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Spanish Mackerel Griddle with Italian Herbs

This griddle-cooked Spanish mackerel with Italian herbs is bold, bright, and ready in under an hour. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: 25 minute fish dinner, 4 serving fish recipe, Blackstone griddle fish recipe, Blackstone griddle seafood recipes, capers fish recipe, easy griddle recipes, easy Spanish mackerel dinner recipe, fish griddle recipes, fresh fish recipes, fresh herb fish recipe, fresh mackerel recipe, fresh Spanish mackerel with capers, griddle cooked fish with white wine, griddle fish for 4 people, grilled mackerel recipe, how to cook Spanish mackerel on a griddle, Italian mackerel with tomatoes and herbs, Italian style mackerel, mackerel griddle recipe, Mediterranean fish recipe, pan seared mackerel with vegetables, quick fish recipe, seafood griddle cooking, Spanish mackerel recipe, weeknight fish dinner, white wine fish sauce
Servings: 2

Ingredients

For the Vegetables:

  • 3 tbsp tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
  • 2 pints grape tomatoes halved
  • 1 small onion sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced
  • 6 fresh garlic cloves minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

For the Fish:

  • 2 lbs fish fillets Spanish mackerel, tilapia, grouper, snapper, or haddock
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pan Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup dry white wine something you'd drink
  • 3 tbs capers drained
  • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley torn
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil torn

To Serve:

  • 1 loaf crusty Italian or French bread

Instructions

Step 1: Get Your Griddle Ready

  • Preheat a Blackstone griddle to medium heat. (If using a regular skillet on a stovetop, set heat to medium.) Place a large cast iron skillet on the griddle to warm, or just use your skillet directly on the heat. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil once it's hot.

Step 2: Start the Vegetables

  • Halve the grape tomatoes and slice the onion and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Add all three to your hot skillet along with the minced garlic. Drizzle with another tablespoon of olive oil. Season generously with salt, pepper, and the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and let it cook, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onions are turning translucent. You want some color on the tomatoes and peppers.

Step 3: Prepare and Sear the Fish

  • While the vegetables cook, pat your fish fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is important. Drizzle both sides lightly with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Create a clear space on your griddle (or use a second skillet) and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once it's shimmering, carefully lay the fish fillets skin-side up. Let them cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes until you see a golden sear forming on the bottom. Flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 4: Bring It Together

  • Add the torn parsley and basil to the vegetable mixture. Pour in the white wine and scatter the capers throughout. Give everything a gentle stir, letting the wine reduce slightly (about 2 minutes). Carefully transfer the cooked fish fillets to sit right on top of the vegetable and pan sauce mixture.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

  • Serve immediately while everything is still hot, making sure each plate gets fish, vegetables, and plenty of that bright sauce. Crusty bread is non-negotiable.

Notes

  • Pat your fish dry for the best sear—wet fish steams instead of sear
  • Don't go full heat—medium is your friend to avoid burning the vegetables
  • If fillets are thick, give them a 3-minute head start before adding vegetables on top
  • Taste as you go and adjust seasonings to your preference
  • Serve immediately with crusty Italian or French bread