Grilled Piracema-Style Fish with Citrus and Herb Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

This dish celebrates the migratory spirit of the piracema fish with a fresh, grilled fish paired with a bright citrus-herb sauce inspired by Brazilian backlands flavors. This brazilian-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes blends olive oil, sea salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 280 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush 4 piracema-style white fish fillets with 2 tbsp olive oil and season evenly with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Grill the fish fillets for 4-5 minutes per side, until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, indicating they are cooked through.
  3. Step 3: While the fish cooks, combine 1 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp fresh orange juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp finely diced red chili, and 1 tsp honey in a small bowl. Whisk until well blended and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Once grilled, transfer the fish to a serving plate and spoon the citrus and herb sauce generously over each fillet. Serve immediately with rice or salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Piracema-Style Fish with Citrus and Herb Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Piracema-Style Fish with Citrus and Herb Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Piracema-Style Fish with Citrus and Herb Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Piracema-Style Fish with Citrus and Herb Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Piracema-Style Fish with Citrus and Herb Sauce?

Brazilian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes