Coffee Liqueur Zesty Seafood Marinade/Sauce

This marinade sounds wild on paper, but every ingredient earns its spot. Coffee liqueur brings a subtle sweetness, lemon and lime juice cut through the richness, hot sauce adds bite, and fresh ginger ties it all together with a warm, aromatic backbone.

Just shake everything in a jar, let the flavors mingle for an hour, then pour it over your fish. Thirty minutes of marinating and you’re ready to grill.

Baste the fish as it cooks and you’ll build up a glossy, caramelized glaze that tastes complex without being complicated.

Chef Tips

• Works on any firm fish. Swordfish, mahi-mahi, tuna steaks, and shrimp all take to this marinade beautifully. Delicate fillets like tilapia may fall apart on the grill.
• Don’t marinate longer than 30 minutes. The citrus juice will start to “cook” the fish (ceviche-style), which makes it mushy rather than firm when it hits the grill.
• Save some for basting. Set aside a portion of the marinade before it touches raw fish so you have a clean sauce for brushing during grilling.