Category: Fish

Accompaniments · Fish

Curried tuna salad to put in sandwiches or pita pockets

Belinda

 

Such a divine  filling for sandwiches or even just wrapped in a lettuce leaf.

2 cans (about 6 oz each) solid light tuna packed in olive oil, well drained and broken into large chunks
1/4 cup drained sliced pickled jalapeno peppers, chopped
1/2 cup good mayonnaise
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tsp best quality curry powder
1/4 cup diced celery heart
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup dark raisins
1/2 cup coarsely chopped Granny Smith apple, unpeeled
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Gently combine the tuna, jalapenos, mayonnaise, lime juice, curry powder, celery heart, red onion, raisins, apple, basil and salt and pepper to taste, in a medium bowl.
Serve with bread or pita pockets.

Fish · Grains · Meat

Creole jambalaya

Belinda

Gorgeous and so flavorful.

Serves 6
12 oz ground pork
1 tbsp olive oil
5 oz Spanish chorizo, diced
1 onion, finely diced
3 large garlic cloves, crushed
1 red pepper, finely diced
1 green pepper, finely diced
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cumin
7 fl oz white wine
14 or 15 oz can of chopped tomatoes
1 3/4 pints chicken stock, and more if required
12 oz brown basmati rice
4 oz shelled raw prawns, tails left on if you like
3 tbsp chopped Italian parsley
4 scallions, sliced
sour cream, optional

Season the ground pork and roll it into bite sized meatballs.
Heat a large pan, add a dash of oil and brown the meatballs for 7 to 8 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Add the diced chorizo, onion, garlic and peppers to the pan and cook for 5 minutes.
Add the bay leaves, turmeric, paprika and cumin and stir for 1 minutes more before pouring in the white wine and tomatoes.
Meanwhile, heat the stock separately.

Add the rice to the pan and stir well. Pour the stock into the rice and meatball, and bring to a simmer.
Cover the pan with a lid and cook over the lowest heat for 30 to 35 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
Add more stock if it is getting too dry.

Stir in the prawns and cook for 4 to 4 minutes or until they turn pink.
Before serving, stir in the parsley and scallions, then season to taste.
Serve with a dollop of sour cream, if you like.

 

Do-ahead · Fish

Shrimp Burgers with Roasted Garlic-orange aioli

Belinda

Absolutely gorgeous and SO different with the superb flavors of the garlic-orange aioli binding the succulent shrimp together, then slathered between the burger and the bun.

Makes 4 patties.

Roasted garlic-orange aioli

1 head garlic
1/2 cup plus 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 large egg yolks, room temperature
1/2 cup grapeseed oil
Kosher salt
2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice plus 1 tsp finely grated zest (from 1 orange)
freshly ground black pepper.

To roast the garlic;  Heat the oven to 400 F.
Peel away the outer skin of 1 garlic head, and cut off the top 1/4 to 1/2 inch of the head to expose the individual cloves.
Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over the garlic head, wrap in foil and roast for 30 to 35 mins, or until the cloves are soft when pressed.
Cool, then squeeze the cloves from their skin. Mash 3 cloves and set aside — reserve the rest for another use.

In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks.
Gradually whisk in the remaining olive oil, then the grapeseed oil; begin with small drizzles, then whisk in a thin stream until the mayonnaise is very thick.
Whisk in a pinch of salt and then the orange juice, a little at a time (you may not need the full amount) orange zest and the roasted garlic paste.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Shrimp burgers
5 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup finely chopped fennel, from one small bulb (fronds reserved)
1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
2 tbsp finely chopped fennel fronds
1 tbsp finely chopped chives
1 tbsp grated zest from 1 orange
1 1/2lb shrimp, peeled and deveined, finely chopped by hand
Kosher salt and ground black pepper
* 1 to 2 tbsp roasted garlic-orange aioli
Toasted hamburger buns for serving. (brioche is also nice)

In a large saute pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
Add the fennel and shallots and cook until they start to caramelize, about 10 minutes.
Add the red bell pepper and cook about 5 mins longer; you want the pepper to soften but retain it’s texture.
Remove from the heat.
Mix in the fennel fronds, chives and orange zest.

In a bowl, combine the chopped shrimp with the sauteed vegetable-herb mixture and salt and pepper. (to taste).
Fold in the aioli, a teaspoon at a time, to just bind the burgers.
Form them into  four patties, refrigerate until ready to cook.

Heat the remaining 3 tbsp olive oil in a pan (cast iron works well) over medium-heat and fry the patties until golden, about 4 minutes on each side or until cooked through.

