Balık ekmek (grilled mackerel in bread)

Balık ekmek, meaning "fish bread", is the legendary street food of Istanbul's Eminönü waterfront: mackerel fried on boats, served in fresh bread with onion and lemon.

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Method

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1. Rub the red onion with the sumac, parsley and a pinch of salt.
2. Season the mackerel fillets with salt and pepper, and brush with olive oil.
3. On a hot griddle pan or over charcoal, cook skin-side down first for 3 minutes, then flip and cook for 2 minutes. ⏱ Timer: 3 min
4. Split the bread lengthwise, and toast the cut side in the pan, in the fish's drippings.
5. Fill the bread with lettuce, tomato and a fish fillet, and pile on the onion salad.
6. Drizzle with lemon juice, sprinkle with pul biber, and serve immediately.

A Receptnaptár original recipe. Calories and protein are estimated.

Tips

• Works quickly with smoked mackerel too, but a freshly fried fillet is the original.
• Served with pickle brine (turşu suyu) on the side.

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