| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 308 | 22g | 4g | 0g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 0g | 0g | 31g | 1g |
Why I Love Italian Grilled Orata
My Louisiana roots and French ancestry have always drawn me to delicious and diverse dishes, but this Grilled Orata has grabbed my attention in a special way. A favorite in many Italian homes, Grilled Orata is a fantastic combination of exquisite flavors and simplicity, blending some of my best-loved elements like garlic, lemon, and rosemary.
A Labour of Love
One of the reasons I am so fond of this recipe is because it is not just a quick, fast-food meal. Preparing Grilled Orata is a true labor of love, as each step requires attention and care to extract the best flavors. I’ve always believed that the best dishes are those made with passion, and this recipe is no different. Inspired by the renowned Italian chef, Gualtiero Marchesi, this recipe is a chance to dive into the unique gastronomic culture of Italy, a country renowned for its extraordinary and diverse culinary heritage.
The Perfect Combination
The Grilled Orata, with its unique combination of flavors, harks back to my love for well-rounded and well-balanced dishes. The tanginess of fresh lemon juice balanced with the subtle sweetness of extra virgin olive oil, finely chopped garlic, a hint of salt and freshly ground black pepper for that extra kick – all combine to create a fantastic medley of flavors. Enveloping all of this is the smoky aroma of fresh rosemary and thyme, herbs that are as integral to Italian cooking as beignets are to Cajun cuisine.
We all know that seafood and pasta go hand in hand, and this Grilled Orata is no exception. Pair this splendid fish with a serving of Linguine with Lemon, Garlic, and Thyme Mushrooms for a well-rounded Italian feast. Or, if you’re in the mood for a lighter option, a fresh Italian green salad would make a fabulous companion dish.
So here it is, my beloved Grilled Orata recipe; an Italian treasure that every seafood lover should have in their repertoire. I look forward to hearing about your experience preparing this sumptuous dish. Bon appétit!
What You’ll Need
- 6 Orata (Sea Bream), approximately 1lb each
- 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 12 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bunches of fresh rosemary
- 2 bunches of fresh thyme
- 6 thin slices of lemon
- Lemon zest from 1 lemon
Method
Step One
Start off by preparing the Orata (Sea Bream). Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water, then pat them dry using a paper towel. Set them aside for now.
Step Two
In a bowl, combine the finely chopped garlic, the extra virgin olive oil, the fresh lemon juice, salt and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are well-incorporated.
Step Three
Now, take your prepared Orata and season each one generously with the garlic and olive oil mixture, inside and out. Make sure to rub the mixture into the skin to infuse maximum flavor.
Step Four
Once each fish has been seasoned, insert a sprig of rosemary and thyme into the cavity of each fish. Additionally, add a slice of lemon and some lemon zest.
Step Five
Next, preheat your grill to medium heat. When it’s ready, place your prepared Orata onto the grill. Ensure each side is cooked evenly by turning them after about 5-7 minutes. continue cooking for a further 5-7 minutes on the other side. The fish should be golden brown when fully cooked.
Step Six
After grilling, remove the fish from the grill and allow it to rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to further develop and the juices to settle. Serve the grilled Orata with additional lemon slices and herbs on the side.
