
Sensational Asian-Style Grilled Plaice Fillet
Nutritional value per serving
Calories180kcal
Carbs3gram
Fat7gram
Protein22gram
Ingredients
- Plaice fillets (fresh and skin-on if possible) - look for firm, moist fillets with a fresh sea smell2 pieces
- Soy sauce (preferably low sodium)2 tbsp
- Fresh ginger, grated - choose firm and smooth ginger root1 tbsp
- Garlic cloves, minced - select firm garlic with tight skin2 pieces
- Lime juice (freshly squeezed)1 tbsp
- Sesame oil1 tbsp
- Brown sugar or honey1 tsp
- Chopped spring onions (for garnish)2 tbsp
- Fresh coriander leaves (cilantro) (optional for garnish)1 tbsp
- Salt (optional and to taste)to taste n/a
- Black pepper (freshly ground)to taste n/a

This Asian-style grilled plaice fillet recipe is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings vibrant flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for novice cooks, it combines a simple marinade of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a hint of lime, enhancing the delicate taste of the plaice. The recipe takes approximately 25 minutes in total, with the fish grilled to perfection and safely cooked to an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F). The total cost of ingredients is approximately $10 USD / €9 / £8 / ₹800, serving 2 people. This dish is low in calories (around 180 kcal per serving), high in protein, gluten-free, and suitable for a light, healthy diet. Cooking complexity is easy, making it perfect for everyday meal times or quick dinners with an Asian twist.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the Marinade
1In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, lime juice, sesame oil, and brown sugar or honey. Mix well until the sugar dissolves. This marinade will infuse the plaice with delicate Asian flavors.
Marinate the Plaice Fillets
2Place the plaice fillets in a shallow dish or zip-lock bag and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each fillet is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the fish.
Preheat the Grill
3Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 190-200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the fish from sticking, which helps in easy turning and presentation.
Grill the Plaice Fillets
4Place the marinated plaice fillets on the grill, skin side down if skin is on. Grill for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning carefully with a spatula to avoid breaking the fillets. The total grilling time is approximately 7 minutes.
Check for Safe Internal Temperature
5Use a food thermometer to check the thickest part of the fillet; it should reach at least 63°C (145°F) to be safe to eat. The flesh should look opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Serve and Garnish
6Remove fillets from the grill and let them rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with chopped spring onions and coriander leaves if desired. Serve with steamed rice or a light salad for a wholesome meal. Enjoy your flavorful, safe, and perfectly grilled Asian-style plaice!
Cooking Tips
1Avoid cross-contamination by using separate plates and utensils for raw and cooked fish.
2If you don't have a grill, this recipe can be done under a broiler or in a grill pan on the stove.
3For more flavor, add a dash of chili flakes or fresh chopped chili to the marinade if you like it spicy.
Equipment needed:
- Grill or grill pan
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Food thermometer
- Tongs or fish spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Grocery shopping list:
- [ ] Plaice fillets (~$6) – Choose fresh fillets with mild ocean smell and firm texture
- [ ] Soy sauce (~$1.50) – Low sodium is preferable for health
- [ ] Fresh ginger (~$0.50) – Pick firm root with smooth skin
- [ ] Garlic (~$0.30) – Look for firm cloves without spots
- [ ] Lime (~$0.50) – Select limes that are heavy for their size
- [ ] Sesame oil (~$1) – Adds authentic aroma
- [ ] Brown sugar or honey (~$0.20) – For a touch of sweetness
- [ ] Spring onions (~$0.40) – Adds freshness
- [ ] Fresh coriander (optional, ~$0.50) – Adds herbal note
- [ ] Salt and pepper (to taste) – Basics you might have at home
Total approximate cost: $10 or equivalent
FAQ
Can I use frozen plaice fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen fillets, but make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking the fish to ensure even cooking and safety.
How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the grill?
Lightly oil both the grill grates and the fish before placing it on the grill. Also, avoid moving the fish too soon; let it cook for a few minutes before flipping.
Is 63°C really the safe temperature for fish?
Yes, the FDA recommends cooking fish to a minimum internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) to ensure it is safe to eat and has the best texture.
Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
Absolutely! The marinade can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just mix well before using to ensure ingredients are combined.
What should I do if I don’t have a food thermometer?
If you don’t have a thermometer, cook the fish until it flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque all the way through. This usually takes about 7 minutes total for medium fillets on a hot grill.