Grilled Fish with Tomato Butter

Thanks, everyone for all the comments on the previous post! I think the ratatouille tart has been my most popular entry by far. Too bad all my food doesn't turn out as impressively.

This is a dish hubs and I made a few months ago, during my blogging drought. I saw it in the then-current issue of Food and Wine. Tarragon is not an herb that I usually cook with, and the slight licorice flavor was intriguing.

The tomatoes were fun to cook. The popping sound they made as they heated up was oddly satisfying.

We served the fish with a medley of grilled red potatoes and zucchini.

Grilled Fish with Tomato Butter
adapted from Food and Wine
April 2009

1/2 c chopped parsley
1/4 c chopped tarragon, plus 5 Tbs of whole tarragon leaves
Grated zest of 1 lemon
Four 6 oz snapper fillets
Olive oil for drizzling
1 shallot, thinly sliced
4 Tbs unsalted butter
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes

In a medium bowl, toss the parsley, 1/4 c of tarragon, and lemon zest. Rub the herbs all over the fish; Cover and chill 2 hours.

Light the grill, and let heat up. Drizzle fish with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill fillets over moderate-high heat until just cooked, and slightly charred - about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer fish to plates.

Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, melt the butter. Add remaining tarragon and cook over moderate heat until fragrant. Reduce heat to low, and add tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes burst and the butter is browned, about 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Spoon butter sauce over the fish, and serve.