Sesame Ginger Tuna Fillets And Green Beans
Sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 cloves garlic pressed
1 tablespoon ginger freshly grated
Tuna
1 teaspoon store-bought Asian Spice rub mixture, see below
2 Yellowfin Tuna fillets, wild-caught, (about 6 oz each)
1 tablespoon peanut oil
1 cup cooked green beans
Directions
In a bowl mix together the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger. Set to the side.
Rinse and pat dry the tuna steaks. Season with the rub mixture and let rest for 15 minutes.
Heat a skillet to high heat with the oil.
Place tuna in the skillet and cook, uncovered, 4 to 6 minutes per ½-inch thickness (6 to 9 minutes for the ¾-inch-thick steaks) or until fish begins to flake when tested with a fork but is still pink in the center, turning once during cooking. Adjust the heat as needed if the skillet gets too hot.
Arrange the cooked green beans on two plates and top each with a tuna fillet. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of the sauce over each serving of fish..
Serve the remaining sauce as a dipping sauce
Note: The Asian spice rub I use contains equal amounts of
salt, brown sugar, red chili flakes, sesame seeds, ginger, and garlic.
Cucumber And Radish Salad
Ingredients
2 cucumbers
Half a white onion, sliced
6 large radishes
Kosher salt
Dressing
½ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon dried dill
Directions
Peel the cucumbers and slice into rounds. Place them in a colander. Add the sliced onion and 1 teaspoon of salt. Let it drain for 30 minutes.
In a serving dish combine the ingredients for the dressing. Slice the radishes thin and add to the dressing along with the cucumber slices and onion. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate until serving time.
Trout Fillets
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 small clove garlic, cut into thin slices
1/4 teaspoon dried sage or 4 large fresh leaves, minced
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 teaspoon fresh leaves, minced
¼ teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh leaves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
1 whole rainbow trout deboned and cut into 2 fillet halves, skin on
Chopped parsley
Directions
Light an outdoor grill or heat the broiler. In a small stainless-steel saucepan, combine the oil, butter, garlic, sage, thyme, and rosemary. Cook over moderately low heat until the garlic just starts to brown, about 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Brush the fish with some of the lemon sauce on both sides of the fish. Grill or broil the fish skin-side down for 4-5 minutes. Pour the remaining sauce over the cooked fish. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve the fillets with the sweet potatoes.
Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 1/4 pounds total), peeled and sliced ¼-inch thick
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 sprig fresh rosemary
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Directions
Heat oven to 400° F. Whisk together the vinegar and sugar in a small bowl. Set aside.
Toss the potatoes, oil, rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in an 8-inch baking dish. Cover with foil and bake until just tender, 25-30 minutes. Add the butter and reserved vinegar mixture. Continue to roast, uncovered, basting occasionally with the pan juices, until the potatoes are golden brown, 15-20 minutes more.
Sauteed Swiss Chard or Spinach
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 large bunches Swiss chard or spinach, ribs and stems removed, leaves torn into 2”
pieces
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Directions
Wash the chard well in several changes of cold water. Drain in a colander. Heat oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and half of the Swiss chard, season with salt and pepper. Cook, tossing often until wilted. Add the lemon juice and remaining chard and cook, tossing, just until all chard is wilted about 1 minute. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
If it is not grilling season where you live the trout and asparagus can be roasted in a 400 degree F oven for 20-25 minutes. The tomatoes for 5 minutes.
Grilled Rainbow Trout
For 2 servings
Ingredients
1 whole dressed rainbow, head removed; tail on
1 lemon sliced into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
1 large garlic clove, sliced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 whole dressed rainbow trout (about 10 ounces each), head removed; tail on
3 celery tops
1 spring onion cut into pieces
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Nonstick cooking spray
Directions
Sprinkle the inside of the fish with salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and place the garlic slices on one side of the fish. Stuff the inside of the fish with lemon slices, pieces of spring onion and the celery tops. Fold the other half of the fish over the filling and secure with metal skewers.
