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Festive Amberjack

Festive Amberjack with Citrus–Herb Crust, Artichoke Cream, Spinach & Pomegranate

A show-stopping holiday main. Crispy-skinned Festive Amberjack with citrus-herb crust, Artichoke Cream, and Pomegranate Gremolata.
  • For the Amberjack:
  • 4 amberjack fillets (150–180g each), skin on
  • Olive oil
  • Sea salt & cracked pepper
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 1 tsp chopped marjoram
  • Artichoke Cream:
  • 5 large artichokes (trimmed, hearts only)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 200 ml vegetable or fish stock
  • 50 ml cream (optional, for extra richness)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt & pepper
  • Pomegranate Gremolata:
  • Seeds of ½ pomegranate
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt
  • Spinach:
  • 500g spinach
  • 50g garlic
  • Nutmeg
  • Seasoning
  • A drizzle of Maltese herb/basil oil to finish

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: ≈ 400 - 550 kcal
  • Protein: ≈ 35-45g
  • Fat: ≈ 20-35g
  • Carbohydrates: ≈ 15-25g
  • Fiber: ≈ 6-9g
  • Omega-3: ≈ 0.5-1.5g

Method

step 01

Prepare the citrus–herb crust:

  1. Mix lemon zest, orange zest, parsley, mint, and marjoram with salt and pepper.
  2. Rub lightly over the skin side of the amberjack. Rest for 10 minutes

step 02

Make the artichoke cream:

  1. In a pot, soften onion and garlic in olive oil.
  2. Add the artichoke hearts and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
  3. Pour in the stock and simmer until tender.
  4. Blend until smooth; add cream if preferred.
  5. Season to taste and keep warm.

step 03

Prepare the spinach:

  1. Wilt spinach gently, add garlic and a pinch of nutmeg.
  2. Season lightly.

step 04

Cook the Amberjack:

  1. Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan.
  2. Cook skin-side down until crisp.
  3. Flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes depending on thickness.
  4. Rest briefly.

step 05

Make the festive gremolata:

  1. Mix pomegranate seeds, parsley, citrus zest, olive oil, and flaky sea salt.
  2. This gives the dish its festive sparkle and bright acidity.

step 06

Plate:

  1. Spoon a smooth layer of artichoke cream.
  2. Arrange spinach neatly as the base.
  3. Place the amberjack on top, skin-side up.
  4. Scatter pomegranate gremolata generously.
  5. Finish with a drizzle of herb or basil oil

Not sure where to start? Follow along with our easy video guide.

Cook Along With the Video

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