Peixe Grelhado com Banana-Pão e Molho Piri-Piri (Grilled Island Fish with Roasted Plantain) – Authentic São Tomé and Príncipe Recipe

Ingredients for Peixe Grelhado com Banana-Pão e Molho Piri-Piri (Grilled Island Fish with Roasted Plantain) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) char-grilled firm white fish fillets, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups roasted green and ripe plantains, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup tomato and red onion vinaigrette
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with fresh lime juice
• 1.5 tbsp traditional São Tomé and Príncipe seasoning (crushed garlic, island basil, malagueta chili oil)
• 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Whisk together fresh lime juice, crushed garlic, island basil, malagueta chili oil, cooking oil, and sea salt in a bowl to form a fragrant São Tomé and Príncipe marinade.
2. Coat char-grilled firm white fish fillets and roasted green and ripe plantains thoroughly in the seasoning and let sit for 10 minutes at room temperature.
3. Heat a cast-iron grill pan or heavy skillet over high heat until smoking hot.
4. Sear char-grilled firm white fish fillets and roasted green and ripe plantains for 4–5 minutes per side until blistered, charred at the edges, and cooked through.
5. Transfer to a warm platter, scatter with tomato and red onion vinaigrette, and serve immediately.