Sandwiches

How to make Balık Ekmek

Grilled oily fish in bread with onion, tomato, herbs and lemon, an Istanbul waterfront classic.

What it is

Balık Ekmek in the kitchen

Balık Ekmek is grilled oily fish in bread with onion, tomato, herbs and lemon, an Istanbul waterfront classic.

Why make it

Make Balık Ekmek when you want a recognisable sandwich with a strong sense of place and a clear balance of bread, filling, moisture, acidity and texture.

Best with

lunch, casual dinner, street-food night, weekend cooking and global sandwich tasting menus

Method

Step-by-step

  1. Step 1

    Season the fish and brush lightly with olive oil.

  2. Step 2

    Grill or pan-sear until browned outside and just cooked through.

  3. Step 3

    Warm the bread and fill with onion, tomato and parsley.

  4. Step 4

    Add the hot fish fillets.

  5. Step 5

    Squeeze over lemon, close and serve immediately.

    Look for: juicy grilled fish with bright lemon and crisp raw vegetables Tip: Mackerel is rich enough to need very little sauce; lemon and onion keep the sandwich fresh. Avoid: overcooking the fish until it becomes dry and chalky
Storage

Make ahead and storage

Storage

Store prepared fillings separately in the refrigerator and assemble as close to serving as possible.

Make ahead

Prepare sauces, pickles and cooked fillings ahead where practical; refresh, reheat or toast just before assembly.