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American Fish Grill 2

Serves 4 to 6 Entree seafood, Fish

American Fish Grill 2

American Fish Grill 2 is a mainstay at home gatherings, capturing the essence of family and friendship in a dish that's as informal as it is delicious. Born from the American tradition of sharing plates and stories, this dish harks back to weekends spent around the grill, with everyone chipping in — some slicing lemons, others tending to the fish. It's a recipe that’s been passed down, not through the pages of a book, but through the memories of gatherings where the table is set for sharing.

The grilled fish emerges with a crisp skin, thanks to a generous brush of olive oil, and the flesh remains tender and moist. A squeeze of lemon brightens each bite, while a sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a vibrant touch. Seasoned simply with fine sea salt and black pepper, the flavors shine through in their purity. This dish is best enjoyed with good company, where reaching across the table for another helping is as much a part of the meal as the food itself.

Ingredients

  • 2whole fish
  • 2 tbspolive oil
  • lemon — sliced
  • herbs — chopped
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Begin by cleaning the 2 whole fish. Rinse them under cold running water to remove any scales or impurities. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels, both inside and out, to ensure a good sear later on.
  2. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it warm until it shimmers, indicating it's hot enough to cook the fish. This will help prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  3. Season the fish generously with fine sea salt and black pepper on both sides and inside the cavity. Place the fish in the skillet, laying them away from you to avoid splattering. This initial sear helps develop a crispy skin.
  4. As the fish cooks, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over them and add a handful of your choice of fresh herbs, such as thyme or parsley, to the pan. The lemon and herbs will infuse the fish with a bright, aromatic flavor.
  5. Cook the fish for about 3-4 minutes on one side, then carefully flip them using a spatula. The fish should release easily from the pan when it's ready to turn. Look for the flesh to turn opaque and the skin to become golden brown and crisp.
  6. Continue cooking on the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Check for doneness by gently pressing the thickest part of the fish with your finger; it should feel firm and the flesh should flake easily.
  7. Once cooked, remove the fish from the pan and let them rest briefly on a serving platter. Taste a small piece to check for seasoning, adding more salt if necessary. Serve immediately with additional lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.
Cover of Authentic American Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic American Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic American Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the American volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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