Home Cook Together. Celebrate Life.

PersianAuthentic Cuisine

Persian Fish Grill

Serves 4 to 6 Entree seafood, Fish

Persian Fish Grill

Persian Fish Grill is a beloved dish that finds its way to family tables throughout Iran, especially during gatherings that celebrate the richness of simple, fresh ingredients. At home, it becomes a canvas for tradition, where the cook's intuition guides the seasoning and the generous use of olive oil ensures a succulent result. This version captures the essence of home cooking, where precision is less about measurements and more about the cook's feel.

The taste is a harmonious blend of tender fish, kissed by the subtle smoke of the grill, enriched with the fruity depth of olive oil and the bright zest of lemon. A sprinkle of herbs adds an aromatic layer that complements the natural sweetness of the fish, while a touch of fine sea salt and black pepper brings everything into balance. It is a straightforward yet deeply satisfying dish, perfect for sharing and savoring.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Begin by cleaning the fish thoroughly. Rinse each fish under cold running water, ensuring to remove any scales and guts. Pat the fish dry with paper towels, both inside and out, to ensure a good sear when cooking.
  2. In a large skillet or grill pan, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add a handful of fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro to the pan. Allow the herbs to sizzle for about 30 seconds until they release their aroma, infusing the oil with flavor.
  3. Season the fish generously with fine sea salt and black pepper, both inside the cavity and on the skin. Place the fish in the pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded, which allows for even cooking. Cook the fish for about 4-5 minutes on one side until the skin is golden and crisp.
  4. Carefully flip the fish using a spatula. Continue to cook on the other side for another 4-5 minutes. The fish is done when the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is cooked through.
  5. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked fish to enhance its flavor. Taste a small piece of the fish and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
  6. Transfer the fish to a serving platter and garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately, encouraging guests to share and enjoy the dish together, as is traditional in Persian home cooking.
Cover of Authentic Persian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Persian Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

Explore Persian cuisine