Poisson Braisé (Gabonese Grilled Fish)
Local name: Poisson braisé
In short: Whole fish scored, rubbed with garlic, ginger, chili and lime, then grilled over embers and served with a sharp onion and tomato sauce. It takes about 40 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 40 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 280 kcal
Poisson braisé is grilled fish, and in Gabon it is the dish to look for at open-air grill spots, small restaurants and markets. Whole fish such as tilapia is rubbed with salt, garlic, chili and lime, then grilled over wood embers until the skin chars in places. It is served with fried or boiled plantain, cassava sticks or fries and a sharp onion and chili sauce. This version works on a charcoal grill, a gas grill or under the oven broiler.
Instructions
- Pat the fish dry. Cut three diagonal slashes on each side, down to the bone.
- Blend or pound the lime juice, garlic, ginger, chilies, parsley, oil, salt and pepper into a coarse paste. Rub it over the fish, inside the belly and into the slashes. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Make the sauce: toss the onion, tomatoes, chili, lime juice and salt in a bowl and leave it to sit.
- Prepare a charcoal or gas grill for medium-high heat. Clean the grates and brush them with oil so the skin does not stick.
- Grill the fish for 7 to 9 minutes per side, turning once with a wide spatula, until the skin is charred in places and the flesh is opaque at the thickest part (63°C/145°F).
- Rest the fish for 3 minutes. Serve with the sauce and plantain or cassava.
Tips
- No grill? Place the fish on an oiled baking tray and roast at 220°C (425°F) for 25 to 30 minutes, or broil 8 to 10 minutes per side, 12 cm (5 inches) from the heat.
- A fish basket makes turning easy and keeps the skin intact. Do not move the fish for the first 5 minutes, until it releases from the grate on its own.
Questions and answers
What fish is used for poisson braisé?
In Gabon, river and sea fish such as tilapia, carp and catfish are common. Outside Africa, whole tilapia, sea bream, snapper or mackerel work well.
What do you serve with grilled fish in Gabon?
Fried or boiled plantain, cassava sticks or fries, with a spicy onion and tomato sauce on the side.
Can I use fish fillets?
Yes, but whole fish stays juicier. Use thick fillets with the skin on, marinate for 15 minutes only and grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side.
How long does it take to make Poisson Braisé (Gabonese Grilled Fish)?
About 40 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 20 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Poisson Braisé (Gabonese Grilled Fish)?
About 280 kcal per serving, with 41 g of protein, 6 g of carbohydrates and 11 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 280 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 41 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 1200 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
