Green Shawarma Wiper

"Shawarma" is a kind of Arabic meat preparation, when marinated meats such as lamb, beef or chicken are placed on a vertical spit to be grilled for long periods of time. 

We can't say that we've ever seen fish on shawarma menu before, but it works. You still get all the Arabic flavors and smells, without all the waiting. Just marinate the fish, stick the pieces in a fish basket and grill! It should take you no more than 10 minutes. Many of you are probably confused by the photo... Yes, that's a tortilla; we didn't have any pita bread. And right next to the wiper is Mexican rice. Why? Well, why not?! An important lesson to learn in the kitchen is improvisation. Learn to use what you have on hand. With Rick being half Mexican, we always have tortillas and rice on hand. You can have the fish by itself, or with anything you want. As long as it tastes good to you, who cares?

Have you seen The Avengers? Now every time I hear the word "shawarma," I'm reminded of the end credits scene, when they're all tired and broken after saving the world. 
Bahaha! Wasn't that funny? Anyway, if you don't like fish, try this sauce with your favorite meat. 

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 30 - 60 minutes
Cook Time: 5 - 7 minutes
Ingredients:
- 24 ounces of wiper filets
- 1 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
- 7 tbs. olive oil
- juice of one lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 tsp. ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

If you can, always use fresh herbs. 

1. Purée cilantro, oil, lemon juice, garlic, coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. 

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour the sauce into large bowl or ziplock bag. Set aside. 

2. Rinse fish filets under cold water. Shake off any excess moisture. Remove the dark parts from the fish, like what you see in the photo. You'll get cleaner tasting fish if you do. 

Lightly sprinkle both sides with salt. Marinate the fish in the green shawarma sauce for at least 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours. 

3. Prepare grill. Place marinated fish into a fish basket. Grill until fish is just cooked through, about 3 minutes each side. Of course, it depends on the thickness of your filets. 

Serve with pita bread, salad and/or couscous. Or tortillas and Mexican rice... :-)