Preheat a grill to medium-high.
Coat outside of the fish with cooking spray. Place fish over direct heat; grill 4 minutes. Turn over; move to indirect heat. Grill 12 minutes or until done.
Grilled Asparagus Wrapped In Prosciutto
Ingredients
1 bunch thin asparagus spears, woody ends removed
6 very thin slices Prosciutto de Palma
Olive oil
Coarse black pepper
Directions
Bundle asparagus together in small batches ( I made 6 bundles with 6 asparagus in each) and wrap one slice of prosciutto around each bundle.
Place the bundles in an oiled piece of foil. Sprinkle the bundles with olive oil and black pepper.
Slide the asparagus onto the grill after you move the trout to the indirect side of the grill. They will be done when the fish is cooked.
Grilled Cherry Tomatoes
Place 6-8 cherry tomatoes on a skewer. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place on the grill for 2 minutes. Remove to a platter with the trout and asparagus.
One of the best things about cooking seafood is its versatility — it can be grilled, broiled, poached, baked or cooked in a skillet. Seafood is actually one of the easiest ingredients to cook with and can be one of the fastest to prepare. Fish is also healthy.
Health studies show that eating fish at least once a week, especially cold-water species high in omega-3 fatty acids, reduces the risk of heart problems. Other research suggests that regularly eating omega-3–rich fish may prevent or relieve depression, joint problems, Alzheimer’s disease and several cancers. Even seafood low in omega-3s, like scallops and crab, are rich in other key nutrients.
Fish is delicate so it needs gentle techniques to make sure that it is tasty, cooked and yet retains all the benefits. Any way you choose to cook fish, remember that its flesh cooks quickly. The best way to cook fish and not lose its health benefits is to steam, bake, poach or grill the fish. Frying fish can cause fatty fish rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, to lose its beneficial oils; those oils get replaced with unhealthier oil in which the fish is fried. Evidence from Harvard researchers on a study of more than 4,700 older people indicates that eating fried fish or fried fish sandwiches was associated with a higher risk of stroke. Conversely, the study also found a direct relationship between consumption of broiled or baked fish and a reduced incidence of stroke. When you bake fish, you can use herbs to accentuate the flavors. On the grill, the fire lends a smoky flavor to the flesh of the fish.
Following are some of my favorite fish recipes.
Garlicky Baked Shrimp
4 servings
Ingredients
- Olive oil cooking spray
- 1 1/4 lbs medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 teaspoons olive oil
Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Coat 4 individual gratin dishes with cooking spray or a 13 x 9 inch baking dish.
Divide shrimp among dishes; set aside.
Combine breadcrumbs and the next 4 ingredients; stir in juice and oil.
Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over shrimp.
Place dishes on a baking sheet.
Bake for 15-18 minutes or until shrimp are done and breadcrumbs are lightly browned.
Baked Salmon with Red Wine and Honey
4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 8 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 pound salmon fillet, cut into 4 pieces (skin left on)
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed with the flat side of a knife
- 1/2 cup light red wine, such as Beaujolais or Pinot Noir
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In the bottom of a glass or ceramic baking dish, drizzle olive oil and scatter thyme sprigs. Lay salmon on top of the thyme, skin side up. Arrange garlic cloves around salmon.
In a small bowl, whisk together red wine and honey and pour over salmon.
Bake 15-20 minutes and remove the dish from the oven. Peel off the salmon skin, if desired, and arrange fillets on a warm serving dish.
Pour dish juices into a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce until syrupy, about 10 minutes. Season sauce with salt and black pepper, spoon over the salmon and serve.
Panko-Crusted Catfish
4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 6 drops hot sauce
- 4 catfish fillets (about 6 ounces each) or any other thin white fish fillets
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon blackened spice mix, see recipe below
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Lemon wedges (for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a shallow dish, mix milk and hot sauce. Add catfish, turn to coat well and marinate for 10 minutes.
