Djandja (Malian Grilled Fish)
Djandja is a popular Malian dish featuring fish marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, herbs, and citrus, then grilled to perfection. It's often served with rice, fried plantains, or a spicy pepper sauce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 medium Whole fish (e.g., Nile Perch, Tilapia, Sea Bass)(cleaned and scaled)
- 1 medium Onion(finely grated)
- 1 tbsp Ginger(grated)
- 1 tbsp Garlic(grated)
- 2 tbsp Parsley(finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp Lime juice
- 1 crumbled Bouillon cube (Maggi or similar)
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Chili powder(or to taste)
- to taste Salt
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil(for marinade and grilling)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the fish by making a few shallow scores on both sides. This helps the marinade penetrate.
💡 Tip: Ensure the fish is thoroughly cleaned and scaled. - 2
In a bowl, combine the grated onion, ginger, garlic, chopped parsley, lime juice, crumbled bouillon cube, black pepper, chili powder, salt, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Mix well to create the marinade.
- 3
Rub the marinade all over the fish, ensuring it gets into the scores. Let the fish marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 4
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
💡 Tip: If grilling indoors, use a grill pan over medium-high heat. - 5
Place the marinated fish on the preheated grill. Grill for about 10-15 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fish, until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
⏱️ 20-30 minutes💡 Tip: Avoid overcooking to keep the fish moist. - 6
Alternatively, you can bake the fish in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
⏱️ 25 minutes - 7
Serve the grilled Djandja fish hot with your favorite sides like rice, fried plantains, or a fresh salad.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using fresh fish is key for the best flavor.
- ✓Don't skip the marinating step, as it infuses the fish with flavor.
- ✓If you don't have a grill, baking or pan-frying are good alternatives.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade for a smoky flavor.
- Serve with a side of spicy Malian pepper sauce.