Pescado Asado al Achiote con Arroz Verde (Achiote Grilled Fish)
Firm white fish fillets marinated briefly in citrus achiote, seared until golden and served over fragrant lime rice.
Made with Pickled red onions (cebollas encurtidas) and Cilantro lime rice and Pollo asado marinade. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time35 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £2.24 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Lay the fish in a shallow dish and pour over 80 ml of your ready made pollo asado marinade (see the base recipe). Marinate for 20 to 30 minutes in the fridge, no longer, or the fish turns firm.
25 min - 2
Gently reheat your ready made cilantro lime rice (see the base recipe) in a covered pan with a splash of water until steaming hot all the way through.
7 min - 3
Heat the oil in a non stick frying pan over a medium high heat. Lift the fish from the marinade, let the excess drip off, and pat the surface lightly dry.
- 4
Cook the fish for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side without moving it, until golden and it releases easily. Flip and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more, until it flakes with a fork.
7 min - 5
Serve the fish on the rice with your ready made pickled red onions (see the base recipe), coriander and lime wedges.
Tips
- Fish only needs 20 to 30 minutes in this marinade because the citrus cooks the surface.
- Use a non stick pan and do not move the fish early, otherwise it sticks and breaks.
- Thick fillets can finish in a {t200} oven for 3 to 4 minutes after searing.
Storing and freezing
Best eaten fresh. Cooked fish keeps in the fridge for 1 day. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Which fish is best?
Firm white fish such as cod, haddock, monkfish or sea bass holds together in a hot pan. Avoid delicate fish like plaice.
Can I cook it on the barbecue?
Yes. Use a fish basket or foil and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side over medium heat.
Can I use salmon?
Yes. Salmon goes well with the citrus. Marinate for 20 minutes and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side.
More made with pickled red onions (cebollas encurtidas)
Greek Loaded Chips with Feta, Pickled Red Onions and Tzatziki
EFNFTostadas de Marlín Ahumado (Smoked Fish Tostadas with Chipotle)
DFEFNFTacos de Hongos al Adobo (Mushroom Adobo Tacos)
GFDFEFPescado a la Talla (Guerrero Style Grilled Fish)
DFEFNFSee every dish made with pickled red onions (cebollas encurtidas)
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.