Soso
Spiced Grilled Fish
Soso is a popular street food in the Central African Republic, featuring whole fish grilled to perfection and seasoned with a vibrant blend of local spices. It's typically served with a side of rice or boiled yams.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 medium Whole fish(such as tilapia, catfish, or similar freshwater fish, cleaned and scaled)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Ground ginger
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper(adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp Lemon or lime juice
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil(for grilling)
- for garnish Fresh parsley or cilantro
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Clean and scale the fish thoroughly. Make diagonal cuts on both sides of each fish. This helps the marinade penetrate.
- 2
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped onion, ground ginger, paprika, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, lemon or lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a paste.
- 3
Rub the spice paste all over the fish, ensuring it gets into the cuts and cavities. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator).
- 4
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- 5
Place the marinated fish on the hot grill. Grill for about 10-12 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the fish.
- 6
Alternatively, you can pan-fry the fish in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through.
- 7
Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve hot with rice, boiled yams, or a simple salad.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the fish is fresh for the best flavor.
- ✓Don't overcook the fish, as it can become dry.
- ✓If you don't have a grill, pan-frying or baking are good alternatives.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of ground turmeric to the spice mix for color and flavor.
- Serve with a side of spicy tomato sauce or a simple vinaigrette.