Sesame Salmon

Sesame Salmon is an easy, but elegant fish dish.I draw on some Asian flavours to spice things up.  Growing up Italian, fish was a staple in our home.  We ate it at least twice a week and on all Fridays.  My dad is from Sicily and when I visit Sicily, I live on fish.  Don’t give me anything else.  The sea boast an abundance of fish and every summer for six weeks, I am spoiled by the delicious dishes prepared in a variety of ways.

My favourite fishing venture when we visit Sicily is to go fishing with our friends Manuela and Antonio.  There is a local fisherman who has taken us out many times.  When our children traveled with us, we caught the fish, had a swim off the boat in the piercing blue waters of the Mediterranean and then enjoyed a simple but delicious lunch.  They would flash fry the fish and served it with bread, wine and then a sweet melon.  Life is good!

That’s the secret to serving fish to your family.  Serve it in a variety of ways and find what works.  The number one rule to remember is fish shouldn’t taste or smell fishy.  If it does, throw it out.  The next rule is the flavour element. Fish can be bland and needs good spices and condiments to add flavour.  This recipe is a hit with our grandson. 

For a good read on fishing in Sicily go to https://www.holidayme.com/explore/deep-sea-fishing-sicily-italy/Ingredients

For a typical Italian way to serve a firm fish see my  https://recipesatmytable.com/basa-fillets-with-olives/

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons each of canola oil, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, honey and sesame oil
• 1 clove of garlic minced
• 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
• 4 salmon filets
• salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp chives
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Process

Combine the canola oil, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, honey, grated ginger and sesame oil. This makes a marinade for the salmon.

This is fresh Atlantic Salmon.

Salt and pepper the salmon and pour the marinade over it.  Place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours and turn it at least once.Place the salmon in lightly greased baking dish.  Pour all the marinade over the salmon. Put in a 400 F oven for 15 minutes.

Place on a platter and pour the extra sauce over it.  Top with the chives and toasted sesame seeds.

We served it with smashed baked potatoes and butternut squash today. 

Tandoori Salmon

Adding the tandoori to this salmon makes it extra tender. Tandoori Salmon makes a great family or entertaining recipe.  You can enjoy your company while making a great meal.  The make ahead marinade ensures that you can enjoy an evening with family or guests. The spices used aren’t strange to an Italian kitchen, especially a Sicilian one.

Most of us think that tandoori is a spice and that is how I relate to it.  However, in Indian cooking it involves marinated meat cooked over a fire in a clay pot.  I am cooking my salmon with tandoori spices and in a clay dish.  Tandoori is usually cooked in a very hot oven, but you have to be careful that the spices don’t burn.  I am using a cheat method as the broiler will do the final work.

An interesting read https://marigoldmaison.com/what-is-tandoori-chicken/

Another one of my favourite salmon dishes https://recipesatmytable.com/chocolate-teriyaki-salmon/

Ingredients

• I used one pound of  skinless salmon for the two of us
• 1 cup greek yogurt
• 1/2 tsp each of  paprika,turmeric, salt, cumin, and pepper
• 1/4 tsp  each of cardamon, ginger and cinnamon
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• pinch of red pepper flakes ( optional)

Process

Video follows

To make the tandoori sauce combine all the spices and the yogurt.

Pat the salmon dry and place it in a deep dish or bowl.

Spread the tandoori sauce over the salmon and turn it.  Place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.If you have a clay dish use it.  You can also place the salmon on parchment paper over a baking sheet.  Place in a 375 F oven for 15 minutes.  Finish by turning the broiler on low for 2-3 minutes.

Out of the oven and you can see that rich Tandoori colour.

Tonight we are having it over rice with a side of vegetables. 

Watch the video by clicking the link:  Tandoori Salmon: Recipes At My Table

 

Easy Teriyaki Basa

I love eating fish, but I don’t always like any fishy smell lingering in my kitchen. Easy Teriyaki Basa comes together in 15 minutes.  I bake the fish in the oven with three simple ingredients.  It comes out candied and yummy. Eating fish is part of our diet at least twice a week.  I am constantly looking for ways to dress it up.  Sometimes a little olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper with a few herbs is all I need.

My friend Ilona Thibert makes the best pickled yellow squash and tonight it will accompany this fish dish. Ilona and her husband Robert live on what I call a small farm.  I love the idea that more of our generation turns to natural products. Browsing through her herbal garden is a pleasure.  She inspires me with her enthusiasm for getting back to basics and the land.  She has the smartest cats in her barn  Ilona is famous for the variety of pickled vegetables she makes and I think she should market them.

Basa is a meaty thick fish that keeps its texture and soaks up a variety of flavours. Basa is a good source of protein and healthy fats.  It is cheaper to buy than many other types of fish.  If you are watching your weight it has a low calorie count.  Make sure that you cook it properly.  Much of the fish today is farmed and may contain some form of bacteria.   Try to stay away from imported fish because it may not meet international standards for safety.  Read packages and buy local products.

One thing for sure, this recipe shows us that food doesn’t have to be complicated to be good. A few ingredients go a long way. Enjoy!!

For a real treat try:  https://recipesatmytable.com/chocolate-teriyaki-salmon/

I gather the ingredients to make the basting sauce.

The sauce comes together easily.

I place the fish on a lightly oiled pan lined with tin foil.

Place the pan into a 400F oven for 10 to 12 minutes.

All dressed-up on the plate with some fried rice and pickled yellow squash.

 

Ingredients:

• combing 4 tablespoons each of honey and soy sauce
• grate in 1 tsp of ginger
• 2 basa fillets
• 1 scallion for dressing

Process:

1. I preheat the o en to 400 F and line a pan with aluminum foil.
2. Take 1/2 tsp of olive oil and spread it out on the pan
3. Arrange the fish fillets on the pan.
4. Salt and pepper the fish.
5. Brush on the sauce.
6. Bake in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes.
7. Serve with friend rice and sprinkle with some scallions.