Roast red mullet with tarragon & pancetta

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only
This white, flaky-textured fish has an exquisite taste that takes well to robust Mediterranean flavours and herbs

Prep:15 mins
Cook:20 mins

Serves 4
More effort

Nutrition per serving

kcal 279
fat 19g
saturates 5g
carbs 4g
sugars 0g
fibre 1g
protein 24g
salt 1.5g

Ingredients

4 x 350g red mullet, scaled and gutted or 8 x 100g/4oz red mullet fillets
small bunch tarragon, leaves roughly chopped
3 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, crushed
100g diced pancetta or smoked bacon
1 red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Tip

Good Food know-how
Whole red mullet – as well as sea bream, sea bass and other more exotic species – are often sold with their scales on. First trim the sharp fins away with scissors, then put the fish into a large plastic bag to stop the scales flying everywhere. Lay the fish on a board and, working with your hands inside the bag, run the back of a knife from tail to head to flick away the scales. The skin of red mullet is attractive and edible.

Method

Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Slash the red mullet through the flesh to the bone 3-4 times on each side. Mix the chopped tarragon with 2 tbsp of the oil and the garlic, season lightly, then brush over the fish, taking care to push some of the tarragon into the slashes of the fish. Marinate for 10 mins.
Put the pancetta and red onion into a large roasting tin, drizzle with remaining oil and cook in the oven for 5-7 mins or until beginning to soften. Arrange the fish on top and drizzle with the vinegar. Roast in the oven for 12-15 mins or until the fish is cooked; the eye will be white and the flesh will flake when prodded.