Acacia Wood Smoked Fish with Citrus Herb Salad
A smoky fish fillet grilled over acacia wood imparts a deep, rich flavor, paired with a fresh citrus and herb salad to brighten the palate. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, lemon zest, chopped fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (5 oz each) firm white fish fillets (e.g. cod or halibut)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup orange segments
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup, soaked in water for 30 minutes acacia wood chips
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat and prepare for smoking by placing 1 cup soaked acacia wood chips on the coals or in a smoker box.
- Step 2: Brush 4 fish fillets (5 oz each) with 3 tbsp olive oil and season evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp lemon zest.
- Step 3: Place fish fillets on the grill and smoke over the acacia wood for 8-10 minutes, turning once halfway, until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, toss 2 cups arugula with 1/2 cup orange segments, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
- Step 5: Serve the smoked fish over the citrus herb salad for a balanced, smoky and fresh meal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Acacia Wood Smoked Fish with Citrus Herb Salad take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Acacia Wood Smoked Fish with Citrus Herb Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Acacia Wood Smoked Fish with Citrus Herb Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Acacia Wood Smoked Fish with Citrus Herb Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Acacia Wood Smoked Fish with Citrus Herb Salad?
Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
