Grilled Bluefish

Grilled Bluefish with Summer Squash and Blue Potatoes

Bluefish is an unappreciated fish – and that’s a shame. Grilled, it is one of New England’s culinary wonders. Since we are in the middle of a heat wave here in Boston, I decided to take advantage of the last few warm days and grill some bluefish. Don’t let unusual looking brown flesh put you off. When cooked, it turns appetizingly beige. So, why is it called “bluefish” if it starts out as brown and becomes beige? Because of its blue skin. It turns crispy and finger-licking good on the grill. Bluefish’s high fat content makes it one of the most forgiving fish to cook since it doesn’t dry out, and all those Omega-3 fatty acids are good for you. Are you convinced to stop ignoring it next time you are at the fish market? Here is the recipe.

Grilled Bluefish

Serves 4

4 bluefish fillets with skin (6-8 oz each)
Salt and pepper
1 Tbsp olive oil (plus more for brushing the grill)
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp chopped parsley, cilantro, mint, or whatever herb you have on hand

1. Preheat the grill to high.
2. Season fish fillets with salt and pepper, and coat with 1 Tbsp of oil.
3. Drizzle lemon juice over the plate where you’ll put fish once it’s off the grill.
4. Pick up a wad of paper towel with tongs, dip it into oil, and brush the grill rack.
5. Place the fish on the grill skin side down and cover the grill. Cook for 3 minutes without disturbing. Turn the grill down to medium. Flip fillets onto the flesh side, cover the grill, and cook for additional 3 minutes per inch of thickness.
6. To test for doneness, insert a spatula under a thin edge of fillet and lift half of fillet perpendicular to the grill. If the flakes separate, the fish is done. Don’t worry if the fillet breaks. The skin will keep it together so it will still look nice when you serve it. Remove the fish off the grill keeping it skin side up to prevent it from getting soggy and place it on the prepared plate so that it can get flavored with lemon juice.
7. Garnish with herbs and serve.

Fish substitutions for this recipe: Striped Bass, Red Snapper, Mackerel, Halibut, or Grouper (without skin)

Cooking Technique: Grilling