Grilling Season: Give Fish a Try

Image from FoodWishes: http://foodwishes.blogspot.com/

 

Weight loss surgery patients are instructed to eat a diet of rich lean protein cooked without frying or breading. Grilled fish fits that order with ease! And by all accounts fish is good for us. In fact, the American Heart Association tells us to eat fish twice a week, particularly cold water fatty fish. Fatty fish including mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, salmon, and some shellfish are high in two kinds of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are believed to help lower triglycerides and may also fight cancer and reduce inflammation. Additionally fish is rich in B vitamins including B12, Niacin, and B6. It is readily available fresh at the meat counter or flash-frozen in the freezer section of most major supermarkets.

Warm summer months are ideal for including fish in the healthy weight loss surgery diet because it can quickly be grilled over medium-direct heat on a gas or charcoal grill. Fish cooks quickly and should be tended closely to avoid overcooking. Fish is done when it turns opaque in the thickest portion and flakes into sections. Scallops, a shellfish, are done when they are opaque and another shellfish, shrimp, are done when they turn pink. When cooking over the direct heat of the grill turn steaks, whole fish, shrimp and scallops halfway through grilling time. Avoid moving the fish protein too much on the grill because it tends to break-up. Thin fillets generally do not need to be turned. Some frequent fish grillers find baskets made specifically to hold fish on the grill are useful.

Try this simple flavorful recipe for grilled fish and I think you will be hooked!

Mediterranean Sea Bass

This Provence-style recipe infuses the clean flavor of olive oil with fresh herbs and garlic for a light and flavorful lean protein main dish. Keep it simple and enjoy. (Suitable fish substitutes: red snapper, striped bass, halibut.)

For the paste:
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
2 teaspoons dried lavender
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
 
4 skinless Chilean sea bass fillets, about 6 ounces each and 1 inch thick
Lemon wedges (optional)

To make the paste: In a small bowl whisk together the paste ingredients.
Spread the paste evenly on both sides of the fish fillets. Grill over Direct High heat until the flesh is opaque throughout and starting to flake, 5 to 7 minutes, turning once halfway through grilling time. Serve warm and garnish with lemon wedges, if desired.