| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 310 | 7g | 2g | 5g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 0.9g | 50g | 1.7g |
Why I Love Vietnamese Dai Tien-Style Grilled Rice Paddy Fish
There’s something magical about a dish that can transport you to a different place entirely, and for me, the Dai Tien-Style Grilled Rice Paddy Fish does just that. As someone who grew up close to the salty breeze of the Atlantic coast, I’ve always had a fascination with seafood. This Vietnamese recipe holds a special place in my heart and I can’t wait to take you on a culinary journey to explore why.
The Essence of Vietnam
On several occasions, I’ve had the privilege of visiting Vietnam, a nation whose food is as vibrant and diverse as its landscape. The dish, Dai Tien-Style Grilled Rice Paddy Fish, is a perfect symphony of ingredients, blending traditional Vietnamese staples like lemongrass and fish sauce, with the fresh and earthy notes of herbs like dill, cilantro, and mint. I was inspired by the renowned chef Gordon Ramsay to recreate this dish after witnessing his exploration of Vietnamese cuisine. I was awestruck by the way he embraced foreign food cultures and expertly amalgamated them, a skill I strive to emulate in my kitchen.
A Perfect Balance of Flavors
What sets the Dai Tien-Style Grilled Rice Paddy Fish apart from other recipes is the balance of flavors. With subtle sweet notes from the sugar to the umami blast of fish, oyster, and soy sauces, the dish is a riot of flavors. But what adds zing to it are the bold spices – Ground black pepper, turmeric powder, and the fragrant garlic and lemongrass. This delightful mix marinates the fish, and when it hits the grill, the outcome is a smoky, sweet, and tangy fish that would make any seafood lover swoon.
This Vietnamese favorite reminds me of the classic grilled fish dishes we have in Maine. The grilling process helps to seal in all the amazing flavors and gives the dish a smoky distinction that’s a match made in heaven with the robust character of the fish. It pairs wonderfully with a light, fresh salad or a portion of white rice to create a complete, balanced meal.
Whether you’re a seasoned seafood lover or looking at experimenting with new flavors, the Dai Tien-Style Grilled Rice Paddy Fish recipe is a fabulous foray into Vietnamese cuisine and a testament to their love of fresh, flavorful ingredients.
What You’ll Need
- 12 pieces of Rice Paddy Fish (about 3 lbs total)
- 4 stalks Lemongrass, finely chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Fish Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 2 teaspoons Ground Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil, for marinating
- Additional Vegetable Oil, for grilling
- 1 bundle Fresh Dill
- 1 bundle Cilantro
- 1 bundle Vietnamese Mint
- 1 Lime, cut into wedges
Method
Step One
Start by cleaning the Rice Paddy Fish thoroughly, ensure to remove all the scales and innards. Pat them dry and set aside.
Step Two
In a large bowl, incorporate finely chopped Lemongrass, minced Garlic, Sugar, Fish Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Soy Sauce, Ground Black Pepper, Turmeric Powder, and 1 tablespoon of Vegetable Oil. Mix well to combine all the ingredients and create a marinade.
Step Three
Add the clean, dry Rice Paddy Fish into the marinade making sure each piece is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 1-2 hours in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to infuse.
Step Four
After the fish has marinated, preheat your grill on medium-high heat and coat the grates with a little Vegetable Oil to prevent the fish from sticking.
Step Five
Grill the marinated Rice Paddy Fish for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they are well-cooked and have a nice char.
Step Six
While your fish is cooking, wash and chop the Fresh Dill, Cilantro, and Vietnamese Mint. These will be used as a garnish and for added flavor.
Step Seven
After the fish have finished grilling, transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle with the chopped Fresh Dill, Cilantro, and Vietnamese Mint. Serve hot with Lime wedges on the side for additional flavor. Enjoy your Dai Tien-Style Grilled Rice Paddy Fish.
