REDFISH ON THE HALF SHELL

Redfish on the Half Shell

Donald Link suggests grilling or roasting this fish, then serving it in its hardened skin ("on the half shell"). You can also use a large, flexible spatula to slide the fillets off the skin and onto a platter, discarding the skin, for a more elegant presentation. Redfish—a white-fleshed fish with big scales that are hard to remove—is an ideal choice, but striped bass is great too. You'll have to buy the fish directly from a fishmonger; ask him to leave the scales on the fillets. 

total Time: 25 minutes

Yields: 6

Ingredients

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing

2 redfish or striped bass fillets, with scales still on (about 2 1/2 pounds) and pin bones removed

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Salt and freshly ground pepper

1/4 cup minced flat-leaf parsley

2 garlic cloves, minced

Lemon wedges, for serving

Preheat the oven to 475°. Lightly oil a large rimmed baking sheet. Lay the redfish fillets, skin side down, on the baking sheet and brush them with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Sprinkle with the crushed red pepper and season with salt and pepper. Roast the redfish fillets on the bottom rack of the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the flesh flakes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the parsley and garlic with the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Transfer the fish to a platter, drizzle with the parsley-garlic oil and serve with lemon wedges.