Dive into the vibrant flavors of this Mojo Fish Kabobs recipe. Fresh fish fillets, juicy pineapple, and crunchy bell peppers come together on a skewer, bathed in a tangy, zesty marinade. This is a perfect dish to amp up your summer grilling or add some tropical flair to your dinner table.
The main ingredient of this recipe that might need a special trip to the supermarket is Australis Barramundi fillets. Barramundi is a type of seawater fish known for its mild taste and flaky texture, quite popular in Asian and Australian cuisine. If you can't find it, any firm white fish like cod, halibut, or mahi-mahi can be used as a substitute.
Ingredients for Mojo Fish Kabobs
Australis barramundi fillets: This mildly flavored fish absorbs the marinade well and grills nicely without falling apart.
Pineapple chunks: Adds a sweet and tangy punch that complements the fish and peppers.
Red bell pepper: Gives a crunchy texture and a sweet yet slightly bitter flavor.
Olive oil: Helps to seal in the juice of the fish and make the kabobs moist and tender.
Orange juice: Used in the marinade to give a citrusy touch.
Lime juice: Adds tartness and brightness to the marinade.
Garlic cloves: Gives a robust and aromatic flavor that pairs well with fish.
Cilantro leaves: Its fresh and slightly citrusy flavor enhances the overall taste of the kabobs.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning for enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Lime wedges: Used for garnishing and can be squeezed on the kabobs for extra tanginess.
Cilantro sprigs: Used for garnishing, adding a pop of green color and freshness.
One reader, Danita Stallings says:
The mojo fish kabobs recipe is a game-changer! The marinade infuses the fish with a burst of citrusy flavors, and grilling the kabobs adds a delightful smokiness. The combination of barramundi, pineapple, and bell peppers is simply divine. It's a must-try for anyone who loves fresh, vibrant flavors!
Techniques Required for Making Mojo Fish Kabobs
How to marinate the fish: Combine olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, and cilantro in a food processor. Process until thoroughly combined and season with salt and pepper. Marinate the fish in this mixture for 20 to 30 minutes.
How to grill the kabobs: Preheat the grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated fish, pineapple, and bell peppers onto skewers. Season with salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the fish is opaque. Brush with the remaining marinade and cook for an additional minute.
How to serve the kabobs: Garnish the kabobs with lime wedges and cilantro sprigs. Serve with any extra marinade on the side for dipping.
How To Make Mojo Fish Kabobs
Grab a bite of these Cuban fish kabobs treats, made with flaky fish, fresh pineapple, and crunchy red peppers, then seasoned with a tangy mojo sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 12ozAustralis Barramundi fillets,thawed, cut into 1½-inch pieces
- 1½cupspineapple chunks
- 1large red bell pepper,cut into 1 piece
- ⅓cupolive oil,plus 2 tsp, divided use
- ⅓cuporange juice
- 3tbsplime juice
- 3garlic cloves,minced
- ½cupcilantro leaves
- salt and pepper,to taste
For Garnish:
- lime wedges,optional
- cilantro sprigs,optional
Instructions
-
Preheat the grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat.
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Place ⅓ cup of olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, and cilantro leaves in a food processor. Process until thoroughly combined. Add salt and pepper to taste. Reserve ⅓ of the marinade for later use.
-
Place the fish in the marinade and marinate for 20 to 30 minutes. Do not marinate for more than an hour.
-
Thread the fish alternately with the pineapple and bell peppers onto 6 or 8-inch skewers. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then drizzle with the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
-
Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until the fish is opaque.
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Brush the skewers with the remaining marinade and cook for 1 more minute.
