Whole Grilled Red Snapper with Jicama Slaw
- 1 (2 1/2 to 3-pound) whole red snapper
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 heaping tablespoon chopped cilantro, marjoram or thyme leaves
- 1 small lemon
- 1 medium sized jicama
- 1 medium sized carrot
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- Chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
- 1/8 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Thai chile paste, to taste, optional
- To make the Snapper: Have your fish monger clean and scale the red snapper, making sure gills and fins have been removed.
- In a plastic bag, marinate the fish in olive oil and your fresh herb of choice (cilantro matches well with the jicama slaw) for 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Cut the lemon into small wedges and stuff them into the cavity of the fish.
- While the fish is marinating, make the Slaw: Julienne the jicama and the carrot.
- Mix in the scallion and cilantro.
- Combine the rice wine vinegar, fresh lime juice, sugar, and chili paste, if using, in a small bowl to dissolve the sugar and then toss with the vegetables.
- Place the slaw in the refrigerator and chill.
- To grill the snapper: Place the marinated fish into a grilling basket, making sure to wipe off any excess marinade which can cause the fire to flare up.
- Use a high heat, and grill fish for about 10 minutes per inch of thickness at its thickest point.
- Make sure you only turn the fish once.
- If you don't have a grilling basket, try wrapping the fish in a banana leaf, it will help prevent the fish from falling apart, while allowing the flavor of the grill to penetrate the snapper.
- To bake the fish: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Transfer the marinated fish to a large, well-greased oval ceramic casserole or roasting dish.
- A large oval saute pan also works well.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes per inch of thickness at the thickest part.
- The fish is done when the thickest part has a moist and juicy appearance.
- Do not cook until flaky, this means the fish is overdone and will taste dry.
- Check the readiness of the fish by gently lifting the fillet away from the bone along the dorsal fin near the head.
- An instant thermometer can also tell you when the fish is done.
- It should read approximately140 degrees F.
- To serve, spread the jicama slaw onto a large oval serving dish, and place the grilled fish on top for a wonderful looking (and tasting) dish.
red snapper, extravirgin olive oil, cilantro, lemon, jicama, carrot, scallions, cilantro, rice wine vinegar, lime juice, sugar, chile paste
Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/whole-grilled-red-snapper-with-jicama-slaw-recipe.html (may not work)