Introduction
Grilled fish with crispy fries is a classic dish that combines freshness with indulgence. The smoky, tender fish pairs beautifully with golden, crunchy fries for a balanced and satisfying meal. This version uses minimal ingredients, focuses on clean flavors, and delivers crisp perfection with every bite. Ideal for a weekend dinner or an upgraded weeknight meal, this recipe brings seaside comfort right to your plate.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Grilled Fish:
- 2 fillets of white fish (such as cod, tilapia, sea bass, or snapper)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of ½ lemon
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked if possible)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
For the Crispy Fries:
- 3 large russet potatoes
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional for extra crispiness)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
🔥 Instructions & Method
Step 1: Prep the Fries
- Peel (optional) and cut potatoes into thin sticks—about ¼-inch thick.
- Rinse in cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Boil potatoes in water with vinegar and 1 tsp salt for 5-6 minutes. They should be just tender, not falling apart.
- Drain and pat completely dry with a towel. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or freeze for 15 minutes).
Pro Tip: Boiling in vinegar helps fries keep their shape and adds subtle flavor.
Step 2: Season the Fish
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Rub mixture over both sides of the fish fillets. Let marinate for 15–30 minutes at room temperature.
Pro Tip: Don’t marinate for more than 30 minutes to prevent the lemon from “cooking” the fish.
Step 3: Fry the Fries
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F (175°C).
- (Optional) Toss dry potatoes with 2 tbsp cornstarch for extra crispiness.
- Fry the potatoes in batches for 3-4 minutes until light golden. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Increase oil heat to 375°F (190°C), then re-fry for 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Drain and season with salt immediately.
Step 4: Grill the Fish
- Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
- Grill fish fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side (depending on thickness) until cooked through and grill marks appear.
- Remove from heat and let rest for a minute.
Pro Tip: Fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center.
🐟 Serve It Up!
- Plate the grilled fish with a generous serving of crispy fries.
- Garnish fish with chopped parsley and a lemon wedge on the side.
- Serve with tartar sauce, aioli, or a simple yogurt-dill dip.
✅ Summary Tips:
- Fish: Freshness is key. Use firm white fish for best grilling results.
- Fries: Double frying ensures the crispiest texture.
- Flavor Boost: Try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the oil for aromatic fries.