-
Serve with any extra marinade on the side for dipping, garnish with lime wedges and cilantro sprigs, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 206.86kcal
- Fat: 12.98g
- Saturated Fat: 1.84g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.92g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.58g
- Carbohydrates: 10.98g
- Fiber: 1.71g
- Sugar: 6.69g
- Protein: 12.53g
- Cholesterol: 20.98mg
- Sodium: 401.63mg
- Calcium: 38.51mg
- Potassium: 415.78mg
- Iron: 0.63mg
- Vitamin A: 76.12µg
- Vitamin C: 68.59mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting Mojo Fish Kabobs
When marinating the australis barramundi fillets, ensure to keep the marinating time between 20 to 30 minutes. Over-marinating can cause the fish to become mushy as the acidic components in the marinade can break down the fish's delicate proteins. Also, when threading the fish onto the skewers, try to leave a small gap between each piece. This allows the heat to circulate evenly and cook each piece thoroughly.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Mojo Fish Kabobs
Prep ahead: Marinate the fish and chop the vegetables the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-cut ingredients: Opt for pre-cut pineapple chunks and pre-sliced bell peppers to minimize prep time.
Grill in batches: Cook the kabobs in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding on the grill.
Invest in quality skewers: Use metal skewers instead of wooden ones to avoid soaking them in water before grilling.
Organize your workspace: Arrange all ingredients and utensils in an organized manner to streamline the cooking process.
Multi-task: While the fish is marinating, prepare any side dishes or accompaniments to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Mojo Fish Kabobs Recipe
australis barramundi fillets - Substitute with halibut fillets: Halibut has a similar firm texture and mild flavor, making it a great substitute for barramundi in this recipe.
pineapple chunks - Substitute with mango chunks: Mango provides a similar sweet and tropical flavor to pineapple, adding a delicious fruity element to the dish.
red bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers have a slightly sweeter flavor and can add a vibrant pop of color to the kabobs.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
orange juice - Substitute with tangerine juice: Tangerine juice offers a similar citrusy sweetness and acidity to orange juice, complementing the flavors in the marinade.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can be used as a substitute for lime juice, providing a tangy and citrusy flavor to the marinade.
garlic cloves - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can add a mild oniony flavor similar to garlic, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
cilantro leaves - Substitute with parsley leaves: Parsley can provide a fresh and herbaceous flavor similar to cilantro, serving as a suitable substitute in the recipe.
Presenting Mojo Fish Kabobs for Maximum Appeal
Elevate the kabobs with a stunning presentation: Arrange the kabobs on a large platter, garnished with vibrant lime wedges and fresh cilantro sprigs for a pop of color and a touch of elegance.
Create a visually appealing plate: Place the kabobs on a bed of vibrant green cilantro leaves, adding a touch of freshness and creating a beautiful contrast against the colorful kabobs.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Skillfully drizzle the reserved marinade on the plate, creating an artistic and appetizing presentation that showcases the flavors of the dish.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Present the kabobs on sleek, modern serving ware that complements the vibrant colors of the dish and adds a touch of sophistication to the overall presentation.
Emphasize precision and symmetry: Arrange the kabobs in a precise and symmetrical manner, showcasing attention to detail and culinary finesse.
Highlight the natural beauty of the ingredients: Let the natural colors and textures of the pineapple, bell peppers, and barramundi shine through, creating a visually stunning and appetizing display.
Incorporate a touch of flair with edible flowers: Add a touch of sophistication by garnishing the plate with delicate, edible flowers, enhancing the overall presentation with a subtle yet impactful touch of elegance.
Consider the plate as a canvas: Treat the plate as a canvas, using the vibrant colors and textures of the dish to create a visually captivating and appetizing masterpiece.
Essential Tools for Making Mojo Fish Kabobs
Grill or grill pan: A grill or grill pan is used to cook the fish kabobs over direct heat, giving them a delicious smoky flavor.
Food processor: A food processor is used to blend the olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, and cilantro leaves to create the marinade for the fish kabobs.
Skewers: Skewers are used to thread the marinated fish, pineapple chunks, and bell peppers for grilling, allowing for easy and even cooking.
