Whole Grilled Fish with Lemon, Cornichons and Oregano Dressing

, from Issue #64. January, 2016
Photography by Aaron McLean.
Whole Grilled Fish with Lemon, Cornichons and Oregano Dressing

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a fresh fish on the barbecue, then topping it off with a fragrant, lemony dressing. 

Serves: 3–4

INGREDIENTS

1 whole fresh fish, scaled and gutted (I used a 1½ kilogram red snapper)
1 lemon, sliced
few sprigs fresh oregano
olive oil
sea salt and ground pepper

Dressing
zest 1 lemon
2 tablespoons sliced cornichons or gherkins
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, crushed

METHOD

Dressing: Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.

Fish: Preheat the barbecue to medium. Cut about 5 slashes in each side of the fish. Season the cavity and fill with the lemon slices and oregano. Rub the skin with olive oil and season generously. Place on the barbecue, cover and cook for about 10 minutes each side until the flesh is white and flakes easily with a knife. Cooking time will depend on the size of the fish. 

To serve: Spoon over the dressing.