| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 18g | 3g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 16g | 3g | 30g | 0.75g |
Why I Love Canadian Grilled Arctic Char with Mango Salsa
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When I first experimented with the recipe for Grilled Arctic Char with Mango Salsa, I was hoping to capture the blend of freshness and zest that often epitomizes coastal cuisine. As someone who grew up in Portland, Maine, seafood is practically a part of my DNA, but this Canadian twist gave me something new and exciting to offer. The natural, mild flavor of Arctic char, combined with the vibrant and tangy mango salsa, creates a dish that’s both complex and incredibly accessible.
A Fusion of Flavors
The first thing that set this recipe apart for me was the unique pairing of Arctic char with a fruit-based salsa. In New England, we often pair our seafood with creamy sauces like tartar or cocktails, but this mango salsa brings a punch of brightness and acidity that lifts the char to new heights. The sweet and spicy notes from the mango, red bell pepper, and jalapeño compliment the slightly smoky, tender fish wonderfully.
An Ode to Simplicity
One of the aspects I love most about this dish is its simplicity. The preparation is straightforward with a quick rub of olive oil and aromatic spices on the fillets, followed by a few minutes on the grill. The mango salsa is just as easy, requiring only a bit of chopping and mixing. It’s the type of recipe that’s perfect for a family dinner on a warm summer evening but elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. My daughters, Erin and Samantha, absolutely adore this dish, which makes it a frequent request in our household.
Interestingly, my inspiration for this dish comes from Chef Michael Smith, known for his work with Canadian cuisine. His influence made me realize that even though I am deeply rooted in New England culinary traditions, there’s a whole world of flavors out there to explore and incorporate.
Beyond its straightforward preparation and divine flavor, Grilled Arctic Char with Mango Salsa harmonizes beautifully with other light and fresh dishes. For a well-rounded meal, consider serving it with a side of quinoa salad or a refreshing cucumber and dill yogurt sauce. You may also find it similar to dishes like grilled mahi-mahi with pineapple salsa or seared tuna with avocado salsa, both of which focus on simple, fresh, and bold flavors.
In all honesty, it’s the balance of flavors and the joy it brings to my family that makes this recipe a staple in my kitchen. I hope it will bring the same joy to yours.
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What You’ll Need
- For the Grilled Arctic Char:
- 6 Arctic char fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- For the Mango Salsa:
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Method
Step One: Prepare the Mango Salsa
Peel and dice two large ripe mangoes, and place them in a mixing bowl. Add one diced red bell pepper, half a finely chopped red onion, quarter cup of fresh chopped cilantro, and one finely chopped and seeded jalapeño. Pour in the juice of about two limes (approximately 2 tablespoons). Season with salt to taste. Mix all the ingredients together and set aside to let the flavors meld.
Step Two: Season the Arctic Char
Begin by patting dry the six Arctic char fillets (about 6 oz each) with a paper towel. Brush each fillet with half a tablespoon of olive oil. In a small bowl, combine one teaspoon of smoked paprika, one teaspoon of garlic powder, and one teaspoon of onion powder. Sprinkle the spice mix evenly over both sides of the fillets. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step Three: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the fish from sticking.
Step Four: Grill the Arctic Char
Place the seasoned Arctic char fillets skin-side down on the preheated grill. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook the fillets to keep them moist and tender.
Step Five: Serve
Once the fish is grilled to perfection, carefully remove the fillets from the grill. Arrange the grilled Arctic char on a serving platter or individual plates. Generously top each fillet with the prepared mango salsa. Serve immediately while the fish is hot and enjoy your delicious Grilled Arctic Char with Mango Salsa.
