Relishes for fish
Relishes are typically added after cooking to provide a bright, fresh contrast to the savory flavor of the fish. They can range from simple fruit-based versions to complex spiced pastes.
- Grilled Hawaiian fish with papaya relish: A recipe for grilled fish is paired with a fresh relish made from papaya, lime, coconut, and cilantro.
- Sheet-pan fish with red-pepper relish: A sheet-pan recipe uses a relish made from roasted red peppers, onion, garlic, ginger, and habanero pepper as both a marinade and a finishing sauce.
- Grilled fish steaks with walnut-pomegranate relish: This recipe features a Mediterranean-inspired relish made from pomegranate molasses, toasted walnuts, cilantro, and cumin.
Dry rubs for fish
A fish rub is a blend of dry spices and herbs that is applied to fish before cooking. Unlike meat rubs, fish rubs often emphasize herbs, citrus flavors, and milder spice combinations to avoid overpowering the delicate flavor of the fish.
- Homemade fish seasoning: A common homemade dry rub can be created using paprika, dried dill weed, parsley, celery salt, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This blend works for grilling, baking, or pan-searing.
- Pacific Northwest fish and seafood dry rub: This sweet and smoky blend includes brown sugar, smoked paprika, dill, and toasted fennel and coriander seeds. It is a classic for preparing fish and seafood.
- Cajun blackened fish seasoning: For a spicier flavor, this rub features a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, and garlic powder. It's designed to create a spicy, blackened crust when seared in a hot pan.