Spread the aioli on both sides of the toasted buns’ serve the shrimp burgers with your favorite condiments, such as a big leaf of butter lettuce

 
Fish · Gluten Free

Slow-roast salmon with fennel, citrus and chiles

Belinda

This is slow roasted, succulent salmon that gathers together the flavors of the fennel, lemon and chili.  You can also try it with halibut, cod or turbot fillets. Thank you to Bon Appetite magaxine for this beauty.

Serves 4

1 medium fennel; bulb, thinly sliced
1 blood or navel orange, very thinly sliced, seeds removed
1 Meyer or regular lemon, very thinly sliced, seeds removed
4 sprigs dill, plus more for serving
1 red Fresno chili or jalapeno with seeds, thinly sliced
kosher salt and coarsely ground black pepper
1/2 lb skinless salmon fillet, preferably center-cut
3/4 cup olive oil
Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)

Preheat the oven to 275 F
Toss the fennel, orange slices, lemon slices, chili and 4 dill sprigs in a shallow 3 qt baking dish.
Season with kosher salt and ground pepper. Season the salmon with salt and place on top of the fennel mixture.
Pour over the oil.

Roast until the salmon is just cooked (the tip of the knife will slide through easily and the flesh will be slightly opaque), 30 to 40 minutes for medium rare.

Transfer the salmon to a platter, breaking it into large pieces as you go.
Spoon the fennel mixture and oil from the baking dish over it.
Discard the dill sprigs.
Season with sea salt and ground pepper and top with the fresh dill sprigs.

Asian flavors · Curry · Fish · Whole30 compliant

Thai-style halibut (or other white fish) in a coconut-curry broth

Belinda

Light and very flavorful.

Serves 4

2 tsp vegetable oil
4 shallots, finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)
2 1/2 tsp red curry paste (or 2 tsp curry powder)
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup light coconut milk
1/2 tsp salt, plus 1/4 tsp, plus more for seasoning
4 (6 oz) fillets of halibut or any other flaky white fish, like cod or chilean sea bass
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
2 scallions green part only, thinly sliced
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
freshly ground black pepper

*2 cups cooked brown rice, for serving
* 1lb steamed spinach for serving

In a large saute pan, heat the oil over moderate heat.
Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
Add the curry paste (or powder) and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the chicken broth, coconut milk, 1/2 tsp salt and simmer until reduced to 2 cups, about 5 minutes.

Season the fish fillets with 1/2 tsp salt. Arrange the fish in the pan and gently shake the pan so the fish is coated with the sauce.
Cover and cook until the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 7 minutes

Arrange a pile of steamed spinach in the bottom of 4 soup plates. Top with the fish fillets. Stir the cilantro, scallions and lime juice into the sauce and season, to taste with salt and pepper.
Ladle the sauce over the fish and serve with rice.

 

Fish

Fish tacos with lime, cilantro and chipotle cream

Belinda

Another low calorie recipe, and this is great because of the combination of fish, lime, cilantro, corn tortillas and the divine chipotle cream.
I feel like I have to post a few of these “lighter” recipes, given it’s January and everyone is trying to stick to their new Year’s resolutions. (for now)

Serves 4

FISH
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
1/4 tsp salt
ground black pepper
1 lb white flaky fish, like Chilean sea bass, cod, halibut or tilapia

CHIPOTLE CREAM
1/2 cup plain nonfat yoghurt
2 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tsp chipotle pepper in adobo sauce

8 (6 inch) corn tortillas
1 1/2 cups shredded green cabbage or lettuce
1/2 cup corn kernels, thawed if frozen)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
Lime wedges

In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, lime juice, salt and pepper.
Pour over the fish fillets and let marinate for 20 minutes.
Put the yoghurt into a strainer lined with paper towel and place over a bowl to drain and thicken for 20 minutes.

Remove the fish from the marinade and grill or fry on a preheated grill pan or non stick pan over a medium heat until cooked through, about 3 minutes per side.
Set the fish aside on a plate for 5 minutes.

In a small bowl combine the thickened yoghurt, mayonnaise and chipotle pepper.

Heat the tortillas on the grill pan for 30 secs on each side.