In a pie plate, mix nuts, breadcrumbs and spices. Dip fillets into crumb mixture, pressing crumbs onto each fillet. Place fish on the prepared baking sheet.
Drizzle a 1/2 tablespoon olive oil over each fillet. Bake fish for 12-15 minutes until crispy, depending on thickness. Remove fish to a serving platter and serve with lemon wedges.
Blackening Spice:
3 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon dried ground thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Spicy Rainbow Trout Fillets
4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 (6 ounce) rainbow trout fillets (1/2-inch thick)
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, recipe below
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 green onion, sliced thin
- Lemon wedges
Directions
Preheat the broiler. Pat fillets dry and lightly brush both sides with oil. Sprinkle both sides evenly with Cajun seasoning.
Place skin side down on an oiled broiler pan. Broil 4-6 inches from the heat for 4-5 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.
Arrange on a warmed serving platter and sprinkle with parsley and sliced green onion. Serve with lemon wedges.
Cajun Seasoning
Combine 1 tablespoon paprika, 2 teaspoons sea salt, 1½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, a pinch of cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon each dried oregano, chili powder and dry mustard.
Halibut Packets with Artichokes and Tomatoes
Serves 1
Ingredients
- One 6-ounce boneless, skinless halibut fillet
- 1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 lemon slices
- 6 cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup water-packed artichoke hearts, drained
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or basil
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Parchment paper
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Arrange halibut in the middle of a 12 x 12-inch piece of parchment paper. Drizzle both sides of the fish with the oil.
Top with lemon and arrange tomatoes, artichoke hearts and parsley over the top and around the sides. Season all over with salt and pepper.
Fold up parchment like a package, making sure the seam is at the top to seal the ingredients inside; tuck under the ends.
Transfer to a baking sheet and bake until the fish is just cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.
Place package on a plate and carefully open the parchment paper to release the steam before serving.
Many seafood sellers are working to raise awareness about the need for sustainable, eco-friendly fishing and the importance of not purchasing seafood on the endangered list. However, it does have one downside: a glut of eco-labels that can make for confusion at the seafood counter. When you’re grocery shopping and you’ve forgotten your Monterey Bay Guide, look for these two labels: Marine Stewardship Council and Friend of the Sea. Fish and seafood with these labels came from certified sustainable and well-managed fisheries.
The Marine Stewardship Council’s standards for sustainable fishing meet the world’s toughest best practice guidelines. With their practices and diligent efforts, they are transforming the way seafood is sourced—and helping you get the best produce for you and the Earth.
Friend of the Sea is a non-profit non-governmental organization (NGO) working to conserve marine habitats. Products stamped with the Friend of the Sea logo come from sustainable seafood fisheries and aquaculture where the harvesting of seafood leaves no lasting impact or damage to the surrounding environment.
Types of Fish
1. Dark and oil rich: anchovies, bluefin tuna, grey mullet, herring, mackerel (Atlantic, Boston or King), Salmon, farmed or King (Chinook), sardines, skipjack tuna.
2. White, lean and firm: Alaska pollock, catfish, grouper, haddock, Pacific cod, Pacific halibut, Pacific rockfish, Pacific sand dab & sole, striped bass (wild and hybrid), swordfish.
3. Medium color and oil rich: amberjack, Arctic char, Coho salmon, Hawaiian kampachi, mahimahi, paddlefish, pompano, Sockeye Salmon, wahoo, yellowfin tuna.
4. White, lean and flaky: Atlantic croaker, black sea bass, branzino, flounder, rainbow smelt, red snapper, tilapia, rainbow trout, weakfish (sea trout), whiting.
5. White, firm and oil rich: Atlantic shad, albacore tuna, California white sea bass, Chilean sea bass, cobia, lake trout, lake whitefish, Pacific escolar, Pacific sablefish, white sturgeon.
Budget-conscious families can eat fish. The key is strategic shopping.
Your seafood seller can point you to budget buys or specials. Grocery stores sell large packs of individually wrapped, frozen fish fillets, usually at a rate discounted from fresh varieties. In-season, fresh varieties are also a good buy; you can enjoy them now and freeze some for later.
