WHOLE SMOKE-ROASTED STRIPED BASS AND ROCKET PESTO
Chris Schlesinger, chef-owner of East Coast Grill in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is largely responsible for getting us into barbecue. His Fourth of July parties in Westport, Massachusetts, may be right up there with his reputation as a chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author. Every year on the holiday, friends of Chef Schlesinger bring 30- to 50-pound (13.7- to 22.8-kg) whole bass that they've just caught, and he usually asks us to cook them. There is nothing better than smoky whole fish just off the fire. Like bone-in meat, fish retains its moisture best when you cook it whole. We came up with this recipe the first year we were asked to cook one, and it was so good, it's been a keeper. We grilled sweet corn with it, which is a perfect complement to the rich, smoky fish. Because we're dealing with significant bulk, and fish sizes are so variable, it's hard to provide a definitive cook time. Our friend Wade Wiestling, vice president of culinary development at the Oceanaire Seafood Room, gave us a great guideline: cook 5 minutes per inch (2.5 cm) at the fish's largest circumference, at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). This recipe serves a lot of people, so plan on a big party.
Provided by Food Network
Categories main-dish
Yield 20 to 30 servings
Number Of Ingredients 28
Steps:
- Make sure the fish has had all its scales removed, and that the inside cavity is clean. If there are any scales left, remove them using the back of a knife to scrape the skin from tail to head. Pat the skin dry with a towel.
- Prepare smoker and bring heat to 400degreesF (200 degrees C). We recommend oak or hickory as the smoke wood.
- In a blender, puree the olive oil, garlic, 5 cups (300 g) parsley leaves, rosemary, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Coat the fish with the herb mixture inside and out. Stuff the cavity with the basil, tarragon, thyme, and remaining 1 bunch parsley.
- Transfer fish to a large foil-lined baking sheet, and smoke for 5 minutes for every inch (2.5 cm) the fish measures at its largest circumference, or until the fish's internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F (60 degrees C).
- To serve, gently transfer roasted fish to a large platter or cutting board and drizzle with Rocket Pesto. Serve with Cheesy Grilled Corn.
- Pesto is traditionally made with basil, garlic, parmesan or pecorino cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil, but we thought we'd shake things up a bit by replacing the basil with arugula and substituting pistachios for pine nuts.
- In a food processor, puree the pistachios, garlic, and cheese. Add arugula and pulse to combine. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Grilled corn with cotija cheese (a hard, dry cheese named for the town in Mexico from whence it originates), mayonnaise, and a dusting of chili powder is popular street food in Mexico. One bite and it's easy to see why. Here's our version.
- In the bowl of a food processor, puree the egg yolks, garlic, and lemon juice. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in oil to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a bowl and reserve.
- Prepare grill. When fire is medium-hot (you should not be able to hold your hand over the coals for more than 10 seconds), grill corn for about 5 minutes, rolling it to toast all sides and keep it from burning (C). Remove from grill and slather with aioli, then sprinkle with queso fresco and chili powder. Serve with lime wedges.
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Rakib Khan R k
[email protected]Two thumbs up!
Anas haseeb
[email protected]I would definitely recommend this recipe to anyone who loves fish.
Kumkum Akhter
[email protected]I've made this recipe several times and it's always a hit with my family and friends. It's a great way to showcase fresh, seasonal produce.
Donna O'Dell
[email protected]This dish is perfect for a special occasion.
Chibha Chibha
[email protected]I love this recipe because it's so easy and quick to make. I can have a delicious, healthy meal on the table in less than 30 minutes.
Saskia Davids
[email protected]This recipe is a winner!
Patricia Adamu
[email protected]I've never had striped bass before, but it was delicious. The rocket pesto was a great addition and really brought out the flavor of the fish.
Patricia Gorero
[email protected]I'm not a fan of fish, but this recipe changed my mind.
sharifah ssenyunja
[email protected]This is a dish that will impress your guests, no matter how experienced you are in the kitchen. The fish is flavorful and flaky, and the pesto is the perfect accompaniment.
Vane Vanestroy
[email protected]Amazing!
Justina Oshama
[email protected]I've tried many striped bass recipes, but this one is by far my favorite. I especially appreciate that it doesn't require any fancy ingredients or equipment.
Riaz Abbasi
[email protected]Followed the recipe to a T and it turned out great.
Md mehedul Islam khan
[email protected]I was a bit worried that the fish would be too dry since I've never roasted it before. But I'm happy to report that it was moist and cooked perfectly. The pesto was also delicious and added a nice pop of flavor.
Ada Nugent
[email protected]I'm in love with this recipe!
Katie Marie
[email protected]This was my first time making striped bass. I'm not much of a fish eater, but this recipe was exceptional! The fish came out tender and flaky, and the skin was perfectly crispy. The rocket pesto was truly the star of the show - I've never tasted anyt