Albanian Grilled Levinj Fish – Crispy & Flavorful

Introduction

Levinj, a delicious freshwater fish, is a staple in Albanian cuisine. This recipe transforms whole levinj into a crispy delight using the Arteflame grill. The high heat of the center grill grate quickly sears the fish, locking in moisture, while the surrounding griddle cooktop ensures an even, golden crust. With a simple marinade of garlic and butter, you’ll have an incredibly flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare. Let’s get grilling!

Ingredients

• 2 whole levinj fish, cleaned and scaled
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for lighting the grill)
• 3 paper napkins
• Firewood

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center of the grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins.
4. Light the napkins and let the fire burn for about 20 minutes until the cooktop is hot.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

1. Melt the butter in a small dish.
2. Mix in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

Step 3: Marinate the Fish

1. Pat the levinj fish dry using paper towels.
2. Brush the fish generously with the marinade, ensuring even coverage inside and out.

Step 4: Sear the Fish

1. Place the fish directly on the center grill grate (about 1,000°F) and sear for 2 minutes on each side to seal in the juices.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

1. Move the fish to the surrounding griddle cooktop.
2. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side until crispy and golden.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Remove the fish from the grill when the internal temperature reaches 15°F below the target doneness.
2. Let the fish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Tips

• Use fresh, high-quality fish for the best flavor.
• Let the marinade sit for at least 10 minutes to enhance the taste.
• Cook near the center for a higher searing temperature or towards the edge for gentle cooking.

Variations

1. Spicy Albanian Levinj: Add 1 tsp red pepper flakes and 1 tsp smoked paprika to the marinade.
2. Herb-Infused Levinj: Mix in fresh dill and oregano for a fragrant Mediterranean twist.
3. Citrus Garlic Levinj: Replace lemon juice with orange zest for a subtle citrus kick.
4. Butter & Capers Levinj: Add 1 tbsp capers to the marinade for a briny, sophisticated taste.
5. Mustard-Glazed Levinj: Mix 1 tbsp Dijon mustard into the marinade for added depth.

Conclusion

Grilled levinj is a fantastic and simple dish that highlights the beauty of fresh fish and fire-cooked flavors. With the Arteflame grill, you’ll get the perfect crispy texture while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful. Try one of the variations and enjoy a true Albanian culinary experience!

Best Pairings

• Grilled seasonal vegetables on the Arteflame griddle
• Warm, charred flatbread
• A crisp Albanian white wine (such as Debina or Shesh i Bardhë)
• A light cucumber and tomato salad with feta