This weekend I’m heading to my friend Rico’s beach shack at Macmasters beach.
There’s something about a beach holiday that always gets me thinking about seafood.
So when I was at the markets yesterday, preparing for the lazy weekend ahead, I just couldn’t resist getting in the beachy mood and picking up some fish for dinner.
My local fish market is a bit hit and miss. And while I was surveying the sorry state of the fish fillets, I had a brilliant idea.
Why not buy a whole fish?
I’m so glad I did.
It’s much easier to size your ‘catch’ up for freshness when faced with a whole fish.
Just look it in the eye before choosing. Like people, clear healthy fish eyes are a sign of freshness.
If you’re not up for cooking a whole fish, just yet. It’s still the best way to buy fish. Get your fishmonger to fillet the fish for you. It may cost a little more, but you’ll be guaranteed a far tastier fish experience.
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BBQ snapper with chilli & soy
serves 2
1 large snapper (about 1.5kg or 3lb)
6-8 small red chillies, finely sliced
8 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
3 tablespoons sesame oil
1. Preheat your BBQ or a char grill pan on a very high heat.
2. Make 3 slashes about 1 inch apart in the thickest part of the fish down to the bone. Repeat on the other side. Remove side fins.
3. Rub fish with a little oil and wrap in two layers of foil (or banana leaves if you have them lying around).
4. Cook fish for 8-9 minutes on each side.
5. Meanwhile, combine chilli, soy, vinegar and oil. Taste and adjust if you think it needs a little more soy or vinegar.
6. When the fish is cooked, transfer to a serving platter. Drizzle with half the sauce and serve with the rest of the sauce on the side.
Great with some steamed or char grilled asian greens such as bok choy or chinese broccoli.
VARIATION
fillets – if you prefer to cook fish fillets, wrap 2 fillets in foil and bake 180C (350F) for 10-12 minutes. Serve with the sauce.
Have a lovely weekend everyone!
Cheers,
Jules x
ps.
If you’ve looking to access past recipes from the Stonesoup diaries. They’re all available in my new swanky archives page over here:
www.thestonesoupdiaries.com/stonesoup-diaries-archives/
