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American Fish Grill

Serves 4 to 6 Entree seafood, Fish

American Fish Grill

American Fish Grill is a staple across many home tables in the United States, reflecting a simple yet generous approach to cooking. This dish is traditionally prepared for casual family dinners or relaxed weekend gatherings, where the emphasis is on comfort and ease. The method is straightforward—seasoned by hand with salt and pepper, and enriched with olive oil, it's a recipe passed down through generations without fuss or pretense.

Expect a harmonious blend of tender fish, kissed by the brightness of lemon and the earthiness of fresh herbs. The olive oil adds a luscious texture, while the salt and pepper provide just enough kick to highlight the natural flavors of the fish. It's a dish meant to be shared, bringing a sense of warmth and togetherness to the table.

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 water to remove any scales or debris. Pat the fish dry thoroughly with paper towels, both inside and out, to ensure a good sear later. Drying the fish helps prevent steaming and promotes a crispy skin.
  2. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot but not smoking. Add a few sprigs of your chosen herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the oil. Allow them to sizzle for about 30 seconds to infuse the oil with their aroma.
  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 down gently to avoid splattering the hot oil. Cook the fish for about 4-5 minutes on one side, until the skin is golden brown and releases easily from the pan.
  4. Carefully flip the fish using a spatula. Cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes. The fish is done when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. You can also check by inserting a knife into the thickest part of the fish; it should come out warm.
  5. Remove the fish from the skillet and transfer to a serving platter. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish to brighten the flavors. Taste a small piece of the fish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
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.

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