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Fihunu Mas: Spicy Grilled Fish

Fihunu Mas: Spicy Grilled Fish

Fihunu mas is all about heat and smoke. Fish is rubbed with a mixture of chili, garlic, ginger, salt, lime, and spices, then grilled until the outside is slightly charred and the inside remains moist.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: maldive

Ingredients
  

600 g fresh tuna or other firm fish fillets
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons coconut oil
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1-inch piece fresh ginger, finely grated
2–3 fresh red or green chilies, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon chili powder, or to taste
1 teaspoon salt
6–8 curry leaves, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely grated
Fresh lime wedges, for serving

Method
 

Pat the fish dry with paper towels and place it in a shallow dish. In a bowl, combine the lime juice, coconut oil, garlic, ginger, chilies, turmeric, cumin, coriander, black pepper, chili powder, salt, curry leaves, and grated onion to make a thick, aromatic marinade. Rub the mixture generously over both sides of the fish, making sure it is evenly coated, then cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly oil the cooking surface. Grill the fish for approximately 4–7 minutes per side, depending on its thickness, until the exterior is lightly charred and the fish is cooked through and flakes easily. Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges, steamed rice, roshi, or a traditional Maldivian-style salad.

    Video

    Notes

    Don't grill the fish straight from a wet marinade. Let excess marinade drip off before placing it on the hot grill. This helps the spices caramelize and creates the delicious smoky, slightly charred crust that makes Fihunu Mas so flavorful.