Swedish Grilled Pike Perch with Lemon Butter

Introduction

Experience the delicate flavors of Swedish cuisine with this grilled pike perch recipe. Cooked to perfection on the Arteflame grill, this dish locks in moisture with a high-temperature sear and is finished with a velvety lemon butter drizzle.

Ingredients

• 4 pike perch fillets
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for lighting the grill)
• 3 paper napkins (for lighting the grill)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place them inside the grill and stack firewood on top.
3. Light the napkins and let the wood catch fire.
4. Wait approximately 20 minutes for the grill to reach optimal cooking temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Fish

1. Pat the pike perch fillets dry with a paper towel.
2. Season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
3. Melt the butter and mix in lemon juice, zest, and chopped dill.

Step 3: Sear the Fish

1. Place the fillets on the center grill grate for 30 seconds per side to get a high-temperature sear.
2. Move the fillets towards the outer edges of the flat top cooktop to finish cooking gently.
3. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 130°F, then remove from the grill (target temp after resting: 145°F).

Step 4: Add the Lemon Butter

1. Drizzle the lemon butter mixture over the hot grilled fillets.
2. Let the fish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
• Move the fillets closer to or further from the center of the griddle for temperature control.
• Always remove the fish from the grill when it’s 15°F below your target doneness.

Variations

1. Garlic Herb Butter: Add parsley, thyme, and extra garlic to the butter sauce.
2. Spicy Citrus: Mix in red pepper flakes and a dash of lime juice instead of lemon.
3. Mustard Dill: Blend Dijon mustard into the lemon butter for a tangy kick.
4. Smoky Paprika: Sprinkle smoked paprika over the fillets before grilling.
5. Parmesan Crusted: Sprinkle grated Parmesan on the fillets before the final stage of cooking.

Conclusion

This Swedish grilled pike perch recipe is simple yet elegant, with a luscious lemon butter sauce that enhances the natural flavors of the fish. The Arteflame grill makes it easy to achieve restaurant-quality results at home.

Best Pairings

• Steamed baby potatoes with dill
• Grilled asparagus
• Crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc
• Fresh cucumber salad
• Rye bread with butter