Sicilian Grilled Rockfish
A bright Sicilian-inspired summer dinner featuring sale-priced Pacific rockfish, peak-season zucchini and tomatoes, and a punchy caper-raisin agrodolce.
Ingredients
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Fresh Rockfish Fillet Pacific Caught (sustainably sourced)12 ounces $6.99
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Zucchini1 pound, cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch planks $1.29
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Fresh on-the-vine red tomatoes8 ounces, diced $1.99
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Walla Walla sweet onion1/4 cup, finely chopped $3.99
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Pearl couscous6 ounces $2.49
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Garlic2 cloves, minced $0.79
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Golden raisins2 tablespoons
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Capers, drained1 1/2 tablespoons
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Red wine vinegar1 1/2 tablespoons
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Extra-virgin olive oil2 1/2 tablespoons, divided
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Dried oregano1 teaspoon
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Crushed red pepper flakes1/4 teaspoon
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Water or low-sodium chicken broth1 1/4 cups
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Kosher salt3/4 teaspoon, plus more to taste
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Black pepper1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
- Heat a clean grill to medium-high, about 425°F. Chop the tomatoes and onion, mince the garlic, slice the zucchini, and pat the rockfish dry; use an oiled fish basket, grill tray, or sheet of heavy-duty foil for the delicate fillets.
- Combine the tomatoes, onion, raisins, capers, vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, half the garlic, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, and the pepper flakes. Season lightly with salt and let the agrodolce relish stand while everything cooks.
- Bring the water or broth to a boil in a small covered saucepan. Stir in the couscous and a pinch of salt, cover, and simmer over low heat until tender, 10–12 minutes; remove from the heat and keep covered.
- Toss the zucchini with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, the remaining garlic and oregano, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Grill until browned and crisp-tender, 3–4 minutes per side, then transfer to a platter.
- Brush the rockfish with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with the remaining salt and pepper. Grill covered until opaque, easily flaked, and 145°F at the thickest point, about 6–8 minutes depending on thickness; rest for 2 minutes.
- Fluff the couscous and divide it between two plates. Add the grilled zucchini and rockfish, then spoon the tomato-caper agrodolce generously over the fish and serve.
Total time: 35 minutes
Estimated cost: About $11–$14 for 2 servings, excluding pantry staples
Health notes: About 620 calories per serving, with roughly 38 grams of protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and moderate unsaturated fat.
Drink pairing: A chilled Vermentino has the citrusy freshness and subtle salinity to complement the grilled fish and capers.