MasterChef finalist Mark O'Brien: Here are my fish and veg options for summer barbeques

Dubliner Mark O’Brien, a finalist on ‘MasterChef: The Professionals’ 2026, shares his ideas for fish and vegetable barbecue options that will bring big flavour to your outdoor table

Mark O'Brien: "Fish takes barbecue flavour so well. It’s incredibly quick and delicious"

As soon as summer arrives, the search for the barbecue begins. After most of a year hibernating at the back of the shed or under the stairs, it gets dragged into daylight and pressed into service for future sunshine days.

Since we first encountered barbecues in Ireland and managed to move beyond the disposable charcoal-filled tinfoil trays, our food focus has gone far beyond the typical burger and sausage selection and towards something lighter. But make no mistake: While there might be more of an emphasis on fish and vegetables, the food still needs to be delicious and satisfying. Margate-based Dubliner Mark O’Brien is a chef who understands how to achieve that balance.