Thai-Style Grilled Fish: A Flavorful and Irresistible Dish

Thai-style grilled fish is a dish that embodies the distinctive flavors of Thai cuisine. With a harmonious blend of the natural sweetness of the fish, the aromatic spices like cilantro, lemongrass, and the moderate heat from chili, this dish is sure to captivate your family.

Thai-style grilled fish with a delicious cilantro-chili sauce

Ingredients

To make Thai-style grilled fish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 whole salmon (or tilapia, red snapper, or basa), cleaned
• Sea salt (or kosher salt)
• 2 fresh limes
• Vegetable oil for frying or brushing on the fish
• Ingredients for the sauce:
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/2 tablespoon tamarind paste
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 small piece of galangal or ginger, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup cilantro leaves and stems
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1-2 fresh red chilies, finely chopped
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced

Steps

Step 1: Preparing the Fish

Rinse the fish and pat it dry with paper towels. Make 2-3 diagonal cuts on the body of the fish to allow the flavors to penetrate.

Preparing the fish by making diagonal cuts on the body

Squeeze the lime juice and brush it all over the fish, including the belly. Sprinkle some sea salt on the surface of the fish and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Making the Sauce

Blend all the sauce ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Pour the mixture into a pan, add a pinch of pepper, and cook over medium heat for about 5-8 minutes. Adjust the seasoning to balance the sour, salty, and sweet flavors.

Cilantro-chili sauce being cooked on the stove

Step 3: Grilling the Fish

Grill the fish on a charcoal grill over medium to high heat. Grill each side for about 5 minutes or until the fish is golden and the scales come off easily. Be careful not to flip the fish too early to prevent the skin from sticking to the grill.

Continue grilling for another 15 minutes, flipping the fish every 2 minutes. Use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the fish reaches about 65°C.

Fish grilling on charcoal with an appealing color

Step 4: Presentation and Enjoyment

Place the fish on a plate and drizzle the prepared sauce over it. Garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs and lime slices for added appeal. This Thai-style grilled fish pairs well with white rice or fresh vermicelli noodles.

Finished Thai-style grilled fish with a rich sauce

Conclusion

Making Thai-style grilled fish is not overly complicated but requires attention to detail in each step. With its unique flavor and simple preparation, this dish is sure to become a favorite for family meals. Try this recipe and share your thoughts!

Wishing you success and wonderful culinary experiences with Thai-style grilled fish!

References:

• Original recipe from PasGo.vn
• Some adjustments and additions based on practical experience