Grilled Florida Pompano with Garlic Butter & Citrus Zest

Introduction

Grilled Florida Pompano is the perfect dish for seafood lovers looking to enhance natural flavors with a touch of citrus and garlic butter. Using the Arteflame grill, we achieve a flawless sear while keeping the fillets juicy and tender. This recipe highlights simple ingredients that enhance the fresh, mild taste of pompano, making it an ideal choice for outdoor grilling.

Ingredients

• 4 Florida pompano fillets
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the oiled napkins.
3. Light the napkins and allow the fire to spread. Let the grill preheat for about 20 minutes until the flat cooktop reaches optimal grilling temperature.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, orange zest, lemon juice, and orange juice.
2. Stir well until fully combined.

Step 3: Season the Pompano Fillets

1. Pat the pompano fillets dry with a paper towel.
2. Brush each fillet generously with the garlic butter mixture.
3. Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 4: Grill the Pompano

1. Place the fillets on the flat cooktop near the center for a quick sear.
2. Grill for 2 minutes per side or until the surface is lightly caramelized.
3. Move the fillets toward the cooler outer edges of the grill to finish cooking.
4. Continue grilling until the internal temperature reaches about 125°F, then remove from heat. The fillets will continue cooking to a perfect 140°F off the grill.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Plate the grilled pompano and garnish with fresh parsley.
2. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips

• Use fresh pompano fillets for the best flavor.
• Apply butter generously to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
• Monitor grill temperature zones and move fillets accordingly.
• Always remove seafood from the heat slightly before the final temperature to avoid overcooking.

Variations

1. Spicy Cajun Pompano: Add 1 tsp of Cajun seasoning and a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
2. Herb-Infused Pompano: Mix in 1 tsp of dried thyme and rosemary into the butter mixture for a more aromatic flavor.
3. Garlic Parmesan Pompano: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the fillets right before grilling for a savory crust.
4. Asian-Style Pompano: Add 1 tbsp of soy sauce and a drizzle of sesame oil to the garlic butter mixture.
5. Tropical Citrus Pompano: Enhance with lime zest and mango puree for a tropical flair.

Best Pairings

• Grilled asparagus or zucchini
• Garlic butter rice
• Fresh avocado salad
• Chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
• Grilled pineapple slices

Conclusion

Grilling Florida Pompano on an Arteflame grill brings out its rich, natural flavors while keeping it perfectly tender. With the combination of garlic, citrus, and buttery goodness, this dish is a must-try for seafood enthusiasts. Enjoy it as a main course or pair it with a fresh side.