Ingredients
2tbsponion,minced
1tspDijon mustard
1tspsalt
3tbspwhite wine vinegar
1large garlic clove,chopped
1tbspfresh rosemary,heaping, minced
½cupextra virgin olive oil
1whole branzino
olive oil
salt,preferably sea salt
Preparation
Put the minced onion, mustard, salt, vinegar, garlic, and rosemary into a blender and pulse it for about 30 seconds.
Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the blender and purée it again for 10 to 20 seconds. Scrape the sides down again.
Turn the blender on low and take the removable cap off the lid. Hold a hand over the hole, as it might spit a little. Pour the olive oil in slowly and put the cap back on.
Turn the blender off and scrape the sides down one more time. Turn the blender back on low, then high for 60 seconds.
Rinse the fish under cold water. Now make sure its gills and scales are all removed. Gills can impart a bitter taste to the fish, so they need to go, too.
Use a very sharp knife and make several slashes on the sides of the fish, maybe every inch or so.
Make the cuts at an angle to the side of the fish, and slice down to the spine. Do not sever the spine, however. These cuts will help the fish cook faster. Rub olive oil all over the fish and set it aside.
Prepare the grill for high, direct heat. Scrape down the grates well and close the lid.
Salt the fish well.
Now grab a paper towel, a set of tongs, and some cheap vegetable oil. Fold the paper towel over several times, moisten it with the vegetable oil, and hold it with tongs to wipe down the grill grates.
Lay the fish down on the grill and close the lid. Let this cook for 5 minutes without touching it.
Open the lid and, using tongs, gently see if the fish can be lifted off the grates cleanly. Don’t actually do this, but check for sticky spots. If there are some, get a metal spatula. Use the spatula to dislodge the fish from the sticky spots.
Using tongs in one hand, and the spatula in another, gently flip the fish over. If it sticks, it’s fine.
Once the fish has been flipped, let it cook for another 3 to 5 minutes. Again, test for sticky spots with the tongs and spatula. Dislodge them gently and gently lift the fish onto a plate.
If the fish is too long or seems like it might break in half, use two metal spatulas instead of the tongs-and-spatula set-up.
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the fish and serve at once. Goes well with crusty bread and a glass of pilsner beer or white wine.
