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Lainie's Wahoo Marinade

This recipe delivers a vibrant, flavorful marinade designed specifically for wahoo fillets. Combining melted butter, olive oil, fresh garlic, herbs, Cajun seasoning, and lemon juice, it infuses the fish with rich, zesty, and savory notes, ensuring a tender and aromatic culinary experience ideal for grilling or pan-searing. It's a quick and effective way to prepare delicious seafood.
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Total Time 40 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 6 people
Calories 3227.6 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Chef's knife
  • 1 Shallow Dish or Zip-top Bag For marinating

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1/2 cup butter melted
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 fresh garlic cloves
  • 1/3 cup fresh cilantro or 1/3 cup parsley
  • 2 tablespoons cajun seafood seasoning
  • 1 lemon juice of
  • 6 wahoo fillets about 1/2 inch thick
  • lemon wedge to garnish

Instructions
 

  • Melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, then combine it with the extra virgin olive oil in a mixing bowl.
  • Mince the fresh garlic cloves finely and chop the fresh cilantro or parsley. Add these to the butter and olive oil mixture.
  • Add the Cajun seafood seasoning and the freshly squeezed juice of one lemon to the bowl. Whisk all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
  • Place the wahoo fillets in a shallow dish or a heavy-duty zip-top bag, ensuring they are not stacked.
  • Pour the prepared marinade over the wahoo fillets, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
  • Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for a maximum of 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate without over-acidifying the fish.
  • Preheat your grill or a heavy-bottomed pan (such as cast iron) to medium-high heat.
  • Carefully remove the wahoo fillets from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the used marinade.
  • Cook the fillets for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until they are opaque throughout and flake easily with a fork.
  • Serve the marinated wahoo immediately, garnished with a fresh lemon wedge.

Notes

1. Wahoo is a lean, delicate fish. Ensure you do not over-marinate, as the lemon juice's acidity can begin to 'cook' the fish, leading to a firmer, less tender texture. 20-30 minutes is ideal.2. For optimal flavor, always use fresh garlic and herbs. The brighter notes of fresh cilantro or parsley truly elevate the dish.3. When cooking, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Overcooking wahoo can quickly dry it out, compromising its tender texture. Grilling or pan-searing on medium-high heat for a short duration works best.4. Consider adding a pinch of lemon zest to the marinade for an extra aromatic lift, enhancing the fresh citrus notes.