SPICY CAJUN GRILLED FISH
Spicy Cajun Grilled Fish is a bold and flavourful dish perfect for seafood lovers looking for a quick yet satisfying meal. This dish features a tender white fish fillet seasoned with aromatic Cajun spices, seared to perfection on the grill or in a pan. A hint of fresh lemon juice enhances the smoky heat, while a drizzle of olive oil ensures a beautifully crispy crust packed with protein and healthy fats. This grilled fish pairs wonderfully with fresh vegetables, rice or a light salad. Whether you’re craving a low-carb meal or a protein-packed dish, this spicy Cajun fish is a must-try. Plus, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights with minimal ingredients and maximum flavour. This Spicy Cajun Grilled Fish delivers restaurant-quality results right from your kitchen.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Lunch, Dinner, Entrée
SERVING SIZE
1 serving
CUISINE
Cajun/Creole, American
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Barbecue/Grill, Pan-Fry, Marinate
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Summer, Super Bowl, Family Dinner, Picnic, Backyard BBQ, Fall, Potluck
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Low Carb, High Protein, Quick and Easy, Healthy, Low Fat, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
DISH TYPE
Fish Dish, Seafood Entrée
INGREDIENTS
- 100g white fish fillet (cod or tilapia)
- ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp lemon juice
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fats: 4g
- Fibre: 0g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Sugar: 0g
PREPARATION
- Prepare the fish: Pat the fish fillet dry using a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps create a crispy exterior when grilling.
- Season the fillet: Rub the fillet evenly with Cajun seasoning, ensuring all sides are coated. Drizzle with olive oil to lock in moisture and enhance browning.
- Preheat the grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over a medium-high flame. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the fish: Place the fish fillet on the hot grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Add the finishing touch: Once the fish is cooked, drizzle with fresh lemon juice for a bright, citrusy contrast to the spice.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy hot, paired with a side of grilled vegetables, quinoa or a crisp green salad.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
8 minutes
TIPS
Here are some tips for the preparation of Spicy Cajun Grilled Fish:
- Choose firm fish: Use firm white fish like cod, tilapia or halibut to hold up well on the grill.
- Let the fish rest: Allow the seasoned fish to sit for 5 minutes before grilling to absorb the flavours.
- Use a fish spatula: A thin, flexible spatula helps flip the fish without breaking it apart.
- Adjust spice level: For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chilli flakes to the seasoning.
- Check for doneness: The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F).
VARIATIONS
- Garlic Butter Cajun Fish: Add ½ tsp of melted butter and a pinch of garlic powder for a rich, garlicky flavour.
- Herb-Infused Cajun Fish: Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme over the fish after grilling for a refreshing herbal touch.
- Spicy Blackened Fish: Use a cast-iron skillet instead of a grill for a crispier, blackened crust.
- Cajun Fish Tacos: Flake the grilled fish into soft tortillas and top with coleslaw and avocado for a Cajun-inspired taco.
- Lemon-Pepper Cajun Fish: Replace Cajun seasoning with a mix of lemon zest, black pepper and paprika for a milder flavour.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store leftover fish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat.
- Freezing: Wrap the seasoned but uncooked fish fillet in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling.
- Meal Prep: Marinate the fish with Cajun seasoning and olive oil for a few hours in advance for deeper flavour.