Deliciously fragrant, spicy, and tender grilled basa fish with salt and chili

How to make grilled basa fish with chili salt

• 1

  Prepare the ingredients

  First, cut off the fins of the fish, then pour hot water over the fish and use a knife to scrape off the scales, and gut the fish by cutting along the belly to remove all the insides. You can cut the fish in half or leave it whole!

  After that, rub salt on the fish and rinse it with water to reduce the sliminess, then let it drain. After salting, soak the fish in diluted lemon juice or vinegar water for about 5 minutes to eliminate the fishy smell.

  Once cleaned, use a knife to make 2 cuts on each side of the fish, each about 2cm wide, to help the fish absorb the seasoning.

  How to clean fish thoroughly and eliminate fishy smell:

  • Scrape off the scales completely, remove the internal organs, especially cut close to the gills and take out the white strip along the side of the fish to reduce the fishy smell,
  • Use sliced lemon to gently rub on the fish or rub with salt to clean off the slime.

  See details: 7 tips to easily and effectively remove fishy smell

  
• 2

  Marinating Fish

  You put 2 tablespoons of salt, 5 chili peppers, 5 cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon of monosodium glutamate, and 1 teaspoon of sugar into a mortar and pound them finely.

  Wear plastic gloves and evenly spread the salt and chili mixture over the fish, using the remaining mixture to rub inside the fish’s belly.

  Let it sit for about 30 minutes to help the fish absorb all the spices.

  

  
• 3

  Grilling Fish

  Prepare a charcoal grill; you can place the fish on the grill or skewer the fish and then grill it.

  Grill for 35 – 40 minutes until you see the fish turn golden and fragrant.

  Note:

  • You can grill the fish in an oven or over a charcoal fire!
  • If grilling on a rack, brush a layer of cooking oil on the grill to prevent the fish skin from sticking.
  • Depending on the size of the fish, you can adjust the grilling time accordingly.

  

  
• 4

  Final Product

  Hot fish, lightly fragrant. Pick up a piece of fish, and you will find the meat sweet, fresh, and a bit spicy from the chili.

  You can add a little scallion oil on top of the fish to make the dish richer. Serve with fresh vegetables dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce or a bowl of salt, chili, and lime for an exquisite taste!