Balık Ekmek — Istanbul Fish Sandwich

Balık ekmek is Istanbul in sandwich form: hot grilled mackerel, crisp onion and lettuce, a squeeze of lemon, and sturdy bread eaten beside the Bosphorus.

Serves 4 | Prep 15 minutes | Cook 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 4 skin-on mackerel fillets, pin bones removed

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and black pepper

• 4 crusty bread rolls or half loaves

• 1 onion, thinly sliced

• 1 tsp sumac, optional

• Shredded lettuce

• Lemon wedges

METHOD

1. Pat the mackerel dry, brush with oil, and season.

2. Heat a griddle or grill until very hot. Cook skin-side down for 4 minutes, pressing briefly so the skin stays flat. Turn and cook 2–3 minutes more.

3. Warm and split the bread. Add lettuce and onion tossed with sumac, then place a hot fillet in each roll.

4. Squeeze generously with lemon and serve immediately.

AUTHENTICITY NOTE

The classic Eminönü sandwich is direct and unfussy. Mackerel, onion, lettuce, lemon, and bread are the essential elements; heavy sauces distract from the smoky fish.