Pacú a la Parrilla

The story

Pacú is native to the Paraná and Paraguay river systems and is an important food fish in Argentina’s north-east. Grilling it reflects the same parrilla culture applied to beef, adapted to the abundant freshwater catch of Corrientes and Misiones. It is known for unusually rich, firm flesh that stands up well to smoke and direct heat. Cooking on the bone or skin protects the meat and allows the exterior to crisp. Pacú is a regional speciality served in riverside restaurants, fishing towns and family grills. Its presence broadens the image of Argentinian cuisine beyond the cattle country of the pampas.

Ingredients

• Main
• 250 gram pacú or firm white fish
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 piece garlic cloves
• 5 gram parsley
• 0.5 teaspoon fine salt
• 50 gram mixed salad leaves

Method

1. Prepare the meat

   Trim only loose sinew and excess surface fat. Pat the meat dry, then season generously with coarse salt shortly before cooking; slice vegetables or garnishes separately.

   Look for: Meat should be dry on the surface with an even layer of salt. Tip: For serving, slice steaks across the grain so they stay tender. Avoid: Do not over-marinate good beef; parrilla cooking relies on meat, salt and fire.

2. Set the fire

   Prepare a two-zone grill with glowing embers rather than high flames, aiming for medium heat around 180-220°C at the grate.

   Look for: You should be able to hold a hand above the grate for a few seconds, not instantly pull away. Tip: Feed embers gradually for steady heat like an Argentinian parrilla. Avoid: Flames scorch fat and make the meat taste acrid.

3. Grill patiently

   Cook thicker cuts slowly away from direct flame and thinner steaks over stronger heat. Turn only when the surface releases and the colour is well developed.

   Look for: The outside should be browned, with juices still lively inside. Tip: Move meat to a cooler zone if fat begins to flare. Avoid: Constant flipping before a crust forms can tear the surface.

4. Rest and slice

   Rest the meat for 5-10 minutes, then carve across the grain into clean slices.

   Look for: Juices should settle rather than flood the board. Tip: Use a sharp knife and look for the direction of the fibres before slicing. Avoid: Cutting immediately makes the meat dry.

5. Serve with chimichurri

   Serve with chimichurri, salsa criolla, bread, potatoes or salad, keeping sauce on the side.

   Look for: The meat should remain the focus, with bright herbs alongside. Tip: A small amount of acidity balances the richness of grilled beef. Avoid: Do not cover the beef in sauce before serving.

Nutrition

per serving

Estimated from the upgraded serves-2 metric ingredient list; verify with a calculator before making health claims.