For top quality, look for “Frozen-at-Sea” (FAS)―fish that has been flash-frozen at extremely low temperatures in as little as three seconds onboard the ship. When thawed, sea-frozen fish are almost indistinguishable from fresh fish, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Frozen wild Bristol Bay sockeye salmon is a good alternative when fresh wild salmon are out of season. Ask your seller for guidance when considering frozen options. Some processors use tripolyphosphates, a type of phosphate sodium preservative that increases moisture in frozen fish fillets (which are often defrosted for sale). The price may be lower, but you’re buying water and preservatives along with your fish.
Look for recipes that use less expensive varieties or smaller amounts of pricier seafood. Look for meaty heads, tails and trimmings of larger fish, like salmon, cod and halibut, which are often sold at bargain prices. Simmer or steam, pick off the meat and add to chowder and casseroles. (Don’t forget the cheek meat under the gills). Heads and trimmings are essential to making fish stock, which is more flavorful and lower in sodium that ready-made varieties. Use homemade fish stock in place of water or clam juice in your recipes.
If whole fish seem intimidating, try steak-cut or skin-on fillets. The bones and connective tissue of steak-cut fish, like salmon, cod and halibut help retain moisture and prevent shrinkage when cooked. For the same reasons, skin-on fillets are a better choice than skinless fillets. Since these options are less processed, they’re often less expensive.
How To make Good Seafood Choices
Choose a fish market with knowledgeable salespeople. Fish should be displayed attractively and surrounded by plenty of clean crushed ice.
The best approach to buying and eating fish is to aim for variety. Let freshness be your guide. It’s easy to substitute one fish for another, so if the mahimahi looks and smells fresher than the pompano, buy it instead.
When shopping, ask for your fish to be packed with a separate bag of crushed ice to keep it cold. Refrigerate whole fish up to two days; fillets and steaks one to two days. Place the fish in a plastic bag, then top with a zip-top plastic bag filled with ice. Thaw frozen fish in the refrigerator.
Farmed seafood, also called aquaculture, can provide high-quality fish, can be environmentally friendly and can be a way to supplement the supply of wild-caught fish.
Ways to Save
When local fish are in season, the price goes down and the quality goes up. Here is a simple guide to what is generally in season but you can also check your State Fish and Game website for additional information on fish from your region.
http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/afreshapproach/whats-in-season.aspx
Try fish that you have not eaten before. If you live in the East, try Atlantic black sea bass and weakfish; in the Gulf states try amberjack and black drum; in the Great Lakes region try walleye and smelts and on the West Coast try Pacific sardines and sablefish (black cod).
Whole fish shrink less than fillets when cooking, giving you more value for your per-pound price. Whiting, croaker, porgy and Pacific rockfish can be great values. Also, consider summer flounder (sometimes called fluke), red snapper and farmed striped bass and Arctic char.
Canned fish is an excellent budget-friendly option. It can also be a nutritious one, particularly varieties like canned tuna and salmon that are low in sodium and rich in omega-3s. Keep them―along with flavorful sardines and anchovies―on hand for fish cakes and salads.
Save extra fish from the previous night’s dinner. Leftover fish works well in cold preparations like salads, sandwiches and wraps. Add leftovers to cooked pasta mixed with diced tomatoes, cucumbers and olives. Drizzle with olive oil and fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Panko Crusted Fish Sticks
Panko crumbs, or Japanese bread crumbs, are flake-like, coarsely ground bread crumbs used to make crisp, light fried foods and crumb toppings for casseroles. Here is a very simple and inexpensive way to make your own. FYI, these crumbs are also gluten-free.
- 3 cups Rice Chex Cereal
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Additional seasonings, as desired
Place the Rice Chex cereal in a plastic bag. Use a rolling-pin to crush the cereal into coarse flakes. You can also pulse the cereal in a processor until it is the right consistency. Don’t overprocess. Season with salt and pepper and any herb blend that you like.
