mixture with fine sea salt and black pepper to taste, stirring until well combined.
  3. Rub the oil and herb mixture generously over the entire surface of the fish, including inside the slashes and cavity. This will infuse the fish with flavor and help keep it moist during grilling.
  4. Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat until it's hot but not smoking. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the fish on the grill pan and let it cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes on one side.
  5. Carefully flip the fish using a wide spatula. Continue to grill the other side until the flesh is just opaque and flakes easily with a fork, which indicates the fish is perfectly cooked. The skin should be crisp and golden brown.
  6. Remove the fish from the grill and transfer it to a serving platter. Squeeze additional lemon juice over the top for a fresh, zesty finish. Taste a small piece of the fish and adjust the seasoning with more sea salt if needed before serving.
Cover of Authentic Caribbean Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Caribbean Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Caribbean Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Caribbean volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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