Grilled fish with a side of zucchini

Grilled fish with zucchini side: a delightful combination, perfect for a summer meal. This recipe is not only simple but also offers an explosion of flavors that will impress any foodie. Fresh fish, soaked in aromatic dressing, alongside beautifully golden zucchini, creates a memorable culinary experience. Let's begin our culinary adventure!

Total preparation time: 45 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

For the fish:
- 2 large pangasius fillets (or any other preferred fish)
- Juice of one lemon
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- Fish spices (salt, pepper, chili, to taste)

For the zucchini side:
- 6-8 medium zucchinis
- 6-7 tablespoons olive oil
- 1-2 lemons (for juice and zest)
- 5 cloves of garlic
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preparing the fish:
- Start by washing the fish fillets thoroughly under cold running water. Make sure to remove any impurities.
- Place the fillets on a clean towel or paper towels to dry. This step is essential for achieving a nice crust when cooking.

2. Preparing the dressing:
- In a small bowl, squeeze the juice of one lemon. Add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and your preferred spices: salt, pepper, and chili. This dressing will give the fish a complete and delicious flavor.
- If desired, you can also add some grated lemon zest for an extra touch of freshness.

3. Oiling the fish:
- Use a kitchen brush to generously coat the fish with the prepared dressing. Make sure each fillet is well covered. Place the fish in special grilling molds to help maintain its shape.

4. Preparing the zucchinis:
- Wash the zucchinis and cut off the ends. You can use a knife or a grater to cut them into thick strips of about 5-6 mm. This will allow for even cooking.
- Drizzle the zucchinis with a tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Let them rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

5. Preparing the dressing for the zucchinis:
- Peel and finely chop the garlic. Mix the garlic with 1 teaspoon of salt in a mortar or using a food processor to create a smooth paste.
- Combine the garlic paste with the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Cooking the zucchinis:
- Preheat the grill or a grill pan. Add the zucchinis and cook them on both sides until they become golden, but without overcooking them. The zucchinis should remain firm inside, and the browning should be even.

7. Assembling the dish:
- Once the zucchinis are ready, remove them to a platter. Arrange them radially, in petal shape, in several layers. Drizzle each layer with the previously prepared garlic dressing. Allow the zucchinis to marinate in the dressing for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

8. Cooking the fish:
- In the meantime, place the fish on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, making sure to brush with the dressing during cooking. The fish is ready when the flesh becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

9. Serving:
- Serve the fish warm, alongside the flavored zucchinis. You can add a slice of lemon for an extra touch of freshness. This recipe is excellent for both family meals and gatherings with friends.

Practical tips

- Choosing the fish: If you can't find pangasius, you can opt for salmon, cod, or any other white fish with a similar texture.
- Zucchinis: Young zucchinis are tastier and have a firmer texture, so choose the smaller ones with smooth skin.
- Vegetarian option: You can replace the fish with marinated tofu in the dressing for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Serving: This dish pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine, but also with fresh lemonade for warm days.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe is rich in protein due to the fish, while zucchinis are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Olive oil brings healthy fats that are beneficial for the heart. One serving has about 400 calories, but this can vary depending on the type of fish and the amount of oil used.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other vegetables? Of course! This recipe can be adapted with other grilled vegetables, such as eggplants or peppers.
- How can I improve the dressing? You can add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for an extra flavor boost.
- Can it be prepared in the oven? Yes, you can bake the fish in the oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes, making sure to turn it halfway through.

In conclusion, this grilled fish recipe with zucchini side is not only a healthy choice but also an opportunity to explore flavor combinations that will delight the taste buds. Don't hesitate to experiment and put your personal touch on this recipe! Enjoy your meal!