This flavorful recipe of broiled bluefish with red onion and citrus dressing offers a wonderful balance of flavors. The tangy citrus dressing beautifully complements the distinct, robust taste of the bluefish, while the red onion adds a perfect crunch. A pure delight for sea-food lovers, this dish is surprisingly simple to prepare, yet tastes like a gourmet delicacy.
The main ingredient of this recipe is bluefish, a flavorful and hearty fish that may not be regularly available in all supermarkets. If you can't find it, don't worry! You can substitute it with other rich, full-flavored fish fillets like mackerel, shad, kingfish, or porgy. Also, do ensure to have fresh chives, grapefruit, and lime for the citrus dressing.
Ingredients for Broiled Bluefish with Red Onion and Citrus Dressing
Olive oil: Used for its rich and fruity flavor profile that complements the fish perfectly.
Grapefruit juice: Adds a unique, tangy flavor to the dressing.
Lime juice: Gives a fresh citrusy tang to the dressing.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the fish and the dressing.
Fresh chives: Gives a mild, onion-like flavor with a hint of garlic.
Bluefish fillets: Known for its rich, full flavor and meaty texture.
Red onion: Adds a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor.
Fresh ground black pepper: Gives a hint of heat and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
One reader, Jessamine Boucher says:
This broiled bluefish with red onion and citrus dressing recipe is a game-changer! The combination of citrus flavors and the tenderness of the fish is simply divine. The red onion adds a delightful crunch, and the overall dish is a burst of freshness. It's a must-try for seafood lovers!
Key Techniques for Perfecting This Recipe
Marinating the fish: Combine the oil, grapefruit juice, lime juice, salt, and chives in a bowl. Pour half of the citrus dressing over the fish and let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
Broiling the fish: Preheat the broiler. Place the fish, skin-side down, on a broiler pan or baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then top with the onion. Broil the fish about 6 inches from the heat until just done, approximately 5 minutes for 3/4-inch-thick fillets.
Serving the dish: After broiling, pour the remaining dressing over the hot fish and sprinkle with the remaining chives. This dish pairs well with a light white wine with lots of acidity, such as vinho verde from Portugal or a sauvignon blanc from South Africa.
How To Make Broiled Bluefish with Red Onion and Citrus Dressing
Sweet and tangy grapefruit and lime juices in the red onion dressing adds a kick of flavor to this flaky broiled bluefish dish!
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¼cupolive oil
- 2tbspgrapefruit juice
- 2tbsplime juice
- ¾tspsalt
- 2tbspfresh chives,or scallion tops, chopped
- 2lbbluefish fillets
- 1small red onion
- ¼tspfresh ground black pepper
Instructions
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In a small bowl, combine the oil, grapefruit juice, lime juice, ¼ teaspoon of the salt and 1 tablespoon of the chives.
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Put the fish, skin-side down, in a shallow glass dish or stainless-steel pan. Scatter the onion over the fish.
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Pour half of the citrus dressing over the top, then let marinate for about 15 minutes.
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Heat the broiler.
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Put the fish, skin-side down, on a broiler pan or baking sheet. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt and the pepper. Top with the onion.
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Broil the fish, about 6 inches from the heat if possible, for about 5 minutes for ¾-inch-thick fillets, until just done.
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Pour the remaining dressing over the hot fish and sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of the chives.
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 413.41kcal
- Fat: 23.16g
- Saturated Fat: 3.95g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13.92g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.84g
- Carbohydrates: 3.17g
- Fiber: 0.42g
- Sugar: 1.60g
- Protein: 45.78g
- Cholesterol: 133.81mg
- Sodium: 573.39mg
- Calcium: 24.26mg
- Potassium: 897.83mg
- Iron: 1.27mg
- Vitamin A: 275.71µg
- Vitamin C: 7.41mg
Mastering the Art of Broiling Bluefish
When broiling bluefish or any other type of fish, it's crucial to monitor the cooking process closely. Unlike baking or roasting, broiling cooks food at a high temperature from above, which can quickly lead to overcooking or burning if left unattended. The thickness of your fish fillets will also affect the cooking time. As a general rule, for every inch of thickness, broil the fish for 10 minutes. Therefore, a 3/4-inch-thick fillet, like in this recipe, should be broiled for about 7 to 8 minutes. However, always check for doneness a minute or two before the suggested time to avoid overcooking. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Broiled Bluefish
Prep ahead: Marinate the fish and prepare the citrus dressing the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-cut onions: Save time by using pre-cut red onions from the grocery store to skip the chopping step.
