Grilled Fish with Fried Plantains and Spicy Pepper Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This grilled fish with fried plantains and pepper sauce is a vibrant and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. The crispy plantains complement the tender, seasoned fish, while the spicy pepper sauce adds a zesty kick. It’s a delicious dish that brings a taste of the tropics right to your table.

Ingredients

• 1 whole fish (tilapia or any preferred fish), cleaned and scored
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup fresh tomato sauce or blended fresh tomatoes
• 3 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
• A pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2-3 fresh red chili peppers (adjust to your spice preference)
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the grill or oven to medium heat (around 350°F/175°C).
2. Step 2: Rub the fish with vegetable oil, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, ginger, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the fish marinate for about 15 minutes.
3. Step 3: Grill the fish for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the fish is fully cooked and flaky.
4. Step 4: Brush the fish with fresh tomato sauce or blended tomatoes halfway through grilling for added moisture and flavor.
5. Step 5: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
6. Step 6: Fry the sliced plantains in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
7. Step 7: Remove the plantains and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Sprinkle a pinch of salt on top.
8. Step 8: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened.
9. Step 9: Add the chopped tomatoes, fresh chili peppers, garlic, and tomato paste. Cook for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
10. Step 10: Season with salt and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes aromatic.
11. Step 11: Place the grilled fish on a serving platter, add the fried plantains, and serve with the pepper sauce on the side.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the fish for up to an hour before grilling.
• Adjust the number of chili peppers in the sauce to control the heat level.
• Try swapping plantains with sweet potatoes or cassava for a different side option.
• If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the fish in the oven at the same temperature, turning halfway through.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the fish gently in a low oven or on the stovetop to keep it moist, and crisp the plantains again briefly in a hot pan. The pepper sauce can be reheated on the stove or served cold as a dip.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Yes, this recipe works well with any firm white fish like snapper, sea bass, or cod. Just adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the fish.

How do I know when the fish is fully cooked?

The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque all the way through. Cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on it while grilling.

Grilled Fish with Fried Plantains and Spicy Pepper Sauce Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.5 from 103 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and flavorful meal featuring grilled whole fish seasoned with aromatic spices and lemon juice, paired with crispy fried plantains and a spicy homemade pepper sauce. Perfect for a balanced and satisfying dinner that combines smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fish and Marinade

• 1 whole fish (tilapia or any preferred fish), cleaned and scored
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup fresh tomato sauce or blended fresh tomatoes

Fried Plantains

• 3 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
• A pinch of salt

Pepper Sauce

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2–3 fresh red chili peppers (adjust to spice preference)
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Salt to taste

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill or oven to medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C), ensuring it is ready for grilling the fish evenly.
2. Marinate Fish: Rub the cleaned and scored whole fish with vegetable oil, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, minced ginger, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
3. Grill Fish: Place the fish on the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even cooking and a flaky texture.
4. Brush with Tomato Sauce: Midway through grilling, brush the fish with fresh tomato sauce or blended fresh tomatoes to keep it moist and add a flavorful glaze.
5. Heat Oil for Plantains: While the fish cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat to prepare for frying the plantains.
6. Fry Plantains: Fry the sliced plantains in batches for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain and Season Plantains: Remove fried plantains from the pan and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil, then sprinkle a pinch of salt over them while hot.
8. Prepare Pepper Sauce Base: In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened.
9. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in chopped tomatoes, fresh chili peppers, minced garlic, and tomato paste. Cook for about 5 minutes until tomatoes soften.
10. Simmer Sauce: Season with salt and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes aromatic.
11. Serve: Arrange the grilled fish on a serving platter, add the fried plantains alongside, and serve the pepper sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Notes

• Ensure plantains are ripe for sweetness and better caramelization.
• Adjust the number of chili peppers according to your preferred spice level.
• Use a whole fresh fish like tilapia; other firm white fish can be substituted.
• Blending fresh tomatoes can be a quick alternative to fresh tomato sauce.
• Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: African

Keywords: grilled fish, fried plantains, pepper sauce, African recipe, spicy sauce, seafood, dinner