Maldivian Grilled Reef Fish with Lime Chili
A simple yet flavorful dish featuring fresh reef fish marinated in lime and chili, then grilled to perfection. It highlights the Maldivian love for fresh seafood and vibrant, zesty flavors.

🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g Reef fish fillets(such as snapper or grouper, skin on)
- 4 tbsp Lime juice
- 2 medium Red chilies(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Coconut oil(for grilling)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the fish fillets and pat them dry with paper towels.
- 2
In a bowl, combine lime juice, chopped red chilies, minced garlic, grated ginger, turmeric powder, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.
- 3
Place the fish fillets in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- 4
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with a little coconut oil to prevent sticking.
- 5
Place the marinated fish fillets on the hot grill, skin-side down if applicable. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- 6
Serve hot, perhaps with a side of steamed rice or a simple salad.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure your grill is well-heated before placing the fish to get nice grill marks and prevent sticking.
- ✓Don't overcook the fish; it should be moist and flaky.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili to your preferred spice level.
🔄 Variations
- Add a few sprigs of fresh curry leaves to the marinade for an extra layer of aroma.
- Grill whole fish instead of fillets for a more traditional presentation.