Fried pearly razorfish

It is a dish with no secret other than the  pearly razorfish (Xyrichtys novacula), as the being extremely fresh, just caught. They only need to be cleaned of their guts—there’s no need to scale them or coat them in flour. A good drizzle of hot olive oil and just about 30 minutes per side are enough to fry them and simultaneously savor one of the greatest pleasures of fish gastronomy in Menorca in summer.

It should be noted that the galán is first female and later becomes male. Underwater, all galanes appear light in color with dark vertical stripes. However, freshly caught females are pinkish, while males are greenish-gray.

The closed season—when fishing is prohibited—runs from April 1 to August 31. The maximum number of catches allowed per fishing license per day is 50, and their total weight must not exceed 5 kg. This species is fished under the high sun, using handlines equipped with a special rig dragged along the seabed. One of the most commonly used baits is lamb heart.