There are times when it’s a pleasure to spend hours on a lavish meal for friends, knowing they’ll savor every bite of your perfectly prepared dish. When July comes around, however, the real pleasure comes from cooking something in a flash and gratefully retreating to a margarita. Khalif Maddox, chef at Tropical Soul in downtown Richmond offers one of his favorite, fast, no-mess summer meals.
Place filets of tilapia (one per guest) on squares of aluminum foil.
Add a little butter and sprinkle with garlic, herbs, Cajun seasoning and just a touch of Old Bay.
Fold into packets and poke a few holes in the foil, so the grill flavor infuses the fish.
Toss on the grill, but be vigilant! “Baby your food,” Maddox cautions. “Don’t have the fire too high, and don’t walk away for more than five minutes.”
Squeeze a little lemon juice over the fish as it cooks.
The fish is done when it flakes at the touch of a fork. Serve with grilled corn on the cob, rubbed with a touch of butter, and any sides you like.