BANANA LEAF GRILLED LIONFISH

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BANANA LEAF GRILLED LIONFISH

Banana leaves have been used for centuries in cooking throughout the tropical world. The leaf protects the flesh from burning while allowing it to cook in its own juices and enhances the fish with an aromatic sweet essence.

Serves 4
  • 4 sprigs fresh cilantro
  • 4 sprigs fresh flat leaf parsley
  • 2 sprigs fresh mint
  • 1 thumb-sized piece of freshly peeled ginger
  • 1 small red Fresno chile, seeded
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons cane vinegar
  • 4 Tablespoons peanut oil
  • 4 large pieces of fresh or frozen banana leaves, approximately 10 inches square
  • 4 large lionfish fillets
  • 10 pieces hearts of palm
  • 1 large lime, cut in wedges
TO PREPARE THE SPICE PASTE
In a blender, combine the leaves of the cilantro, parsley, and mint along with the ginger, chile, salt, allspice, cumin, cinnamon, and vinegar. Pulse together until a smooth paste forms. With the blender running on low speed, drizzle in the oil until incorporated. Pour mixture into a small bowl and allow flavors to mellow together for at least 30 minutes.
TO PREPARE THE LIONFISH
On a large clean work area, arrange the banana leaves. Using a pastry brush, paint the center of each leaf with spice paste. Place the lionfish in the center and brush the fish liberally with the spice paste. Proceed to fold each leaf bundle like a small package and secure with a bamboo toothpick.
TO GRILL THE FISH
Preheat the grill to medium heat. A wood fire grill will add the most flavor, but a gas grill will do the job. Grill the banana leaf wrapped lionfish for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. At the same time, grill the hearts of palm, brushing each with the remaining spice paste.

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