Enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home with this Grilled Fish with Crispy Fries recipe. This dish is packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and makes a perfect meal for any occasion. The combination of perfectly grilled fish with crispy golden fries creates an irresistible balance of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
For the Grilled Fish:
- 4 fillets of white fish (such as cod, tilapia, or snapper)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
For the Crispy Fries:
- 4 large russet potatoes (cut into thin strips)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fries
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for 30 minutes (this removes excess starch and helps achieve crispy fries).
- Drain the potatoes and pat them dry using a kitchen towel.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the dried potatoes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and chili powder.
- Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (if using an oven) or in the air fryer basket.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes in the oven, flipping halfway through, or air fry for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
- Once crispy and golden brown, remove the fries from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Marinate the Fish
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the marinade evenly over both sides of the fish fillets.
- Cover and let the fish marinate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Grill the Fish
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Lightly grease the grill with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the marinated fish fillets on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side (cooking time depends on the thickness of the fillet).
- The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has a slight char on the outside.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
- Plate the grilled fish and crispy fries together.
- Garnish the fish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as tartar sauce, aioli, or ketchup.
Tips for the Perfect Meal
- For extra crispy fries, double-fry them in hot oil or use an air fryer at a high temperature.
- Don’t overcook the fish—it should be flaky and moist inside while having a slight crisp on the outside.
- Experiment with seasonings to match your taste preferences, such as adding cumin or Italian herbs.
- Pair with a side salad or coleslaw for a complete and balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen fish fillets?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the fillets completely before marinating them. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture for better grilling.
2. How can I make the fries crispier?
Soaking the potato slices in cold water and thoroughly drying them before cooking helps achieve crispier fries. Additionally, avoid overcrowding them on the baking sheet or air fryer basket.
3. What’s the best fish for grilling?
Firm, white fish like cod, snapper, halibut, mahi-mahi, or sea bass work best as they hold their shape well on the grill.
4. Can I cook the fish on a stovetop instead of grilling?
Absolutely! Use a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat with a little oil. Cook for the same amount of time, flipping once halfway.
5. What dipping sauces go well with this dish?
Popular choices include tartar sauce, garlic aioli, honey mustard, ranch, or a simple lemon butter sauce.
