Mufete de Carapau Recipe | Angolan Grilled Fish Recipe

Mufete de Carapau is a popular Angolan seafood dish that showcases the country's love for fresh, locally caught fish. The dish typically consists of mackerel (carapau in Portuguese) seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked to perfection. The carapau or mackerel is commonly grilled or roasted, giving it a smoky and charred flavor that enhances its natural richness.

The seasoning for Mufete de carapau often includes garlic, chili and various herbs and spices. The fish is usually marinated with this flavorful mixture, allowing the flavors to infuse before grilling or roasting. It is traditionally served with a side of rice or funge (a staple Angolan porridge made from cassava), as well as a variety of fresh vegetables or salads.

Mufete de carapau is not only a delicious and nutritious dish but also a celebration of Angolan culinary traditions. It reflects the nation's coastal heritage and the abundance of seafood in its waters, making it a must-try for anyone looking to explore the diverse and vibrant flavors of Angolan cuisine.

Here's a recipe for making Mufete de carapau:

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Ingredients of Mufete de carapau:

• 4 to 6 fresh carapau fish (mackerel) 
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-2 hot red chili peppers, finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
• Juice of 2-3 limes or lemons
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
• Sides: Cooked rice, funge, and a variety of fresh vegetables or salads

Instructions of Making Mufete de Carapau:

Preparation of Carapau:

• Clean and gut the carapau removing any scales and innards. 
• Prepare the marinade by mixing the minced garlic, chopped chili peppers, lime or lemon juice, olive oil, salt and black pepper in a bowl.
• Score the mackerel by making shallow cuts on both sides of the fish. This will help the marinade penetrate the fish and allow it to cook evenly.
• Place the cleaned mackerel in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure to rub the marinade into the cuts you made on the fish and inside the cavity.
• Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. You can marinate the fish for a longer time for a more intense flavor, but 30 minutes should suffice.

Making of Mufete de Carapau:

• Preheat your oven or grill whichever you want to use to medium-high heat.
• Grease the grill grates or a grilling pan with a bit of oil to prevent sticking. If you're using an oven, you can place the fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Place the marinated carapau  on the grill or in the oven, skin-side down. Grill or roast for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until the fish is cooked through and has a nice charred appearance. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the mackerel and the heat source, so monitor it closely.
• Once the mackerel is done, remove it from the grill or oven.

Serving of Mufete de carapau:

• Garnish Mufete de carapau with fresh herbs and serve hot accompanied by cooked rice, funge and a variety of fresh vegetables or salads.

Enjoy your homemade Mufete de carapau, a delicious and authentic Angolan seafood dish!

 Recipe Card

Cuisine: Angolan, Prep Time: 30 minutes, Cooking Time: 30 minutes, Total time: 1 hour, Serving: 4-6 persons