If you love grilling and spicy food, you're in for a treat with this Nigerian-inspired recipe for peppered croaker fish. This dish is not only delicious, but also easy to make with simple ingredients. You'll be amazed by how the fish turns out juicy, tender, and full of flavor. Whether you want to impress your guests or enjoy a cozy meal with your family, this recipe will make you feel like a pro chef. Ready to get started? Let's go!
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized croaker fish, cleaned and gutted
- 2 teaspoons of bouillon powder
- 1 teaspoon of habanero powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon of thyme
- 2 tablespoons of suya spice
- 1 teaspoon of curry powder
- 4 tablespoons of ground crayfish
- 2 tablespoons of dry pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons of ground black pepper
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley or coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Fish: Rinse the croaker fish under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Then, make diagonal cuts on both sides of the fish to help the seasoning soak in.
- Prepare the Marinade: Next, you need to make the marinade that will give the fish its amazing flavor. In a bowl, combine the ground crayfish, dry pepper flakes, ground black pepper, minced garlic, chopped onion, vegetable oil, lemon juice, salt, bouillon powder, habanero powder, thyme, suya spice, and curry powder. Stir well to form a thick paste.
- Marinate the Fish: Now, you need to rub the marinade all over the fish, making sure it gets into the cuts and cavities. For the best flavor, let the fish marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate it overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Preheat the Grill: When you're ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you're using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly distributed and glowing red before cooking.
- Grill the Fish: Carefully place the marinated fish on the preheated grill, and let them cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until the flesh is cooked through and the skin is charred and crispy. Be gentle when flipping the fish to prevent them from breaking apart.
- Serve Hot: Once the fish are grilled to perfection, take them off the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle some fresh parsley or coriander leaves on top for a fresh touch.
- Enjoy: Serve your grilled peppered croaker fish hot with some grilled vegetables, rice, or crusty bread. Don't forget to squeeze some extra lemon juice over the fish for an extra zing!
Also Read: 4 UNIQUE NOODLE RECIPES YOU SHOULD TRY
Tips:
- If you like it hot, you can add some chopped scotch bonnet peppers or red chili flakes to the marinade.
- If you like it smoky, you can grill the fish over wood chips or charcoal for a few minutes longer.
- Make sure your grill is clean and oiled to prevent the fish from sticking during cooking.