How to Make Vietnamese Grilled Fish with Spices

Vietnamese grilled fish, known as “Cá Nướng,” is a delightful dish that embodies the rich flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. This recipe utilizes a blend of aromatic spices, creating a savory and slightly spicy profile that pairs beautifully with fresh herbs and rice. Follow these steps to make your own Vietnamese grilled fish with spices.

Ingredients

For the fish:

2 whole fish (such as tilapia or snapper), cleaned and scaled

For the marinade:

3 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons tamarind paste
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced shallots
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For serving:

Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, or basil)
Rice (steamed or sticky)
Lettuce leaves for wrapping
Sliced chili peppers (optional)
Lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine the fish sauce, tamarind paste, sugar, minced garlic, minced shallots, turmeric, black pepper, and vegetable oil. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved and all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 2: Marinate the Fish

Place the cleaned fish in a large dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the fish, ensuring it's coated evenly. For the best flavor, let the fish marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

When you're ready to grill, preheat your charcoal or gas grill to medium-high heat. If using charcoal, let the coals burn until they’re covered with white ash.

Step 4: Grill the Fish

Once the grill is hot, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the fish from sticking. Carefully place the marinated fish on the grill. Grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on the size of the fish, until the skin is crispy and the flesh flakes easily with a fork.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, remove the fish from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the grilled fish with fresh herbs, rice, and lettuce leaves. You can wrap pieces of fish and herbs in the lettuce and enjoy them with a squeeze of lime juice and chili peppers for an added kick.

Tips for the Perfect Vietnamese Grilled Fish

Use fresh fish for the best flavor and texture.
Adjust the level of tamarind and sugar to suit your taste preferences.
Experiment with different herbs for serving to discover your favorite combination.

Enjoy this delicious Vietnamese grilled fish with spices as a centerpiece for your next meal, and savor the vibrant flavors of this classic dish!