Main CourseLunchDinner

Balik Ekmek (Fish Sandwich)

Name: Balik Ekmek (Fish Sandwich)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: turkish
Ingredients: 2 pcs mackerel fillet skin on, bones removed; 2 tbsp olive oil; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground; 2 pcs crusty bread such as half a baguette or a ciabatta roll; 0.5 pcs red onion thinly sliced; 1 pcs tomato sliced; 2 pcs lettuce leaf; 0.5 pcs lemon cut into wedges; 0.5 tsp sumac (optional)

Balik Ekmek is a popular Turkish street food, a delicious and simple sandwich featuring grilled fish, typically mackerel, served in crusty bread with fresh vegetables. This recipe captures the authentic flavors of Istanbul's iconic fish sandwich.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 30 min
Serves: 2
Difficulty: Easy
Per serving: 734 kcal

Allergen information: may contain fish and gluten. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Mise en place

Ingredients

2 pcsmackerel fillet, skin on, bones removed
2 tbspolive oil
0.5 tspsalt
0.25 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
2 pcscrusty bread, such as half a baguette or a ciabatta roll
0.5 pcsred onion, thinly sliced
1 pcstomato, sliced
2 pcslettuce leaf

for serving

0.5 pcslemon, cut into wedges
0.5 tspsumac(optional)

Equipment

tongs · cutting board · knife · grill pan

The method

Step by step

1
Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
About 3 min
2
Pat the mackerel fillets dry with paper towels.
Cook’s note: Drying the fish helps achieve a crispier skin.
3
Brush both sides of the mackerel fillets with olive oil and season generously with salt and black pepper.
About 1 min
4
Place the mackerel fillets skin-side down on the preheated grill.
5
Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: Cooking time may vary based on fillet thickness.
6
While the fish is grilling, prepare the bread by slicing it lengthwise.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: You can lightly toast the bread on the grill for extra crunch, if desired.
7
Assemble the sandwiches by placing lettuce leaves inside the bread.
About 1 min
8
Carefully transfer a grilled mackerel fillet into each piece of bread.
9
Top the fish with sliced tomato and red onion.
About 1 min
10
Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of sumac, if using.
Cook’s note: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens all the flavors.

Per serving

Nutrition

67%Score

Calories: 733.6kcal
Protein: 32.5g
Carbs: 61.8g
Fat: 39.4g
Fibre: 5.6g
Sugar: 6.7g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Balik Ekmek is best enjoyed fresh; it does not store well.