Gilt-head Sea bream, Dorata (Spain); Orata (Italy); Dorade royale (France); Tsipoura (Greece)

Most of the Porgy and sea bream that you’ll find at your fish monger will be from a fish farm, but don’t let that scare you. They have a firm, succulent white flesh with excellent flavour. Most porgies are sized for 1 portion but at times I’ve seen huge ones…good for two!

Porgy is best cooked whole. Grilling a fish should be kept simple but attention to detail will yield you wonderful and surprising results.

Ingredients

  • 6 1/4 pounds Porgy
  • 1 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 4 cloves crushed garlic
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lemon juice only
  • 1 tablespoon oregano

Directions

  1. Scale and gut fresh 1 1/4- 11/2 pounds Porgy.
  2. Prepare a charwood fire and allow the coals to burn down to a hot white ash.
  3. Brush the Porgy with olive oil (extra virgin) that has crushed garlic cloves mixed in.
  4. Season with sea salt and fresh milled pepper.
  5. Cook 2 1/2 minutes on each side ; remove.
  6. Drizzle more extra virgin olive oil over each fish ; squeeze lemon. Sprinkle with dry Greek oregano.