Chili-Lime Cilantro Grilled Arctic Char
Labor Day might be the official end of Summer, but it’s not time to put those grills away yet! This recipe for Arctic Char with coated inside and out with Chili-Lime Seasoning then stuffed with fresh lime slices and cilantro needs to go on your grill! And into your belly.
This month’s host for Fish Friday Foodies is Wendy from A Day in the Life on the Farm. Her instructions for this month’s event were: “It’s still grilling weather out there. Let’s fire them up and cook some fish/seafood before the snow starts to fly.”
Well, it was the “before snow starts to fly” part that made me realize that I needed to use Arctic Char. I knew I’d seen it in my local seafood market, so I headed out there on their delivery day. As it happens, they didn’t have Arctic Char when I first arrived, but as luck would have it, the truck pulled in just as I was pondering other options. And in their delivery, there it was, the perfect really fresh char.
I know there are those of you who may be squeamish about cooking a whole fish, so rest assured you can have the head removed, or just cook fillets (I’ll give grilling instructions for fillets, too).
This really could not be a more simple, but flavorful, recipe! I sprinkled the fish inside and out with chili-lime seasoning, salt and pepper. Then I stuffed fresh lime slices (slightly squeezed) and fresh cilantro into the cavity of the fish. I have a grilling basket that nestled the fish inside it. You don’t have to use one, but you’ll need to spray the grill with cooking spray to help prevent the skin from sticking.
The fish is cooked on indirect heat and the skin takes on a really nice crunch. With the spices coating the skin it was delicious too, so we ate ours skin and all!
Try this really simple method for grilling fish!
P~
p.s.: Be sure to check out all the other links for grilled fish below.
- 1 - 2# whole arctic char
- 1 fresh lime, sliced
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tablespoons chili-lime seasoning
- kosher salt
- ground black pepper
- Prepare your grill with a medium-high fire on just one side.
- If using a grill basket, spray the inside and out with cooking spray. If cooking directly on the grill, spray the cold side of the grill rack with cooking spray.
- Sprinkle the inside and outside of the fish with chili lime seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Place the lime slices and a handful of fresh cilantro leaves in the cavity of the fish.
- Close the basket and place it on the side of the grill without the fire.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Flip the basket and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.
- Serve with fresh chopped cilantro and limes
How lucky Paula that the delivery arrived as you were there. This dish sounds wonderful.
It was so lucky! I normally call ahead when I want something specific, so they are sure to order it, and I know their delivery days. This time, I just hoped they’d have the char and I got lucky that their driver who is prompt was driving that day. 😉
This fish was delicious. We ate half and I flaked the other half for fish salad, which was also fabulous. <3
I love cooking whole fish, and have always been curious about char. This sounds delicious.
Karen, it’s a very mild fish. Think trout. We love it. P~
We much prefer grilling a whole fish when you are talking actual outdoor grill. We’ve got one of those fish-shaped grill baskets that make it a breeze. Your chili-lime seasoning sounds divine. A perfect match for fish!
The grill baskets definitely make it easier to grill a fish! I have fish shaped ones too, but this fish was way too big to fit. That was a first! I’ve been on a chili-lime seasoning kick lately. It sure was good. Thanks, Stacy! P~
I don’t think I’ve ever had Arctic Char. I guess I’ll have to see if our local fish market carries it. I love grilled fish anyways, so… And the Chili lime seasoning would put any fish over the top.
Sid, my local fish market carries it regularly. It’s got a slightly pink meat and tastes very much like trout (they are closely related salmonids). The chili-lime was perfect. I hope you’ll be able to find some to try! <3 P~
what is the recipe for the chili lime seasoning?