Grilled umbrine slice

The grilled umbrine slice is a delicious and simple dish to prepare. The flesh of the umbrine is firm and flavorful, perfect for grilling. Here is the recipe for preparing a grilled umbrine slice with an Italian twist:

Ingredients

  • 2 umbrine slices (about 200 g each)
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Fine sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Sprigs of fresh rosemary
  • Lemon slices for garnish
  • Aromatic herbs, such as parsley or thyme (optional)

Preparation

  1. Pre-heat the grill to a medium-high temperature.
  2. In the meantime, thoroughly dry the umbrine slices with kitchen paper to remove excess moisture; this will help to get a crispier crust.
  3. Season both sides of the slices with salt and pepper. You can also lightly brush them with extra virgin olive oil to help prevent them from sticking to the grill.
  4. Place a sprig of rosemary on top of each slice if you wish, to add flavor during cooking.
  5. Place the slices on the hot grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until you have reached the desired degree of doneness. The umbrine should be cooked when the meat flakes easily with a fork.
  6. During cooking, you can brush the slices with lemon juice to add some acidity.
  7. Once cooked, transfer the umbrine slices onto a serving dish and let them rest for a few minutes.
  8. Serve immediately, accompanied by fresh lemon slices for those who wish to add an extra squirt of juice.

Curiosity

The umbrine is a fish appreciated in Mediterranean cuisine for its delicate flavor and firm white flesh. It pairs perfectly with light and fragrant white wines like a Vermentino or a Trebbiano. Moreover, in Italian culinary use, it is common to utilize aromatic herbs such as rosemary and parsley to accentuate the flavors of fish dishes.