![Salt-Crusted Tilapia with Lemongrass](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.foodandwine.com/thmb/akUNDMhV8Pwj-lXOtZrIscv1c5A=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/200906-r-xl-salt-crusted-tilapia-with-lemongrass-2dcca02a405e4e21b3eadc40870fe941.jpg)
Ingredients
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4 lemongrass stalks, tender inner bulbs only, cut into 2-inch lengths
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Four 2-pound tilapia, scaled and cleaned
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Slurry made with 1/2 cup cornstarch dissolved in 6 tablespoons of water
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1/2 cup kosher salt
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Spicy Citrus Dipping Sauce, for serving
Directions
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In a mortar, lightly pound the lemongrass. Arrange the fish on a work surface and pat dry. Stuff the cavities with the lemongrass. Brush 3 tablespoons of the cornstarch slurry over one side of the fish. Spread 1/4 cup of the salt over the slurry to form a thin crust. Let stand at room temperature until the crust is dry, about 20 minutes. Carefully turn the fish over and repeat with the remaining 3 tablespoons of slurry and 1/4 cup of kosher salt. Let stand for another 20 minutes, until completely dry.
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Light a grill. Carefully place the tilapia on the grill and cook over moderately low heat, turning once, until the fish is just cooked through, about 20 minutes. Transfer the tilapia to a work surface. Using your fingers or 2 forks, peel off the tilapia skin. Transfer the fish to plates and serve with the Spicy Citrus Dipping Sauce.
Suggested Pairing
For light, simple, grilled-fish dishes like this one, look to a region famous for grilling seafood: Galicia, on Spain's Atlantic coast. Crisp and lemony Albariño, Galicia's iconic white wine, is ideal here.