Grilled Croaker Fish

Grilled  Fish – BBQ / Oven Method

I wanted to prepare something special for my Husband’s birthday this year ( January folks :D ) but I didn’t plan ahead. So into the freezer I went (to actually get some chicken) but the bag of croaker fish looked more inviting. It’s winter in my part of the world so outdoor barbeque was out of the question, I  was able to achieve barbeque grade fish using my oven. This is a popular fish recipe amongst home grown Nigerians, do try it and let me know what you think.

Ingredients:

• 4 Medium size Croaker* Fish (Scaled and cleaned)
• Salt – To taste
• 2 cubes Maggi
• 1 teaspoons Black or Cameroon pepper
• 2 Tablespoons Vegetable oil

*you may substitute Croaker with Tilapia

Sauce

• 1/2 large onion – Chopped
• 1 red bell pepper (tatashe) – chopped
• 1-2 red chili peppers (Shombo or rodo )
• 1 cube maggi
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Direction:

Prepare Sauce:

• Combine all sauce ingredients in a blender, pulse to a coarse texture. Set aside

Grill Fish

• Start by making 2-3 slashes on both sides of the croaker. Season with salt, maggi and pepper. Set aside to marinate for a couple hours or overnight.

• If using a barbecue grill:
  • Preheat grill, brush seasoned fish with oil & cover with half of the sauce. Grill until cooked.
• If using an oven :
  • Preaheat oven to 400F (Broil / grill setting)
  • Place a large skillet or griddle on high heat, heat oil. Place fish in pan and sear on both sides
  • Cover fish with half of the sauce

• Transfer fish to a lined oven tray. Place in oven and cook for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through

To serve

• Generously cover cooked fish with left over sauce. Serve with a side of fried plantains & rice.

Above is the special fried rice I served the fish with. Try it out using our Fried rice recipe combined with browned minced meat for a more traditional look. For a darker colored rice like mine, add in some dark soy sauce.