Wood-Fired Spicy Striped Bass with Lemon
Experience the vibrant flavors of Benin with this Wood-Fired Spicy Striped Bass recipe. Traditionally grilled over an aromatic apple wood fire, this dish features a perfect blend of spices infused into the fish, complemented by the freshness of lemon slices. The unique smokiness from the apple wood adds depth to the flaky striped bass, making it a delightful centerpiece for any gathering. Serve it up alongside your favorite side dishes for a truly memorable meal that transports you to the shores of West Africa.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried habanero chiles
2 (finely ground)
peanut oil or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
striped bass fillet
1 (3 lb) (1 inch thick)
lemon
1 (thinly sliced)
apple wood chips
1/4 cup (soaked in water for 1 hour)
Instructions
1
Soak the apple wood chips in water for at least 1 hour to ensure they smolder and create smoke rather than burning quickly.
2
In a spice or coffee grinder, finely grind the dried habanero chiles until they resemble a powder. Measure out 1/8 teaspoon of the ground chile into a small bowl and set aside the remainder for future use.
3
In that small bowl, combine the oil, salt, and black pepper with the measured ground chile. Stir until well mixed and create a paste.
4
Gently rub the spice mixture evenly over the striped bass fillet, ensuring an even coating on both sides. Wrap the fish in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
5
Prepare your grill for direct cooking. If using charcoal, ensure the coals are hot and well-lit before adding the soaked wood chips for smoking.
6
After the coals are ready, place the drained wood chips directly on the hot coals to generate smoke.
7
Cut a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil and lightly coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Puncture the foil several times with a fork to allow smoke to circulate.
8
Place the foil on the grill rack and carefully place the seasoned striped bass on top of the foil. Arrange the lemon slices over the fish, allowing the citrus to enhance the flavor.
9
Cover the grill and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Avoid flipping the fish to keep the seasoning intact.
10
Once done, use a spatula to carefully transfer the fish to a serving platter and serve immediately, enjoying the succulent flavors of this grilled delicacy.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wood-Fired Spicy Striped Bass with Lemon?
It is a West African-inspired dish from Benin featuring striped bass grilled over apple wood with a spicy habanero rub and lemon.
What type of wood is recommended for smoking the fish?
Apple wood chips are used to provide a unique, aromatic smokiness that complements the flaky striped bass.
How long should I soak the apple wood chips?
The wood chips should be soaked in water for at least 1 hour to ensure they smolder and create smoke instead of burning quickly.
How do I prepare the habanero chiles for the rub?
Grind the dried habanero chiles in a spice or coffee grinder until they become a fine powder.
How much ground chile is used in the spice paste?
Use 1/8 teaspoon of the ground habanero powder combined with oil, salt, and black pepper.
What kind of oil is best for the spice mixture?
You can use either peanut oil or vegetable oil to create the spice paste.
How long should the striped bass marinate?
The seasoned fish should be wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for 30 minutes to let the flavors penetrate.
What size of striped bass fillet is needed?
The recipe calls for one 3-pound striped bass fillet that is approximately 1 inch thick.
How do I set up the grill for this recipe?
Prepare the grill for direct cooking, ensuring coals are hot before adding the soaked wood chips.
Where do I place the wood chips on the grill?
Place the drained wood chips directly onto the hot coals to generate smoke.
Why do I need aluminum foil for grilling the fish?
Foil is used as a base for the fish to prevent sticking and to keep the seasoning intact during the smoking process.
Should I prepare the aluminum foil in a specific way?
Yes, lightly coat it with cooking spray and puncture it several times with a fork to allow smoke to circulate.
Where do the lemon slices go during cooking?
Arrange the thinly sliced lemon directly over the top of the seasoned fish on the grill.
How long does the fish take to cook on the grill?
The fish takes approximately 20 minutes to cook under a covered grill.
Should I flip the fish while it is grilling?
No, avoid flipping the fish so the seasoning and lemon slices stay in place.
How can I tell when the striped bass is fully cooked?
The fish is done when it flakes easily when tested with a fork.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The dish is spicy from the habanero, smoky from the apple wood, and bright from the fresh lemon.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, it uses ground dried habanero chiles, which provide a significant heat level.
What region's cuisine does this recipe represent?
It represents the culinary traditions of Benin in West Africa.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: habanero chiles, oil, salt, pepper, striped bass, lemon, and wood chips.
Can I use a different type of chile?
While habanero is traditional for the heat, you could substitute other dried chiles, though the flavor profile will change.
What is the best way to transfer the fish to a platter?
Use a spatula to carefully lift the fish off the foil to keep it from breaking.
Should the grill be covered during cooking?
Yes, keep the grill covered to trap the smoke and ensure the fish cooks evenly.
What should I do with the leftover ground habanero?
The recipe only uses 1/8 teaspoon; the remainder should be set aside for future use in other dishes.
How thick should the lemon slices be?
The lemons should be thinly sliced so they can easily release their juices onto the fish.
Is salt and pepper included in the rub?
Yes, the paste is made by mixing 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper with the oil and chile.
Can I use wood chips without soaking them?
It is not recommended, as dry chips will burn too quickly and won't produce the sustained smoke needed for flavor.
What makes striped bass a good choice for this recipe?
Striped bass is a flaky fish that holds up well to grilling and absorbs the smoky and spicy flavors beautifully.
Is this a good recipe for a large gathering?
Yes, a 3-pound fillet makes a beautiful and flavorful centerpiece for a shared meal.
When should I serve the fish?
The fish should be served immediately after grilling to enjoy its succulent, fresh-from-the-fire flavor.