Grilled Gilthead Bream with Mediterranean Vegetables

Introduction to the Grilled Gilthead Bream Recipe

Gilthead bream, known for its tender, flaky meat, is grilled to perfection with a medley of colorful vegetables, including bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and olives.

This dish is simple to prepare, yet it offers a complex and satisfying taste that is sure to impress your guests.

The Secret to Perfect Grilled Fish

Grilling fish can be intimidating, but with the right technique, it’s incredibly easy and rewarding. The key to perfect grilled gilthead bream is to start with a clean, well-prepared fish.

By making small cuts in the skin, you allow the seasoning to penetrate deeper into the meat, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Wrapping the fish in aluminum foil not only locks in moisture but also infuses the fish with the aromatic flavors of fresh basil, garlic, and wine.

A Medley of Mediterranean Vegetables

To complement the delicate flavor of the fish, this recipe includes a variety of Mediterranean vegetables. The sweetness of bell peppers, the bite of red onion, the juiciness of cherry tomatoes, and the richness of olives all work together to create a vibrant and delicious side.

These vegetables are not only tasty but also add a burst of color to the dish, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Why Use Foil for Grilling?

Grilling fish in foil is a method that has been used for generations. It helps to cook the fish evenly, prevents it from drying out, and makes cleanup a breeze. The foil acts as a steamer, trapping the heat and allowing the flavors to meld together.

The result is a perfectly cooked fish that is moist, tender, and full of flavor. Plus, you can easily transport the foil packets, making this dish ideal for a summer BBQ or outdoor gathering.

Ingredients:

• Gilthead bream: 4 whole fish, cleaned and dried
• Sea salt: to taste, from a ceramic grinder
• Pepper mix (four types): to taste, from a ceramic grinder
• Fresh basil: as needed
• Mixed bell peppers: 3.5 oz, sliced
• Red onion: 3.5 oz, sliced
• Zucchini: 3.5 oz, sliced
• Cherry tomatoes: 3.5 oz, whole
• Green olives (pitted): 1 oz
• Black olives (pitted): 1 oz
• Garlic: 8 cloves
• Dry white wine: 3.4 fl oz
• Extra virgin olive oil: 2 tablespoons

Steps:

1. Place the cleaned and dried gilthead bream on a sheet of aluminum foil. Make several cuts on the skin of the fish to allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat.
2. Season the fish with sea salt and pepper. Stuff the fish with fresh basil and garlic cloves.
3. Arrange the sliced bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, green olives, black olives, basil, and garlic around and on top of the fish.
4. Drizzle the fish and vegetables with a little dry white wine. Season again with salt and pepper, then close the aluminum foil tightly around the fish.
5. Place the wrapped fish on a preheated grill at 200°C (392°F) and cook for about 25 minutes, until the fish is tender.
6. Once cooked, let the fish rest for a few minutes, then carefully open the foil. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil before serving.
7. Serve the grilled gilthead bream with crusty bread or roasted potatoes for a complete Mediterranean meal.

Conclusion: A Taste of the Mediterranean

Fresh bream is seasoned with herbs, paired with colorful veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and olives, and grilled to perfection in foil.

The result is a tender, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a summer BBQ or a special family dinner.

Serve it with crusty bread or roasted potatoes, and enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean at home!