Grilled mudskipper with salt and chili

Mudskippers adapt well to environmental changes from freshwater and brackish water to saltwater, so they thrive in Cu Lao Dung. This type of fish is used to prepare many delicious dishes, especially grilled mudskipper with salt and chili.

Grilled mudskipper fish. Photo: KIEU MAI

Mudskippers are easily recognizable by their protruding eyes on top of their heads, their slender bodies, and their smooth, shiny skin; their average length ranges from 10-25 cm. Unlike most fish that live entirely underwater, mudskippers can live both in water and on land, thanks to their ability to use their pectoral and tail fins as "arms" to crawl along mudflats, jump across damp sand, and climb tree roots.

Mudskippers are considered a typical fish species of Vietnam's mangrove ecosystem. Because they live in their natural environment, mudskippers have firm, sweet, and flavorful meat, making them a delicacy used in many delicious dishes.

Grilling with salt and chili is the easiest way to prepare and best preserves the flavor of mudskipper fish, making it a popular choice. The fish doesn't require much preparation time; simply rinse it with diluted salt water to remove slime and muddy smell. Then, drain it, marinate it with salt and chili for about 15-20 minutes, and then grill it. The salt used is coarse salt, ground finely with chili, and then evenly applied to the fish.

The best way to enjoy this fish is grilling it over charcoal. Because the fish are small and cook quickly, it only takes about 10-15 minutes to get a fragrant grilled snakehead fish with salt and chili. This dish is usually served with fresh vegetables, wrapped in rice paper and dipped in tamarind fish sauce. The harmonious blend of the fish's sweetness, the salty and spicy flavor of the hand-ground salt and chili, the sweet and sour taste of the tamarind fish sauce, and the aroma of the vegetables will leave diners with an unforgettable taste of the rustic charm of the Mekong Delta.

MINH NHIEN

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/ca-thoi-loi-nuong-muoi-ot-a205799.html