Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsManuelaGrilled Yellowtail Recipe

Grilled Yellowtail Recipe

Inspired by Manuela
Time35m
Serves4

Castelvetrano olives, red onion, celery aioli, lemon

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Ingredients

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Grilled Yellowtail

Method

Grilled Yellowtail

  1. 1

    Prep fish

    Pat yellowtail fillets dry with paper towels. Lightly brush both sides and the skin with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season the flesh side with 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; leave skin-side with a light dusting of salt only.

  2. 2

    Preheat grill

    Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high (about 425–475°F / 220–245°C). If using a grill pan, heat over medium-high heat until hot and just smoking; lightly oil grate or pan to prevent sticking.

  3. 3

    Grill fish

    Place fillets skin-side down on the hottest part of the grill. Press gently with a spatula for 15 seconds to ensure even contact. Grill skin-side down for 3–4 minutes without moving, until the edges turn opaque and the skin releases easily. Flip and grill 1–2 minutes more for medium (internal temp ~125–130°F / 52–54°C) or longer for more done. Total cook time ~5–6 minutes depending on thickness.

  4. 4

    Rest & finish

    Transfer fillets to a plate and rest 2 minutes. Squeeze the reserved lemon over each fillet just before plating.

Castelvetrano Olive & Red Onion Relish

  1. 5

    Combine 3 oz chopped Castelvetrano olives, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup small-diced celery, and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley in a bowl.

  2. 6

    Dress with 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from the lemon used for the fish), 1/2 teaspoon red wine vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir to combine and taste; adjust acidity or salt as needed. Let sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes to meld flavors while you finish the fish.

Celery Aioli

  1. 7

    In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons very finely minced celery heart, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon grated garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.

  2. 8

    Whisk until smooth. If the aioli is too thick for drizzling, whisk in up to 1 teaspoon water, 1/4 teaspoon at a time, until you reach a thick but pourable consistency. Taste and adjust lemon or salt.

Plating & Garnish

  1. 9

    Spoon a smear of celery aioli onto each plate or dollop 1–2 tablespoons beside where the fish will sit.

  2. 10

    Place a grilled yellowtail fillet on top or beside the aioli. Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the Castelvetrano olive & red onion relish over the flesh of each fillet, allowing some relish to fall onto the plate.

  3. 11

    Garnish with a lemon wedge and scatter microgreens or chopped parsley over the fish. Serve immediately.

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