Serves 4

This fish gets its flavoring from the unique marinade, which is more of a paste than a traditional liquid. The finished fish is packed with flavor, but if you like, a squeeze of lemon or lime juice certainly won't hurt.

Quick Asian-Grilled Fish

1 whole fish, such as sea bass or mackerel, cleaned

4 tablespoons chopped cilantro

3 tablespoons chopped garlic, divided

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3 tablespoons lime juice

1 tablespoon sliced jalapeño chili peppers

2 teaspoons brown sugar

  1. Quickly rinse the fish under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels. Set the fish on a large sheet of aluminum foil.
  2. Place the cilantro, 2 tablespoons of the garlic, and the black pepper in a food processor and process to form a thick paste.
  3. Rub the paste all over the fish, both inside and out. Tightly wrap the fish in the foil.
  4. To make the sauce, place the remaining garlic, the lime juice, jalapeño, and brown sugar in a food processor and pulse until combined.
  5. Place the fish on a prepared grill and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side or until the flesh is opaque when pierced with the tip of a knife.
  6. Serve the fish with the sauce.

illustration Thai Manners

Cleaning your plate in Thailand makes you a bad dinner guest. It makes your host appear not to be generous.