Broil multiple fillets: Cook extra bluefish fillets and store them for later use in salads or sandwiches to save time on future meals.
Quick cleanup: Line the broiler pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup after cooking the fish.
Buy pre-squeezed juice: Use store-bought grapefruit and lime juice to save time on juicing the fruits yourself.
Invest in a citrus juicer: A citrus juicer can speed up the process of extracting juice from fruits, saving time and effort.
Prep the chives: Chop the chives in advance and store them in an airtight container for quick access when needed.
Organize ingredients: Before starting, gather all the ingredients and tools needed for the recipe to streamline the cooking process.
Use a timer: Set a timer while broiling the fish to ensure it is cooked perfectly without the need for constant monitoring.
Multi-task: While the fish is marinating, use that time to prepare side dishes or clean up the kitchen to save time overall.
Substitute Ingredients For Broiled Bluefish with Red Onion and Citrus Dressing Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in this recipe.
grapefruit juice - Substitute with orange juice: Orange juice can provide a similar citrusy sweetness and acidity to the dish, complementing the flavors of the bluefish.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can offer a tangy and citrusy flavor similar to lime juice, adding brightness to the dish.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the dish.
fresh chives - Substitute with green onions (scallions): Green onions can offer a mild onion flavor and a pop of color, similar to chives, as a garnish for the dish.
bluefish fillets - Substitute with mackerel fillets: Mackerel has a similar rich flavor and firm texture to bluefish, making it a suitable substitute for this recipe.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to red onions, adding a subtle onion taste to the dish.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, providing a similar level of heat and flavor to the dish.
Plating Ideas for a Delightful Presentation
Elevate the bluefish fillets: Carefully place the broiled bluefish fillets on the plate, ensuring they are positioned elegantly and with precision.
Garnish with fresh chives: Sprinkle freshly chopped chives over the dish to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Drizzle with citrus dressing: Artfully drizzle the citrus dressing over the bluefish fillets, ensuring it is evenly distributed and adds a vibrant touch to the dish.
Arrange red onion slices: Place the marinated red onion slices strategically around the bluefish fillets, creating a visually appealing and balanced presentation.
Use minimalistic plating: Embrace a minimalistic approach to plating, allowing the natural colors and textures of the dish to take center stage.
Incorporate negative space: Utilize negative space on the plate to draw attention to the main elements of the dish and create a visually striking presentation.
Consider plate shape and color: Choose a plate that complements the colors of the dish and enhances the overall presentation, paying attention to both shape and color.
Add a citrus wedge garnish: Include a small citrus wedge as a garnish, adding a final touch of freshness and a visually appealing element to the plate.
Use complementary side dishes: If serving with side dishes, ensure they complement the bluefish and add to the overall visual appeal of the presentation.
Emphasize balance and symmetry: Strive for balance and symmetry in the plating, creating a visually harmonious presentation that showcases the culinary artistry of the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Broiled Bluefish
- Small bowl: A small bowl is used for combining and mixing small amounts of ingredients. It is convenient for preparing dressings, marinades, and small portions of food.
- Shallow glass dish or stainless-steel pan: This dish or pan is suitable for marinating the fish. It should be non-reactive and easy to clean.
- Broiler pan or baking sheet: A broiler pan or baking sheet is used for broiling the fish in the oven. It allows the heat to circulate evenly around the fish for even cooking.
- Knife: A knife is essential for slicing the red onion and filleting the fish.
- Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for slicing and preparing ingredients such as the red onion and fish fillets.
- Citrus juicer: A citrus juicer is used to extract the grapefruit and lime juice for the dressing. It ensures that the juice is efficiently extracted from the fruits.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are necessary for accurately measuring the olive oil, grapefruit juice, lime juice, salt, and chives for the dressing.
- Broiler: The broiler in the oven is used to cook the fish quickly at high heat, giving it a nicely browned and flavorful exterior.
- Tongs: Tongs are useful for handling the fish when placing it on the broiler pan or baking sheet and when removing it from the broiler after cooking.
- Oven mitts: Oven mitts are essential for safely handling the hot broiler pan or baking sheet when placing it in the oven and removing it after broiling.
- Serving platter: A serving platter is used for presenting the broiled bluefish with red onion and citrus dressing when serving.
