Snoek with apricot glaze

1 snoek, about 1.5kg,

flecked Handful coarse salt 100g butter, soft 100g apricot jam 1 lemon, juice and zest Crushed roasted almonds Dried apricots MAKE a fire. Snoek is grilled over high heat. You need a folding or “clapper” grid for this so that it is easy to turn – snoek is oily and sticks terribly to a flat grid.

To “flek” or “vlek” a snoek is to gut and clean it. Because of its anatomy, it’s a particular skill among fishermen. Take it from me, leave it to someone who knows how.

Sprinkle coarse salt on both sides of the snoek, leave it to cure for 20 minutes, then wipe off the excess salt and pat it dry with a cloth or paper towel.

Place it in your braai grid and hang it somewhere to air dry for another 20 minutes.

While the snoek is hanging in the breeze, mix the butter, apricot jam, lemon juice and zest.

Place the snoek over hot coals, skin side first, for two to three minutes, being careful not to burn the skin.

While it’s cooking, baste the flesh side with the glaze.

Turn the snoek over. The butter dripping into the fire will create flame and smoke. Don’t stress, it is part of the process.

Leave the snoek on the flesh side until it is caramelised.

This should take about three to four minutes. Fish cooks quickly, so don’t wander off.

Carefully remove the snoek from the grid, dress with crushed roasted almonds and dried apricots and serve. Serves 4-6.