– **Title**: Grilled Fish with Crispy Fries
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 fish fillets (such as tilapia, mahi-mahi, or salmon)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 lemon, juiced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **For the Crispy Fries**:
– 4 medium potatoes, cut into thin slices or wedges
– 3 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp pepper
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– **Instructions**:
1. **Prepare the Fish Marinade**: In a bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the fish fillets, ensuring they are well coated. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes.
2. **Make the Crispy Fries**: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, toss the potato slices with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
3. **Bake the Fries**: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
4. **Grill the Fish**: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the fish from the marinade and place on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until the fish is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
5. **Serve**: Once the fish and fries are done, plate the grilled fish and serve with the crispy fries. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional lemon wedges, if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fish: I love using tilapia for its mild flavor and flaky texture. Sea bass or trout are also great options. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly choice, basa fish works well too! You can even try skinless fillets for a lighter dish.
Olive Oil: This gives flavor to the fish, but you can replace it with canola or grapeseed oil if you prefer less intense flavors. I’ve found that extra virgin olive oil enhances taste even more!
Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder add depth. If you’re out of one, don’t worry! You can use fresh garlic or onion, or even chili powder for a kick. I often adjust the spice levels based on my mood.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness. If you can’t find fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works, but fresh is always better. I usually zest a bit more than required to pack extra flavor.
Potatoes: Russet potatoes are my go-to for fries, but Yukon gold potatoes give a creamier texture. If you want to avoid starch or carbs, try sweet potatoes instead for a nutritious twist!
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Fries?
Making crispy fries isn’t tricky, but you need to follow some essential steps. The trick is washing and drying well, as excess starch can make them soggy. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by rinsing your cut potatoes in cold water, then dry them thoroughly using a clean kitchen towel. This is key for crispiness!
- Evenly coat them in oil and season. Don’t skip the salt, as it helps with flavor and crisping!
- Spread fries out on a baking sheet; crowded fries will steam instead of crisp. A single layer is the way to go.
- Halfway through baking, flip the fries to ensure they cook evenly.
Try these tips, and you’ll have fries that are perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside! Enjoy!
How to Make Grilled Fish with Crispy Fries?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Fish:
- 2 whole fish fillets (e.g., tilapia, sea bass, or trout)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Crispy Fries:
- 3 large potatoes (e.g., russet or Yukon gold)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Optional: paprika or garlic powder for seasoning
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes of preparation time and 30-40 minutes of cooking time. In total, you should set aside about 1 hour to marinate, prepare, and cook your grilled fish with crispy fries. Perfect for a lovely dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Fish:
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest together. This will create a tasty marinade. Brush this mixture over the fish fillets, making sure to cover them well. Let the fish marinate for about 15 minutes while you prepare the fries.
2. Preparing the Fries:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven is heating, peel the potatoes and cut them into thick strips for fries. Rinse these strips in cold water to wash away some excess starch, which helps them become crispy. After rinsing, dry the potato strips thoroughly with a kitchen towel.
3. Seasoning the Fries:
In a large bowl, toss the potato strips with vegetable oil, salt, and any optional seasonings like paprika or garlic powder until they are evenly coated. Spread the seasoned fries out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
4. Baking the Fries:
Place the baking sheet with fries in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through. Keep an eye on them to ensure they turn golden brown and crispy.
5. Grilling the Fish:
While the fries are baking, heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated fish fillets. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. This should cook them perfectly!
6. Serving Your Dish:
When the fish is cooked and the fries are crispy and golden, take them off the heat. Place the grilled fish on plates alongside the crispy fries. Garnish each plate with fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges for a lovely presentation and extra flavor.
Enjoy your delicious grilled fish with perfectly crispy fries!
Can I Use Frozen Fish Fillets?
Yes, you can use frozen fish fillets! Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. You can thaw them in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat them dry before brushing with the marinade to ensure a good sear on the grill.
How Do I Make the Fries Even Crispier?
To achieve extra crispy fries, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes before rinsing and drying them. This helps to remove more starch. Additionally, make sure to space the fries out on the baking sheet to allow for better air circulation while baking.
Can I Make This Recipe without a Grill?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the fish in a skillet. Just heat a bit of olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Cook the fish for about 3-4 minutes on each side, just like you would on the grill. You can also use an oven broiler as an alternative.
How to Store Leftover Fish and Fries?
Store leftovers in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, and for the fries, re-crisp them in the oven for about 10 minutes. Enjoy your meal again without a soggy texture!