Flake the fish with a fork. Top each tortilla with 1 tbsp of the chipotle cream. Top with some fish, cabbage, corn and cilantro and serve with the lime wedges

Do-ahead · Fish · Nuts

Quick salmon with a crunchy cheesy crust

Belinda
Who would have thought this combination of flavors would work so brilliantly!!  It’s fast, easy and gorgeous.
Serves 4
4x 6 oz salmon fillets, skin removed if you prefer
1/3 cup softened butter
4 tbsp toasted, slivered almonds
4 tbsp chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/2 cup Gruyere cheese, coarsely grated
Preheat the oven to 375 F
Season the salmon all over.
Liberally butter a shallow ovenproof dish big enough to take the fish in one layer.
Smear the salmon with the remaining butter
Mix together the almonds, parsley and Gruyere cheese, then press some on top of each piece of salmon.
Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the topping is crisp and golden and the salmon is cooked.
Serve with baby buttered potatoes and a green salad.

 

Appetizer Vegetarian · Appetizers · Fish · Gluten Free · Grains · Nuts

Grilled parmesan polenta with olives, peppers, pine nuts and rosemary

Belinda

So many wonderful Mediterranean flavors and gluten free!

Serves 8 as starter or 6 as a main course

2 1/2 pints water
1 tsp salt
1/2 lb polenta (It’s recommended to use the instant variety, which cooks in 5 minutes)
3 tbsp butter
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
3 red peppers
1 yellow pepper
extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1/2 cup pitted and chopped kalamata olives
3 anchovy fillets, drained of oil and squished (optional, but I love them)
1/4 cup fresh pine nuts
sea salt

Bring the water to the boil in a large wide (not tall and narrow) saucepan.
Add the salt, then shake in the polenta from a height. Stir continuously, using a wooden spoon.
When the polenta is cooked (5 mins for instant polenta and about 20 mins for regular polenta), stir in the butter and parmesan cheese.
Tip it on to a shallow tray and spread out to 1/2 inch thick. Smooth the surface and leave to cool. The cooked polenta can be left at room temperature for several hours, or it can be made a day in advance, but should be kept covered and refrigerated.

Blacken the peppers over a hot gas flame until well charred, put them into a paper bag (I use a paper grocery bag) and clip it shut so the peppers can steam until cool. This makes it easy to remove the skins.
When cool, remove the skins, core and seeds, put them into a colander over a bowl to catch any precious juices, and cut into fine slices.

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil over a low heat in a small pan and add the garlic and rosemary. Cook gently until aromatic, but don’t let the garlic color.
Add the black olives and take off the heat, then stir in the peppers and any juices caught underneath the peppers.
If using anchovies, blend them into this mixture. This can all be prepared a few hours ahead; cover and keep it at room temperature.

Fry the pine nuts in a little oil until golden (make sure you keep moving them around in the pan or they will burn) and drain on a paper towel, sprinkling them with a little salt.

When ready to finish off the polenta, cut it into squares and brush it on both sides with olive oil.
Barbecue the pieces on both sides, or grill them on an indoor griddle until light brown and crispy.
Transfer the crispy pieces onto a serving platter, spoon on the pepper topping and add a smattering of toasted pine nuts.

Serve immediately with a good, interesting green salad.

Fish

Broiled honey soy salmon

Belinda

I think this is one of my favorite dishes, as it’s very light, very quick and has terrific flavor.
Served with lemon-dill rice and ginger green beans (both recipes on this blog) makes the best meal without any guilt!

Serve 6

6 tbsp honey
6 tbsp soy sauce
2lbs salmon fillet, skin on
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 generous tbsp minced fennel fronds or Italian parsley

Preheat the broiler. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil

In a small bowl, combine the honey and soy sauce and mix well.
Lay the salmon, skin side down, on the baking sheet.
Drizzle a quarter of the sauce over the salmon.
Sprinkle with the red pepper flakes and fennel and broil 2 inches from the heat source for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon.
Drizzle every 2 to 3 minutes with the remaining sauce until the salmon turns a deep mahogany, is opaque and flakes when pierced with a fork.
Do not allow it to char.
Serve immediately

Accompaniments · Do-ahead · Fish · Gluten Free · Sauces

Tangy and fresh lime and caper vinaigrette to have with fish or chicken.

Belinda

This is a wonderful and versatile vinaigrette to serve with fish or chicken.
It’s divine paired with my “Light and zesty lemon dill rice” recipe. (in the RICE folder)
Thank you Delia Smith!

Juice and zest of 1 good sized juicy lime
1 heaped tbsp capers, drained
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 heaped tsp good grain mustard
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (coriander)
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper

To garnish

A few sprigs of fresh cilantro

Prepare the dressing by simply whisking all the ingredients together in a small mixing bowl.

Warm it through a little in a saucepan (to take off the chill) and tip over a nice piece of sauteed or poached fish, chicken or halloumi cheese
Top with the garnish of cilantro sprigs.
Serve with my lemon dill rice and you have a really light, stunning meal.