Storing and Freezing Mojo Fish Kabobs for Later
- Let the kabobs cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled kabobs in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze, remove the fish, pineapple, and bell peppers from the skewers and place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Frozen mojo fish kabobs will maintain their best quality for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
- To reheat, thaw the kabobs in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the thawed kabobs on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
- Note that the texture of the fish and vegetables may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the flavor should still be delicious.
How To Reheat Leftover Mojo Fish Kabobs
The best way to reheat leftover mojo fish kabobs is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the kabobs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil, and brush them lightly with some olive oil to prevent drying out. Cover the kabobs loosely with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture and flavor of the fish and vegetables.
Alternatively, you can reheat the kabobs on a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Brush the kabobs with a little olive oil and place them on the preheated grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the fish is heated through and the vegetables are lightly charred. This method will give your kabobs a nice, smoky flavor and help to crisp up the vegetables.
If you're short on time, you can also reheat the kabobs in the microwave. Place the kabobs on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the fish, as it can quickly become dry and rubbery in the microwave.
For a quick and easy lunch or dinner, you can also repurpose your leftover mojo fish kabobs into a delicious salad. Simply remove the fish and vegetables from the skewers and place them over a bed of mixed greens. Drizzle with some reserved mojo marinade or your favorite salad dressing, and enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal in minutes.
Interesting Trivia About Mojo Fish Kabobs
The kabobs are a delicious and healthy option for a summer barbecue. The barramundi fillets are a great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making them a nutritious choice for a balanced diet. Additionally, the combination of pineapple and bell peppers provides a burst of flavor and essential vitamins.
Is Making Mojo Fish Kabobs at Home Cost-Effective?
This mojo fish kabobs recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The key ingredients, such as barramundi fillets, pineapple chunks, and bell peppers, are reasonably priced and widely available. The use of simple and fresh ingredients makes this recipe budget-friendly. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25, making it an affordable and nutritious meal option. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10, considering its affordability, nutritional value, and delicious flavors.
Are Mojo Fish Kabobs Healthy or Unhealthy?
The mojo fish kabobs recipe is a relatively healthy dish that incorporates lean protein from the barramundi fillets, along with nutrient-rich ingredients like pineapple, bell peppers, and cilantro. The marinade, made with olive oil, citrus juices, and garlic, adds flavor without relying on excessive amounts of salt or sugar. However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be adjusted to make it even healthier.
- Consider using a slightly smaller amount of olive oil in the marinade to reduce the overall calorie and fat content of the dish. You can also opt for a lighter oil, such as avocado oil, which has a high smoke point and is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Add more vegetables to the skewers to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the dish. Zucchini, onions, and cherry tomatoes would be delicious additions that complement the flavors of the marinade.
- If you're watching your sodium intake, be mindful of the amount of salt you add to the kabobs before grilling. You can also experiment with other herbs and spices, such as cumin or smoked paprika, to enhance the flavor without relying on salt.
- Serve the kabobs with a side of whole grains, such as quinoa or brown rice, to add more fiber and complex carbohydrates to the meal. A fresh green salad would also be a great accompaniment to balance out the dish.
Editor's Opinion on the Mojo Fish Kabobs Recipe
The mojo fish kabobs recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The marinade infuses the barramundi fillets with a zesty and refreshing taste, while the sweetness of the pineapple and the crunch of the bell peppers add a perfect balance. The grilling process enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients, resulting in a dish that is both light and satisfying. The use of cilantro and citrus juices adds a bright and aromatic element, elevating the overall dining experience. This recipe is a wonderful choice for a summer barbecue or a casual gathering, and it's sure to impress with its vibrant and delicious appeal.
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Why trust this Mojo Fish Kabobs Recipe:
This recipe features sustainably sourced australis barramundi, known for its mild flavor and flaky texture. The marinade, made with orange juice, lime juice, and garlic, infuses the fish with vibrant flavors. The addition of pineapple chunks and red bell pepper adds a sweet and tangy contrast. The use of cilantro leaves enhances the dish with a fresh and herbaceous note. With a balanced combination of ingredients, this recipe promises a delightful and flavorful dining experience.
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