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Filipino Fish Grill 2

Serves 4 to 6 Entree seafood, Fish

Filipino Fish Grill 2

Filipino Fish Grill 2 brings the aromatic warmth of a Filipino home to your table, capturing the essence of everyday meals shared with loved ones. This dish is a homegrown classic, prepared with simple yet abundant ingredients that reflect the Filipino way of cooking—intuitive, generous, and centered around the joy of sharing. It’s a staple on many family tables, celebrated for its comfort and familiarity, without the need for special occasions.

When cooked to perfection, this dish offers a delightful harmony of flavors: the freshness of whole fish kissed by the grill, enriched by olive oil and brightened with a squeeze of lemon. Hand-judged salt and pepper draw out the natural taste, while herbs add an aromatic touch. Serve it family-style, encouraging everyone to gather around and savor each bite together.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Start by cleaning the fish thoroughly. Rinse each fish under cold running water to remove any scales and impurities. Pat them dry with paper towels, ensuring the skin is dry to help it crisp up during grilling.
  2. Prepare the grill by preheating it to medium-high heat. While the grill is heating, score the fish by making three diagonal cuts on each side. This allows the flavors to penetrate and helps the fish cook evenly.
  3. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil with a generous pinch of fine sea salt and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the fish, making sure to get into the scored cuts. This will help season the fish and prevent it from sticking to the grill.
  4. Slice the lemon into thin rounds and stuff a few slices along with fresh herbs into the cavity of each fish. The lemon and herbs will infuse the fish with a fresh, aromatic flavor as it cooks.
  5. Place the fish on the preheated grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The skin should be slightly charred and crispy, indicating it's perfectly grilled.
  6. Once cooked, remove the fish from the grill and let it rest for a minute. Taste a small piece to check for seasoning, adding a sprinkle of sea salt if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with additional lemon slices for squeezing over the top.
Cover of Authentic Filipino Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Filipino Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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