Grilled Uku with Lemon & Herbs

Name: Grilled Uku with Lemon & Herbs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2 lbs Uku fillets; 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 lemons — 1 juiced, 1 sliced for serving; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or dill); 1 tsp Hawaiian sea salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

Grilled · Easy · Serves 4

Uku 'Ono Mahi-Mahi

Prep10 MIN

Cook12 MIN

Serves4

DifficultyEASY

Uku is considered one of Hawaii's finest eating fish with a clean, mild flavor. A simple lemon-herb preparation over high heat is all it needs. This recipe works equally well for 'Ono and Mahi-Mahi.

Ingredients

2 lbs Uku fillets
3 tbsp olive oil
2 lemons — 1 juiced, 1 sliced for serving
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or dill)
1 tsp Hawaiian sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Method

Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Marinate fish for 10 minutes (no longer).
Preheat grill to high. Oil the grates well.
Grill fillets 4–5 minutes per side, turning once. Do not move until the fish releases naturally.
Serve immediately with lemon slices and fresh herbs.

Guide’s tip: Uku fillets can be delicate — use a fish spatula and handle gently when flipping. If the fillet is thick, finish with the lid closed for 2 minutes. The fish is done when it turns from translucent to opaque throughout.

Catch it yourself first

Spear your own dinner on the Kona coast — we clean it, bag it, and send you home with the recipe.

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