Grilled Croaker: Light, Flavorful & "Unbig My Back" Friendly! 🐟🔥

Looking to keep things light and delicious? This Grilled Croaker recipe is your new go-to! Packed with fresh aromatics and simple seasonings, it's a fantastic way to enjoy fish without compromising on flavor.

🕒 Prep Time: 15-20 minutes | Cook Time: 10-15 minutes

🛒 Ingredients

For the Flavorful Fish:

• Croaker Fish (whole or filleted, cleaned)

Fresh Aromatics (Finely chopped or minced):

• Bell Pepper (any color, for sweetness and crunch)

• Ginger (fresh, grated or minced)

• Garlic (fresh cloves, minced)

• Scotch Bonnet Pepper (finely minced, handle with care! – adjust to your spice preference, or omit for mild)

• Onion (chopped or sliced)

Essential Seasoning:

• Chicken Stock Powder (or a good quality bouillon cube, crushed)

• Mixed Herbs (dried blend: oregano, thyme, marjoram, etc.)

Optional Fresh Herbs (for extra aroma & garnish):

• Rosemary (fresh sprigs)

• Basil (fresh leaves)

🔪 Instructions

1. Prepare the Fish Thoroughly clean your croaker fish (if whole, make a few diagonal cuts on each side to help the seasoning penetrate and cook evenly). Pat dry with paper towels.

2. Create the Flavor Rub In a small bowl, combine the chopped bell pepper, ginger, garlic, Scotch bonnet (if using), and onion. Add the chicken stock powder and mixed herbs to this fresh mixture. Mix well to create a fragrant paste.

3. Season the Croaker Generously rub the seasoning paste all over the fish, making sure to get some inside the cavity (if whole) and into the cuts you made. For extra flavor, you can let it marinate for 15-30 minutes, but it's not strictly necessary.

4. Preheat the Grill Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

5. Grill to Perfection Place the seasoned croaker on the hot grill. Grill for approximately 5-7 minutes per side (for whole fish) or 3-5 minutes per side (for fillets), or until the fish is opaque, cooked through, and has nice grill marks. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your fish.

6. Garnish & Serve Once cooked, carefully remove the fish from the grill. If using, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or basil leaves. Serve immediately with your favorite light sides, like a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. Enjoy your delicious and healthy grilled croaker!