The real beauty of this dish lies in its balance of textures and flavors. The fish, grilled to perfection with a slight char, boasts a delicate, flaky texture that pairs beautifully with the smoky paprika and citrusy lemon zest. Meanwhile, the fries, crisped to golden perfection in the oven, provide a satisfying crunch that complements the tender fish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous squeeze of lemon juice tie everything together, creating a meal that’s as vibrant in flavor as it is simple to prepare.
Ingredients
- For the fish:
- 2 white fish fillets (such as cod or halibut) 🐟
- 1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
- 1 tsp paprika 🌶️
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder 🧄
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest 🍋
- Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
- 1 lemon (cut into wedges) 🍋
- Fresh parsley (for garnish) 🌿
- For the fries:
- 2 cups frozen fries (or fresh if you prefer) 🍟
Instructions
- Prepare the Fries:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or according to the package instructions for frozen fries. Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. If using fresh-cut fries, coat them in a drizzle of olive oil and bake for the same duration. - Season the Fish:
Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Rub the olive oil over both sides of the fillets, then evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture on top. Let the fillets rest for 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors. - Grill the Fish:
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly grease the grill grates or pan to prevent sticking. Place the fish fillets on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. - Serve the Meal:
Plate the grilled fish alongside the crispy fries. Garnish the fish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an added burst of brightness. Optionally, serve with tartar sauce or a light garlic aioli for dipping. - This Grilled Fish with Crispy Fries recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout. Enjoy the blend of wholesome ingredients and classic comfort food flavors in every bite!
