This recipe is my absolute favorite way to enjoy fish. It’s simple, elegant, and packed with flavor. I first had a version of this dish at a small restaurant in Marseille, France, and have been perfecting it ever since. The cayenne pepper adds a delightful kick, and the grilling gives the fish a smoky char that's simply irresistible. You’ll find yourself craving it!
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It's surprisingly easy to make, and the results are so rewarding—tender, flaky fish with a vibrant flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe is a definite crowd-pleaser! Seriously, try this one out, and you'll see what I mean. My friend Mike, a picky eater, even loved it. You can add a squeeze of lime before serving for extra zing!
Required Equipments
- Grill pan or outdoor grill
- Tongs
- Basting brush
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Sharp knife
- Fork
Grilled Fish Fillets with Cayenne Pepper
This recipe for grilled fish fillets with cayenne pepper delivers a delightful blend of smoky char and spicy kick. It's quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 2 servings
Preparation Time: 1 minutes
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- First things first, let's prep our fish. Pat those fillets dry with paper towels. This is super important for a good sear. Trust me on this one.
- Next, in a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. I like to taste the mixture just to make sure it's balanced. A little pinch of sugar helps to balance the acidity.
- Now for the fun part! Gently toss the fish fillets in this zesty marinade, making sure they're coated evenly. Try not to break them up; we want them nice and whole for grilling.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you're using a grill pan, make sure it's well heated; nice and hot for a good sear. I usually put it on high heat for a few minutes before reducing to medium-high.
- Carefully place the marinated fish fillets on the hot grill. Don't overcrowd the grill; leave some space between them for even cooking. We dont' want them steaming, we want a nice sear.
- Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. It's crucial to use tongs to gently flip them; you don't want to break them.
- Once cooked, remove the fillets from the grill and let them rest for a minute or two before serving. The resting period helps the juices redistribute, making the fish extra moist.
- Serve immediately and enjoy! I love this dish with some simple sides like grilled vegetables or a fresh salad. The slight char from the grill and the spicy kick from the cayenne are just amazing. It's a flavor explosion!
- Oh and one last tip: if the fillets are sticking to the grill, try brushing the grill grates with a little more oil before placing the fish on. And always check if the fish is cooked properly before removing it from the grill, to make sure we're not having any raw fish issues!
📝 Notes
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference.
- For extra flavor, marinate the fish for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- Ensure the fish is cooked through before serving. It should flake easily with a fork.
- Dont overcook it! It's better to slightly undercook the fish than overcook it because it will continue to cook for a little bit after it's removed from heat
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 200kcal
Protein: 30g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Calcium: 20mg
