Poisson Braisé au Citron et Herbes
Whole grilled fish marinated in a vibrant blend of lemon, garlic, ginger, and fresh herbs, then grilled to perfection. It's a light yet flavorful dish, often served with a side of rice or fried plantains.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 medium Whole Tilapia or other white fish(cleaned and scaled)
- 1 large Lemon(juiced)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped)
- 0.5 medium Onion(finely grated)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 Bouillon cube(crumbled)
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 0.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 Scotch bonnet or chili pepper(finely chopped (optional, for heat))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Make deep diagonal slits on both sides of the fish. This helps the marinade penetrate.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to cut all the way to the bone. - 2
In a bowl, combine lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, grated onion, vegetable oil, crumbled bouillon cube, black pepper, salt, and optional chopped chili pepper. Mix well to form a marinade.
💡 Tip: Ensure all ingredients are well combined. - 3
Rub the marinade all over the fish, making sure to get some inside the cavity and into the slits. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- 4
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill basket, lightly oil it.
💡 Tip: Ensure the grill is clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking. - 5
Place the marinated fish on the grill or in the grill basket. Grill for about 15-20 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
💡 Tip: Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the fish and the heat of your grill. Turn the fish carefully to ensure even cooking. - 6
Remove the fish from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
💡 Tip: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the fish more moist. - 7
Serve hot with your favorite sides like steamed rice, fried plantains, or a fresh salad.
💡 Tip: Squeeze extra lemon juice over the fish before serving, if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Any firm white fish like tilapia, snapper, or sea bass can be used.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili pepper to control the heat level.
- ✓For an oven-baked version, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
🔄 Variations
- Add sliced tomatoes and bell peppers to the marinade for extra flavor and color.
- Stuff the fish cavity with lemon slices and fresh herbs before grilling.