Grilled Opakapaka Recipes

PETER MERRIMAN'S KAMA 'AINA WHOLE FISH DINNER

Steps:

• Preheat the grill.
• Score the whole fish with criss-crossed marks, about 8 or 10, from head to mid-tail. Season with salt and pepper.
• In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ginger, garlic, and chile flakes. Place 2 large pieces of aluminum foil, shiny side down, on a work surface. Place the ti leaves over the aluminum foil, to cover. Rub the mayonnaise mixture all over the fish and place on the ti leaves. Fold the ti leaves over the fish and follow with the aluminum foil to create a tight seal.
• Place the wrapped fish on the hot grill and grill for 10 to 12 minutes on each side. Remove the fish from the grill, carefully unwrap, and sprinkle with green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro.

OPAKAPAKA WITH LEMON PESTO

Steps:

• In mortar & pestle or food processor, combine the basil, parsley, macadamia nuts, red pepper flakes, and garlic, and blend until well mixed. Once the pesto is ready, add the mayonnaise and mix well. Spread the pesto mayonnaise on the flesh side of each fish fillet and place, pesto-side down, on the grill. Grill for 3 to 5 minutes, turn and grill until fish is just opaque and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.

BAKED OPAKAPAKA (SNAPPER) FILLETS WITH MACADAMIA CRUST

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
• Oil a baking pan with 1 tablespoon of the butter.
• Place the fish in the pan, and sprinkle with pepper and lemon juice.
• In a small skillet heat the rest of the butter. .
• Add the ground nuts.
• Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes making sure the mixture doesn't burn.
• Spread the mixture over the fish.
• Bake for 10-15 minutes or until done.
• Sprinkle with parsley and serve.