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- 4 fillets of firm white fish (such as tilapia or snapper) - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped - 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes) - 1 teaspoon lime zest (grated outer peel of 1 lime) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Lime wedges, for serving To make your cooking easy, know that volume is not the same as weight. A cup of cilantro weighs less than a cup of water. Use a kitchen scale for best results. If you do not have cilantro, try using parsley. It has a fresh taste too. For fish, you can use salmon or cod. Both offer a different flavor and texture. You can find the full recipe for cilantro lime grilled fish above. To start, mix the marinade ingredients thoroughly. In a small bowl, combine the chopped cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, sea salt, black pepper, and olive oil. This mix brings bright flavors to your fish. Make sure everything blends well for consistent taste. If you want a smoother texture, you can whisk it faster. Next, we need to marinate the fish. Place the fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the fish. Ensure each piece is evenly coated. This step is key for great flavor. Cover the dish or seal the bag, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, letting it sit for up to 2 hours works wonders. Now, let’s get to grilling. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you use a grill pan, lightly coat it with oil. This helps prevent sticking and gives you nice grill marks. After marinating, take the fish out of the fridge. Let excess marinade drip off before placing the fillets on the hot grill. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has lovely grill marks. Finally, it’s time to serve. Transfer the grilled fish to a plate and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color. Serve with lime wedges to add more citrus flavor. Pair the fish with a light salad or coconut rice. These sides enhance the dish and create a refreshing meal. For the full recipe, you can check the earlier section. To make great grilled fish, start with the right temperature. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sear the fish, but not so hot that it burns. A good way to test is to hold your hand above the grill. If you can only keep it there for 2-3 seconds, you’re ready to go. You can know your fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Look for a nice, opaque color too. If it looks shiny and translucent, it needs more time. To boost lime and cilantro flavors, use fresh herbs and juice. They pack more punch than dry spices. When you chop cilantro, do it just before you use it. This keeps it fresh and bright. For lime, always use fresh juice instead of bottled. The taste is far better! If you have to use dried spices, use less. They are stronger than fresh. A little goes a long way. To make quick weeknight meals, prep in advance. You can marinate your fish the night before. Just put it in the fridge, and it’s ready to cook when you are. Portion control is also key. When you prepare your fish, cut it into serving sizes. This way, you can grab just what you need. Less waste means more meals! For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. Happy grilling! {{image_4}} You can change the citrus in this dish. Instead of lime, try orange or lemon. Each option brings a fresh twist. If you like heat, add jalapeños to the marinade. This will spice things up! You can slice them thin or add them whole. Either way, it gives a nice kick. Grilling is great, but you have options. You can bake or broil the fish for a different flavor. Baking keeps the fish moist, while broiling gives it a nice crust. If you prefer, pan-searing is also a good choice. It allows you to control the heat better and adds a lovely brown color. How you serve the fish can change the meal. Use different sauces or dressings. A mango salsa or a creamy avocado sauce adds flavor and fun. You can also change up the sides. Pair the fish with rice, salad, or grilled veggies from other cuisines. Each side will bring new tastes and textures to your meal. To keep your cilantro lime grilled fish fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to seal in the flavors. This helps prevent the fish from drying out. Properly stored, the fish stays good for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer bag. This way, the fish can last for about two months in the freezer without losing its taste. When it comes to reheating grilled fish, you want to avoid drying it out. One great method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the fish on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. This keeps the moisture in while it warms up. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s hot throughout. You can also use the microwave. Just place the fish on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for short bursts of 30 seconds until warm. For both methods, choose storage containers that are airtight and microwave-safe. This ensures the fish stays fresh and tasty when you reheat it. Want to keep things simple? Just heat what you need, so you don’t have to reheat all the leftovers at once. Enjoy your meal! For the full recipe, check out the complete details above. When choosing fish for grilling, look for firm white fish. Some great options are: - Tilapia - Snapper - Halibut - Mahi-mahi These fish hold up well on the grill. They have a mild taste that pairs nicely with the cilantro and lime. Freshness is key, so choose fish that smells clean and has bright, clear eyes. Yes, you can prepare this recipe ahead of time. Marinate the fish for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours. If you plan to prep ahead, keep the marinated fish in the fridge. This makes cooking quick and easy when you're ready to grill. You can serve this fish with many delicious sides. Here are some ideas: - A light green salad with a citrus dressing - Coconut rice for a tropical touch - Grilled veggies like zucchini and bell peppers - Quinoa salad for a hearty complement These sides will enhance the fresh flavors of your grilled fish. To check if your fish is done, look for a few signs: - The fish should flake easily with a fork. - It should have nice grill marks. - The inside should be opaque, not translucent. Cooking times can vary, but aim for about 3-4 minutes per side. This ensures a perfect, juicy result. This recipe for cilantro lime grilled fish is simple yet packed with flavor. You learned about the essential ingredients and how to prepare them. The step-by-step instructions guide you through marinating and grilling with ease. We explored tips to enhance flavors and variations to keep things fresh. Remember, grilling is both an art and a science. With practice, you can master it. Enjoy your meal prep and have fun experimenting with different flavors. Now go create a delicious dish that will impress your family or friends!

35. Cilantro Lime Grilled Fish

Savor the taste of summer with this cilantro lime grilled fish recipe! Perfectly marinated in a zesty blend of lime, cilantro, and spices, this dish brings vibrant flavors to your table. Suitable for any occasion, it's easy to prepare and takes just 40 minutes. Click through for step-by-step instructions and tips to create a delicious meal that pairs beautifully with salads or coconut rice. Don't miss out on enjoying this delight!
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Ingredients
  

4 fillets of firm white fish (such as tilapia or snapper)

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)

1 teaspoon lime zest (grated outer peel of 1 lime)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

In a small mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the chopped cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, sea salt, black pepper, and olive oil. This mixture will create a zesty and aromatic marinade that is packed with flavor.

    Place the fish fillets into a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the fillets, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated with the vibrant mixture. Cover the dish or seal the bag, then refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more intense flavor absorption).

      Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you're using a grill pan, lightly spray or coat it with oil to prevent sticking and enhance the grill marks on the fish.

        Once marinated, take the fish out of the refrigerator. Carefully remove the fillets from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the fillets directly onto the hot grill. Cook the fish for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish easily flakes apart when tested with a fork and exhibits appealing grill marks.

          Once fully cooked, transfer the fish fillets from the grill onto a plate and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This resting period allows the juices to settle, resulting in a more succulent bite.

            Serve the cilantro lime grilled fish on a platter, garnished with additional fresh cilantro for a vibrant touch. Accompany with lime wedges for an extra splash of citrus before digging in.

              - Serving Suggestion: Pair the grilled fish with a light salad or some coconut rice for a refreshing meal that compliments the flavors beautifully.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4