Here’s a tasty and simple recipe for Grilled Fish (Changu) served with fries—perfect for a healthy yet satisfying meal. Changu, also known as Barramundi, is a flavorful fish that works wonderfully when grilled.
Ingredients:
For the Grilled Fish (Changu):
- 2 medium-sized Changu fish (or Barramundi), cleaned and gutted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)
For the Fries:
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fish:
- Rinse the Changu (or Barramundi) fish under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Rub this marinade over the fish, making sure to coat both sides. You can also score the fish (make shallow cuts in the flesh) to help the marinade soak in better.
- Let the fish marinate for at least 15-30 minutes. If you have more time, marinating for up to an hour will deepen the flavors.
2. Prepare the Fries:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the cut potato fries with olive oil, paprika (optional), salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the fries out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are crispy and golden brown. (If you prefer extra crispy fries, you can broil them for the last 3-5 minutes of baking.)
3. Grill the Fish:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill, lightly oil the grill grates.
- Place the marinated fish on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side (depending on the thickness of the fish) or until the fish is opaque and easily flakes with a fork.
- You can also grill the fish whole with the skin on for extra flavor and crispiness. Alternatively, you can grill fillets if preferred.
4. Serve:
- Once the fish is cooked, serve it with a side of crispy fries.
- Garnish the fish with lemon slices for an extra citrusy touch and some fresh parsley on the fries for color.
- Serve with a side of tartar sauce, garlic aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips:
- You can add a side of mixed greens, coleslaw, or a fresh tomato salad for extra freshness.
- For a smokier flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to both the fish marinade and fries.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can also pan-sear the fish in a skillet with a bit of olive oil or bake it in the oven.
This Grilled Fish (Changu) with crispy fries is a delightful combination of flavors, perfect for a light yet hearty meal. Enjoy! 😋