Grilled titan triggerfish with salt and chili - a delectable oceanic delicacy | Dai Viet Restaurant

Discovering the titan triggerfish

The titan triggerfish is a type of fish residing at the ocean bottom, typically found at depths ranging from 5-50 meters and commonly inhabits tropical waters. They often dwell in rocky crevices within intertidal areas and form schools as adults. During the rainy season, they tend to group together, seeking shelter beneath seaweed beds.

The titan triggerfish is of average size, weighing around 500 grams to 4 kilograms when fully grown, with body lengths spanning from 15-25 centimeters. Their bodies resemble a rhombus shape—flat and elongated. Their heads are somewhat flat, featuring a small but sharp and slightly protruding mouth.

The fish's skin resembles a tough suit of armor. Its flesh, white and firm, possesses a pleasantly sweet and aromatic taste.

The titan triggerfish mainly inhabits the waters of Central Vietnam, particularly coral reefs at the seabed. It's a challenging fish to catch, requiring fishermen to spend several days at sea. Its meat offers a mild sweetness and freshness.

Nutritional components of titan triggerfish

This fish holds significant nutritional value, including amino acids like leucine and lysine, minerals such as sodium and potassium, high protein content, protein, vitamins A, E, B1, B12, omega-3, and DHA. These elements are beneficial for brain function and vision.

Preparation of grilled titan triggerfish with salt and chili

Ingredients for grilled titan triggerfish with salt and chili:

Titan triggerfish: 1 fish (around 1.5kg - 2kg)

Salt and chili: 2-3 tablespoons

Olive oil: 2 tablespoons

Purple onions: 2 bulbs, finely chopped

Garlic: 4-5 cloves, minced

Chili powder: 1-2 teaspoons (to taste)

Sugar: 1 teaspoon

Ground pepper: 1/2 teaspoon

Fish sauce: 1 tablespoon

Fresh herbs (coriander, Vietnamese coriander) for garnish

Note: Adjust the spice quantities according to your taste preferences.

Preparation and cooking method for grilled titan triggerfish with salt and chili:

Titan triggerfish tastes best when freshly caught. Ensure to clean and peel off the fish's skin, as the titan triggerfish's skin is tough and inedible. You may leave a little skin to cover the fish to prevent it from drying out or remove the skin entirely, then wrap it in foil before grilling. To enhance spice absorption, you can make shallow cross-cuts on the fish's flesh before grilling.

To prepare the marinade, combine the initial ingredients: salt and chili, olive oil, finely chopped purple onions, minced garlic, chili powder, sugar, ground pepper, and fish sauce.

Marinate the fish with the sauce for approximately 15 minutes, then grill it on the stove until the fish skin shows signs of blistering and emits a fragrant aroma. Grilling takes longer compared to other methods, but it ensures the fish cooks slowly, retaining moisture. The grilling process typically lasts around 30-40 minutes.

The distinctive sweet, refreshing, and slightly chewy texture of titan triggerfish, when combined with rice paper and fresh herbs.

Grilled titan triggerfish with salt and chili offers a distinctively aromatic and sweet flavor of oceanic fish, delivering a sweet and slightly chewy meat, creating a unique culinary experience. This dish is often served with fresh herbs, bitter melon, cucumber, rice paper, a bit of vermicelli, and paired with tamarind fish sauce or sweet and sour fish sauce.

If you haven't tried it before, don't hesitate to visit Dai Viet Restaurant on Bui Vien Street for a truly special dining experience with your family.

Dai Viet Restaurant System:

- 189-191-193 De Tham, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, HCMC (Lua Dai Viet Restaurant)

- 226-228 Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, HCMC (Sen Dai Viet Restaurant)

- 207 Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, HCMC (Bien Dai Viet Restaurant)

- 191-193 Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, HCMC (Oc Dai Viet Restaurant)

- 125-127-129-131 Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, HCMC (Nong Thon Dai Viet Restaurant)

- 183-185 Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, HCMC (Cua Dai Viet Restaurant)

- 52-54-56 Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, HCMC (Hon Dao Dai Viet Restaurant)