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds catfish or tilapia fillets, halved lengthwise
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
Directions
Heat the oven to 450º F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper or nonstick foil.
In a shallow bowl, beat the egg, onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until foamy. Place the panko in a second shallow bowl and add the Italian seasoning.
Cut the fish pieces crosswise into finger size pieces. Dip each piece of fish in the egg mixture then coat in the panko crumbs, pressing gently to help them adhere; transfer to the baking pan. Bake until golden brown, about 10 to 12 minutes. Serve with a sauce of your choice.
Tilapia Piccata
4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked orzo (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 3/4 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 (6-ounce) tilapia fillets
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon drained capers
Directions
Cook orzo pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to pasta pot; stir in tomatoes, 1/4 teaspoon salt, parsley and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Set aside and keep warm.
Combine remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper and flour in a large shallow dish. Dredge fish in the flour mixture. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add fish to the skillet; cook 1 1/2 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork and is lightly browned. Remove fish from the pan; keep warm.
Add wine, juice and capers to the skillet; cook 30 seconds. Remove from heat. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet; stir until butter melts. Pour sauce over the fish and serve with the orzo.
Cod Chowder
Great dinner for a cold, rainy night.
Ingredients
- 3 slices pork or turkey bacon, finely chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 pound red potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch dice
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (8-ounce) bottle clam juice or 1 cup homemade fish stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound frozen cod, defrosted and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup half-and-half, warmed
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
Heat a heavy soup pot over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook until the bacon is golden brown and crispy, about 10 minutes. With a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and reserve, leaving the fat in the pot.
Add the onion, celery, thyme and bay leaf to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes, until the vegetables are softened but not browned. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring, another 2 minutes.
Add the potatoes, broth and clam juice and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat to low and simmer until the potatoes are tender yet still firm, 5 to 7 minutes.
Season generously with salt and pepper. Add the cod and corn. Do not stir. Cook for 5 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, cover and allow the chowder to sit for 10 minutes (the fish will finish cooking during this time).
Return chowder to low heat and stir in the warmed half and half, gently to avoid breaking the fish into small pieces. Bring chowder to serving temperature over gentle heat, uncovered. Sprinkle reserved crisped bacon and parsley on top and serve with a side salad and cornbread.
Fish Kebabs
Stretch your fish dollars with kebabs. Add several vegetables to make this dish even more economical. Zucchini and different colored peppers are good additions.
4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds halibut or any fish fillet that is on sale, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 large bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 medium red onion, cut in eighths
- 3 tablespoons prepared basil pesto
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray
Directions
Preheat the broiler. Weather permitting, you can grill the kebabs on an outdoor grill.
Place fish and bell pepper in a shallow dish. Combine the pesto with the vinegar and drizzle over the fish and vegetables; toss to coat. Let mixture stand 5 minutes.
Thread fish, onion and pepper alternately onto each of 4 (12-inch) skewers; sprinkle evenly with salt. Place skewers on a jelly roll pan coated with cooking spray. Broil for 8 minutes or until desired degree of doneness, turning once.
Baked Trout Fillets
Trout is a fish that you’ll be able to buy at many markets without hurting your wallet. The flavor of trout is outstanding.
4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound trout fillets
- 1 cup (8 ounces) light sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Paprika
- Lemon wedges
Directions
Place fish in a greased shallow 3-qqart baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, cheese, lemon juice, onion and salt; spread over fish. Sprinkle with paprika.
Bake, uncovered, at 350° F for 20-25 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve with lemon wedges.
Related articles
- Seafood Watch (serves4.wordpress.com)
- Create delicious fish on the grill (diningtemecula.wordpress.com)
- http://jovinacooksitalian.com/2012/08/22/five-oven-baked-fish-dinners/
- http://jovinacooksitalian.com/2012/11/30/fish-cakes-italian-style/
- http://jovinacooksitalian.com/2014/01/06/eat-more-fish/
