RecipesMaldivesMaldivian Grilled Reef Fish with Lime Chili

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.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10-12 minutes
Total Time25-27 minutes
Servings4
DifficultyEasy
Maldivian Grilled Reef Fish with Lime Chili - Maldives traditional dish

🧂 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. 1

    Rinse the fish fillets and pat them dry with paper towels.

  2. 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. 3

    Place the fish fillets in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.

  4. 4

    Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with a little coconut oil to prevent sticking.

  5. 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. 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.

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