Indulge in the vibrant flavors of West Africa with this delectable Côte d'Ivoire Grilled Fish recipe. Bursting with rich spices and fresh ingredients, this dish encapsulates the essence of Ivorian cuisine, celebrated for its bold flavors and cultural diversity. Grilling fish is a cherished culinary tradition in Côte d'Ivoire, where the abundance of fresh seafood is expertly seasoned and cooked over open flames, imparting a smoky aroma and tantalizing taste. Whether you're seeking to recreate a taste of the Ivorian coast or embark on a culinary adventure, this recipe promises a memorable dining experience that will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed shores of West Africa.

Here's a simple yet flavorful recipe for Côte d'Ivoire Grilled Fish:

Ingredients:

• 4 whole fish (such as tilapia or sea bream), cleaned and scaled
• 2 tablespoons ground red pepper (or to taste)
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
• Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

2- In a small bowl, mix together the ground red pepper, ginger, garlic, black pepper, white pepper, and paprika to create the spice blend.

3- Using a sharp knife, make several diagonal slashes on both sides of each fish. This helps the spices penetrate and flavors the fish evenly.

4- Rub the spice blend all over the fish, making sure to coat it thoroughly, including inside the slashes.

5- Drizzle the vegetable oil over the fish and rub it gently to coat.

6- Season the fish generously with salt, both inside and out.

7- Place the fish on the preheated grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the flesh is opaque and easily flakes with a fork. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fish.

8- Once the fish is cooked through and has developed a nice charred exterior, carefully remove it from the grill and transfer it to a serving platter.

9- Garnish the grilled fish with fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley or cilantro.

10- Serve hot alongside your favorite side dishes, such as steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Enjoy your authentic Côte d'Ivoire Grilled Fish packed with vibrant flavors and spices!

Nutritional Values:

Here are approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Côte d'Ivoire Grilled Fish recipe per serving:

4 whole fish (tilapia or sea bream):

• Calories: 150-200 kcal
• Protein: 20-30g
• Fat: 5-10g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Rich source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle building and repair.
• Provides omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart health and brain function.

2 tablespoons ground red pepper:

• Calories: 30 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Contains capsaicin, which may help boost metabolism and aid in weight loss.
• Rich in vitamins A and C, which support immune function and promote healthy skin.

2 teaspoons ground ginger:

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Possesses anti-inflammatory properties, potentially reducing pain and inflammation.
• Supports digestion and may alleviate nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort.

2 teaspoons ground garlic:

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Exhibits antimicrobial properties, aiding in fighting infections and boosting immune function.
• Contains antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

1 teaspoon ground black pepper:

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:

• Contains piperine, which may enhance nutrient absorption and promote digestive health.
• Provides antioxidants that protect cells from damage and may reduce inflammation.

1 teaspoon ground white pepper:

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Similar benefits to black pepper, including aiding digestion and providing antioxidants.
• May have a milder flavor profile compared to black pepper.

1 teaspoon ground paprika:

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:

• Rich in vitamin A, supporting eye health and immune function.
• Contains capsaicin, offering potential metabolism-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects.

2 tablespoons vegetable oil:

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Provides healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are essential for cell function and hormone production.
• Contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage.

Salt (to taste):

• Nutritional value varies based on consumption.

benefits:

• Essential for maintaining electrolyte balance in the body.
• Adds flavor to dishes and enhances the taste of food.

Fresh lemon wedges:

• Calories: 2 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin C, supporting immune health and collagen production.
• Contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.

Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish):

• Calories: 1-2 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.2-0.4g
• Fiber: 0.1-0.2g

benefits:

• Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants, supporting overall health and immune function.
• Adds freshness and flavor to dishes while providing a burst of color.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific ingredients used and any variations in preparation. Additionally, the nutritional values for salt are not provided as it depends on personal taste and preference.