Citrus Jerk Bass with Fonio

dinner central american/caribbean fish bass grains spice chile pepper hot pepper seafood garlic citrus

JJ Johnson

6 servings

Source

Ingredients

1/4 cup soy sauce

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

1 scallion, chopped

1 clove garlic, whole

1/4 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped with seeds, or more to taste

1 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

2 tablespoons orange juice

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

1 tablespoon finely grated lime zest

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon brown sugar

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

6 (4-ounce) bass fillets, skin on and descaled

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon minced ginger

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1/4 cup small-diced shallots

1/2 cup sliced okra

1/2 cup grape tomatoes

1 cup fonio, rinsed

1/4 cup torn Thai basil

Method

Combine all the ingredients except the fish and fonio in a blender and puree until smooth and completely combined.

Take the fish and lightly score the skin diagonally in four places with a sharp knife, making sure not to cut too deeply. Place the fish in a nonreactive container with a lid and cover with the jerk marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 12 hours.

Preheat the oven to 350°F and put a cast-iron grill pan in the oven to heat until it’s very hot (test by sprinkling a drop of water on the pan to see if it sizzles).

Remove the fish from the marinade and pat dry. Place in the hot pan skin side down and cook for 5 to 6 minutes. Turn the fish over and cook for 5 more minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Remove from the pan and serve over fonio.

In a 2-quart saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Sweat the ginger, garlic, and shallots and cook for 3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent. Add the okra and tomatoes.

When the tomatoes burst, add the fonio and stir with the vegetables to coat. Add 1 1/2 cups of water, bring to a simmer, cover tightly with the lid, and turn the heat to low. Cook for about 20 minutes.

Fluff with a fork and let it steam for 5 minutes. Stir in the torn Thai basil.