If you’re looking for something delicious to serve your family and friends that doesn’t take hours to prepare but packs enough flavor to make everyone thing you’re a real pro, this recipe for grilled spanish mackerel from Fish Cheeks is a serious must.
Fish Cheeks is a contemporary, seafood-focused favorite among diners in New York City’s Noho district.
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Founded by Thai brothers and chefs Ohm and Chat Suansilphong, alongside co-owner Jenn Saesue, Fish Cheeks has grown a loyal customer base with its unique take on traditional Thai favorites, from coconut crab curry to steamed fish with Thai herbs.
Its menu of elevated and elegant dishes aren’t afraid to get spicy, while the atmosphere sets a warm and welcoming tone that invites diners to gather around long tables or take a seat at the bar where they can watch the chefs do their thing up close and personal.
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Speaking of chefs, Fish Cheeks recently brought on a new executive chef, and he’s made some exciting changes. Dustin Everett formerly worked with Pig & Khao, Momofuku Ssam Bar, and Black Crescent. Now, he’s adding new dishes, including the delightful recipe below.
"Mackerel is an under-appreciated fish,” Everett says. “With the fish sauce caramel, the oil in mackerel is perfect. I love utilizing fish you don’t regularly see on other menus.”
For this recipe, he pairs the decadent mackerel with a bright dressing made from green mangos, shallots, thai chilis, cilantro, lime juice, fish sauce and palm sugar. It’s got all the acid you need to cut through the richness of the fish, while balancing with the umami of the fish sauce and the sweetness of the palm sugar.
He’s also got an important tip for any home chefs ready to bring this magic to their own dining room table.
“When cooking mackerel or any other silver skin fish, always grill on the skin side only,” Everett says. “You really want a good char on the skin for flavor and texture."
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Ingredients:
Directions:
Visit Fish Cheeks in NYC and online for more delicious, fish-forward dishes and inspiration.
Photography by: Courtesy of Fish Cheeks
