Achiote Grilled Fish in Banana Leaves
- Total time
- 80 min
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons achiote paste
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Four 5- to 6-ounce flaky fish fillets, such as salmon, trout, snapper, bass or halibut
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 to 2 banana leaves (thawed if frozen)
- 1/2 fresh pineapple, peeled and cut into small dice
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced on the bias
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, small dice
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, rough chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, rough chopped
- 1 lime, zested
- Lime juice and extra virgin olive oil to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
- 1
In the jar of a blender, combine the achiote paste, olive oil and lime juice. Blend until smooth. You can alternatively use an immersion blender to make the marinade.
- 2
Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper to taste, and pour the achiote mixture over the fish, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow to marinate for 30 minutes or up to 2 hours, refrigerated.
- 3
Cut the banana leaves into approximately 12-inch squares, and lay them out on a work surface. Place a portion of the fish in the middle of each square. Fold up the bottom of the leaf, covering the fish. Then fold in the sides, and fold one more time to encase the fish in the leaves.
- 4
To secure the packages, cut the banana leaf, with the grain, into 1/2-inch-thick strips. If the strips are not long enough to go around the wrapped fish, you can tie two strips together.
- 5
Tie the strips around the package securing the package.
- 6
Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium heat with the hot coals/heat on one side, while the other side is cool.
- 7
Cook the wrapped fish directly over the heat until the banana leaves are charred on each side, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Move the fish to the cooler side of the grill, close the lid, and continue to cook until the fillets are 140º to 145º.
- 8
Unwrap the fish and serve with Pineapple Salsa (recipe follows) and your choice of side. Tip: serve with warmed corn or flour tortillas if you would like to make tacos with the fish!
- 9
Mix together all of the ingredients for the salsa.
- 10
Allow the flavors to blend for 30 minutes before serving.
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