Hands down, broiling is the easiest way to cook all kinds
of seafood, even mussels and clams; see the variations.
(Only super-thick or uneven steaks and roasts are offlimits.)
The key is to preheat the broiler and the pan. I
like a large cast-iron skillet, but you can use a heavy
rimmed baking sheet, a roasting pan, or the base of your
broiler pan (the part that’s left after you remove the
insert).
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or melted butter
About 11/2 pounds thin fish fillets, like flounder or sole
Salt and freshly ground black pepper or a pinch
cayenne
Chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Lemon wedges for serving
How to make
Broiled Fish Fillets
Heat the broiler until quite hot. Move the rack as
close to the heat source as possible (3 or 4 inches is good
and 2 inches is not too close). Put a sturdy pan on the
rack and heat it for about 5 minutes.
When it’s hot, remove the pan and pour in the
olive oil, then put the fillets in the oil and sprinkle with
salt and pepper. (If your pan won’t hold all the fish comfortably,
work in batches, transferring the first fillets to
warmed plates or a heated platter before proceeding.)
Time under the broiler will be 90 seconds to 2 minutes,
rarely more. Do not turn; the fillets are so thin it’s not
necessary. The fish is ready when it becomes opaque and
the tip of a knife flakes the thickest part easily.
To serve, carefully remove the fillets with a spatula,
sprinkle with parsley if you like, and pour the pan juices
over all. Garnish with lemon wedges.
Broiled Thick Fillets or Steaks.
Broiling is ideal for 1-
inch-thick pieces of fish like salmon, halibut, tuna,
snapper, swordfish, cod, striped bass, catfish, and so
on. If it’s a fillet, and you’re planning to eat the skin
(make sure it’s scaled), broil skin side up. While the
pan is heating, brush the fish lightly with the olive oil
(saving whatever remains) and sprinkle with salt and
pepper. When the pan is ready, put the fish in the pan
and drizzle the remaining oil around all. Broil, carefully
turning sturdier, thicker fillets or steaks once
about halfway through the cooking, for no more than
10 minutes for medium to medium well; use your
judgment.
Broiled Scallops or Shrimp.
While the pan is heating,
turn the fish in the olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and
pepper. Broil for about 3 minutes, shaking the pan
occasionally and turning once.
Broiled Clams, Mussels, or Oysters.
Put clams or mussels
directly into the preheated skillet. They’re done when
they open, within 10 minutes. If the shells start to
crack, remove the open mollusks and return the pan
to the oven. (Any that do not open are safe to eat, as
long as they were alive when you bought them; open
them with a dull knife or broil for a few minutes
longer.) Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and parsley if
you like, before serving.
Broiled Whole Fish.
Works best with fish under 3
pounds: While the pan is heating, turn the fish in the
olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper; get some
inside the cavity too. Depending on the thickness,
broil each side for 5 to 8 minutes; it’s okay if the skin
blisters and chars a bit.
Broiled Squid.
While the pan is heating, toss the cleaned
squid (whole or cut up) in the olive oil and sprinkle
with salt and pepper. Put it in the hot pan and cook,
shaking the pan as necessary until opaque, anywhere
from 1 to 3 minutes depending on how big the pieces
are, but no longer or they’ll become rubbery.
Broiled Octopus. Boil the octopus in seasoned water
until quite tender.
The amount of time is unpredictable, but this can be done up to a
day in advance. Then broil until nicely browned on
most sides, anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes.