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Japanese Fish Grill

Serves 4 to 6 Entree seafood, Fish

Japanese Fish Grill

Japanese Fish Grill captures the essence of home-style Japanese cooking, where the art of seasoning is left to the hands of the cook. This dish reflects the everyday culinary practices of Japanese households, emphasizing simplicity and freshness. The fish is prepared with an intuitive touch, often passed down through generations, and is a staple at family meals. It embodies the modest elegance of Japanese cuisine, where the focus is on the quality of the ingredients and the care put into their preparation.

Expect a harmonious blend of flavors—delicate fish enhanced by a generous use of olive oil, the brightness of lemon, and the subtlety of fresh herbs. The seasoning of fine sea salt and black pepper is balanced to elevate the natural taste of the fish. The texture should be tender yet firm, with a crisp exterior that gives way to a succulent interior. This dish is about celebrating the pure flavors and the comforting experience of sharing a meal with loved ones.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Begin by cleaning the two whole fish thoroughly under cold running water to remove any scales and impurities. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up during cooking. This step is crucial as excess moisture can prevent the skin from becoming crispy.
  2. Place a large grill pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers, indicating it is hot enough to prevent the fish from sticking. This will also help to infuse the fish with a subtle olive flavor.
  3. Season the fish generously with fine sea salt and black pepper, ensuring both the exterior and the cavity are well-coated. This seasoning will enhance the natural flavors of the fish and create a savory crust as it cooks.
  4. Carefully lay the fish in the hot grill pan. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes on the first side. You will know it's time to flip when the skin is golden brown and releases easily from the pan.
  5. Gently flip the fish using a spatula and continue to cook on the other side until the flesh is just opaque and flakes easily with a fork. This indicates the fish is cooked through but still moist and tender inside.
  6. Once cooked, remove the fish from the pan and transfer to a serving platter. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with your choice of fresh herbs to add brightness and aroma.
  7. Taste the fish and adjust the seasoning with more salt if necessary. Serve immediately, allowing everyone at the table to share and enjoy the freshly grilled fish.
Cover of Authentic Japanese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Japanese Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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