Mexican Chipotle-Lime Red Drum Half Shell with Avocado Salsa

Ingredients

• 3 pieces red drum (half-shell fillets or skin-on portions)
• 1 tbsp chipotle powder
• 1 lime lime zest
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 medium avocados
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup red onion
• 1 small jalapeño(optional)
• 1 tbsp lime juice (for salsa)
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt (for salsa)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep (20 minutes): Pat the red drum dry. In a bowl, mix chipotle powder, lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into a thick seasoning paste.

2. 2

   Coat and rest: Rub the seasoning paste evenly over the fish. Let it sit while you preheat the grill (or grill pan) to medium-high, about 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Grill (14 minutes): Oil the grates lightly. Place fish on the grill and cook with the lid closed as much as practical, about 6–7 minutes per side, until the fish flakes easily and reaches safe doneness.

4. 4

   Make avocado salsa (during the last few minutes of grilling): Dice avocados, red onion, and jalapeño (if using). Chop cilantro. Toss together with lime juice and salt.

5. 5

   Serve: Spoon avocado salsa over the grilled chipotle-lime red drum and finish with any remaining lime juice.