Storing and Freezing Broiled Bluefish for Later
To store leftover broiled bluefish, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container or wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the fish for up to 3 days.
If you want to freeze the bluefish, wrap the cooled fillets tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Label the package with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 2 months.
To thaw frozen bluefish, transfer the package from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Once thawed, consume the fish within 1-2 days.
The citrus dressing can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give it a good shake or stir before using it on the fish or other dishes.
Note: For the best texture and flavor, it's recommended to consume the broiled bluefish fresh, as freezing and thawing may slightly affect the quality of the fish.
Reheating Tips for Leftover Broiled Bluefish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover bluefish fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the fish to prevent it from drying out during reheating. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is heated through and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
For a quicker reheating method, use your microwave. Place the bluefish fillets in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. This will help retain moisture and prevent the fish from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the fish is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the fish to become tough and rubbery.
To reheat the red onion and citrus dressing, place it in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until the dressing is warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave the dressing in a microwave-safe bowl for 30-60 seconds, stirring halfway through.
If you want to add a fresh touch to your leftover bluefish, consider making a new batch of the citrus dressing. Simply combine olive oil, grapefruit juice, lime juice, salt, and fresh chives in a small bowl and whisk until well combined. This will brighten up the flavors of the reheated fish.
For a crispy texture, you can also reheat the bluefish fillets under the broiler. Preheat your broiler to high and place the fish on a broiler pan or baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the fish is heated through and the skin is crispy. Keep a close eye on the fish to prevent burning.
Interesting Trivia About Bluefish
The bluefish is a popular saltwater game fish that is known for its strong flavor and firm texture. It is often found in coastal waters and is a favorite among anglers. Bluefish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Additionally, bluefish is a good source of protein and essential nutrients such as vitamin D and selenium. When cooked with citrus dressing, the acidity helps to balance the fish's oiliness and enhances its natural flavors. This dish pairs well with light white wines such as Vinho Verde from Portugal or Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa.
Budget-Friendly: Making Broiled Bluefish at Home
This broiled bluefish with red onion and citrus dressing recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The key ingredients, such as bluefish fillets, red onion, and citrus fruits, are generally affordable and widely available. The recipe's simplicity and use of basic pantry staples make it budget-friendly. However, the cost may vary based on the availability and quality of the fish. Considering the nutritional value and flavor profile, this recipe earns a solid 8 out of 10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30, making it a reasonable choice for a flavorful and healthy meal.
Is This Bluefish Recipe Healthy?
The broiled bluefish with red onion and citrus dressing recipe is relatively healthy. Here's why:
- Bluefish is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and reducing inflammation
- The recipe uses olive oil, a healthy fat that can help lower bad cholesterol levels
- Grapefruit and lime juices provide vitamin C and antioxidants, which support immune function and overall health
- Red onion contains quercetin, a potent antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease
- The recipe is low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it suitable for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of olive oil to lower the overall calorie content
- Use a healthier cooking method, such as grilling or baking, instead of broiling to minimize the formation of harmful compounds like heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
- Add more vegetables to the dish, such as roasted bell peppers or zucchini, to increase fiber and nutrient content
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro in addition to chives for added flavor and health benefits
- Choose wild-caught bluefish over farm-raised to ensure a higher quality of fish with fewer contaminants
Editor's Take on This Flavorful Bluefish Dish
The broiled bluefish with red onion and citrus dressing recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The citrus dressing adds a refreshing zing to the dish, complementing the rich, full-flavored bluefish. The use of grapefruit and lime juice provides a perfect balance of acidity, enhancing the natural taste of the fish. The addition of red onion brings a subtle sharpness and crunch, further elevating the dish. This recipe offers a versatile option for various fish alternatives, allowing for a personalized touch. The wine recommendation provides a thoughtful pairing, enhancing the overall dining experience. It's a delightful and sophisticated dish that is sure to impress.
Why trust this Broiled Bluefish with Red Onion and Citrus Dressing Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful dining experience with its use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. The bluefish is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, ensuring a flavorful and nutritious meal. The combination of grapefruit juice and lime juice adds a zesty and tangy flavor profile, complemented by the aromatic chives. The red onion provides a subtle sharpness, enhancing the overall taste. The broiling method ensures a perfectly cooked, tender bluefish fillet. With its balanced flavors and health benefits, this recipe is a trustworthy choice for a delicious and wholesome seafood dish.
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