Grilled Dentex on the Grill

Dentex is a delicious fish that can be cooked in various ways, including grilling, which brings out its flavor without covering it too much. Here’s how to prepare grilled dentex on the grill.

Ingredients

• 1 dentex of approximately 1-1.5 kg (ask your fishmonger to gut and scale it)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Coarse sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Lemons
• Sprigs of fresh rosemary (optional)
• Slices of homemade bread

Preparation

1. Make sure the dentex is well cleaned and scaled; make diagonal cuts on both sides of the fish to allow the heat to penetrate better during cooking.
2. Preheat the grill to a high temperature. Meanwhile, season the dentex with sea salt and pepper inside and out, then sprinkle with a drizzle of oil.
3. If desired, insert some sprigs of rosemary and lemon slices inside the fish cavity to flavor.
4. When the grill is hot, lay the dentex on it and let it cook for about 8-10 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. Do not turn too often to avoid breaking the flesh.
5. Check the degree of doneness by inserting the tip of a knife along the backbone; if it slides in easily, the fish is ready.
6. Meanwhile, you can toast some slices of homemade bread on the grill to accompany the fish.
7. Once cooked, transfer the dentex to a serving dish, sprinkle with fresh lemon juice and serve immediately with the bread slices.

Curiosity

In some Italian regions, dentex is prepared with a breadcrumb coating flavored with Mediterranean herbs and laid on a bed of potatoes, olives, and tomatoes. If you want a more sophisticated touch, you could add an emulsion of oil, lemon, and a pinch of mustard to brush on the fish before serving.

Enjoy your meal and the preparation of this delicious seafood dish!