Recipe: Blackened Fish Sandwich - Michael Chernow Recipe

Michael Chernow's simple spice rub turns bluefish into a delicious, complex sandwich

When searing the fish to make this mayo- and avocado-anointed sandwich, it is imperative that your oil is hot. Add the fish, and then don't touch it. Don't even move it an inch. Let it sizzle and char, creating a slightly crispy exterior and preventing the fillet from sticking to the pan. Flip and repeat for the perfect blackened fish, courtesy of Michael Chernow of NYC seafood-focused restaurant Seamore's.

To learn more, read "Bait and 'Wich."

Recipe adapted from Michael Chernow, Seamore's, New York, NY

Blackened Fish Sandwich
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The humble bluefish turns into the best blackened fish sandwich, complete with citrus aioli and smashed avocado.
Prep Time
20
minutes
Cook Time
10
minutes
Servings
4
sandwiches
Total time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
  • For the Spice Rub
  • 2¼ teaspoons paprika
  • 2¼ teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2¼ teaspoons onion powder
  • 2¼ teaspoons dried thyme, crushed
  • ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • For the Fish Sandwich
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons orange marmalade
  • 2½ teaspoons fresh lime juice, divided
  • 2 avocados, pits removed, flesh scooped out (about 1 cup)
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 brioche rolls, halved
  • Four 4-ounce bluefish fillets, skins removed
  • 4 teaspoons canola oil, divided
  • 1 large beefsteak tomato, cut into 4 slices
  • 1 head Little Gem lettuce or ½ romaine heart, leaves separated
Directions
  1. Make the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients and set aside.
  2. Make the fish sandwich: In a separate small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, marmalade and ½ teaspoon of the lime juice, and set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, mash the avocado with the remaining 2 teaspoons of lime juice, as well as the olive oil and salt. Taste and adjust the salt as needed.
  4. Place a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of the butter. As soon as the butter begins to melt, add the brioche bun bottoms, cut-sides down, and toast until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Repeat with the remaining butter and brioche tops. Wipe the skillet clean.
  5. Season the bluefish fillets with salt and the spice rub. Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add 2 teaspoons of canola oil. When the oil is hot, add the fish fillets and cook, pressing down on fish with the back of a fish spatula, until the bottom is blackened and the sides begin to turn opaque, about 2 minutes. Flip the fillets and sear until cooked through, another 1½ to 2 minutes.
  6. Lay 1 piece of fish on the bottom of each brioche roll and spoon a generous amount of the avocado on top. Season the lettuce leaves and tomato slices with salt and stack on top of the avocado. Add a spoonful of aioli and top with the remaining sandwich halves. Serve.
Nutrition
Calories per Serving 281
Total Fat 18.5 g
Saturated Fat 4.0 g
Trans Fat 0.1 g
Cholesterol 49.0 mg
Total Carbohydrates 17.0 g
Dietary Fiber 2.1 g
Total Sugars 3.5 g
Sodium 280.7 mg
Protein 12.1 g
The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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