Recipes

Whole Grilled Branzino in Livornese Sauce

Photo by Andrew Cebulka

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yields

serves 6

    For the sauce:
  • 3 garlic cloves chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups red wine
  • 1 (28-ounce) can pureed Italian plum tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons capers
  • ½ cup sliced green olives
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ pound Chinese broccoli chopped into 1-inch pieces (or substitute broccoli rabe)
  • ¼ cup chopped flat-leaf parsle
  • Salt and black pepper
  • For the fish:
  • 3 (2-pound) whole branzino
  • Olive oil,Salt
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
steps
  1. Make the sauce: In a large pan over medium heat, saut. garlic in olive oil for 2 minutes. Add red wine and reduce until almost dry, about 4 minutes. Add tomatoes, capers, olives, red pepper flakes, and broccoli, and simmer for 12 to 14 minutes. Finish with parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  2. Make the fish: Prepare grill for high, direct heat. Rinse fish under cold water and make sure gills and scales are removed. Rub olive oil all over fish and season well with salt. Set aside. Scrape down the grates well and close the lid. Oil grill grates using a paper towel and tongs: Fold paper towel over several times, moisten with vegetable oil, and hold with tongs to wipe down grates. Lay fish on grill and close lid. Let cook for 5 minutes without disturbing. Open lid and use tongs gently to see if you can lift fish off grates cleanly. Use a metal spatula to dislodge fish from any areas that may be sticking. With tongs in one hand and spatula in another, gently flip fish. Then, let it cook another 3 to 5 minutes. Gently transfer onto a baking sheet.
  3. To assemble: Spread sauce on a serving platter and lay fish on top. Serve immediately.
  • Recipe by Michael Toscano of Le Farfalle in Charleston, South Carolina

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