Salt-Crusted Dorade

Salt-Crusted Dorade Presentation

Our trip to France exposed me to some marvelous foods, such as the spicy Moroccan olives and leek pie I mentioned previously. But it also taught me about different cooking methods. Thus I learned how to bake a salt-crusted fish whole.

I’ll admit I was hesitant at first–the idea seemed a little unappetizing. But I put my skepticism aside and forged ahead in the interest of trying something new.

So what is a salt crust, and how does it work? It’s a mixture of salt crystals and egg whites. You completely surround the fish—or chicken or beef—with the salt mixture, creating a hard crust that traps moisture. This effectively steams the meat, making it tender and moist. read more

Krab Salad with Spicy Mayo

Krab Salad with Spicy Mayo

Krab salad with spicy mayo makes for a wonderful appetizer or light entrée. It’s made from imitation krab sticks, which are composed of precooked fish with crab flavoring. Krab sticks have a slightly sweet taste with a hint of crab. They’re low in fat, easy to prepare, and inexpensive, making them an excellent item to have on hand. If you’ve ever tried a California roll, then you’ve had imitation krab.

Imitation Krab, krab sticks, imitation crab, krab salad, crab salad

The spicy mayo adds a nice kick to the subtly sweet krab. The krab’s delicate texture, which mimics actual crabmeat, gives the meal an airy lightness, balanced with the richness of Japanese mayo. The spicy zest of the mayo and the thick, sweet eel sauce add waves of flavor to this salad and really takes it to the next level. read more

Coriander Fish with Lemon Rice

Coriander Fish with Lemon Rice, Spice-rubbed fish, Lemon, Zucchini, Rice, Tilapia, Dinner, Weeknight dinner, spice mix

This meal is flavorful, fast, and healthy. With very little prep required and the use of only one pot, this meal is great for a busy week night. The zest, lemon juice, and poppy seeds transform ordinary rice into a satisfying, citrusy delight. The spice-rubbed fish is placed over the rice and is steamed, producing a very healthy alternative to sautéing or frying. The coriander spice mix complements the flavors of the rice with the citrus-like flavor of the coriander, while the ginger and paprika add spicy, sweet notes. A truly, satisfying dish. read more

Tilapia with Tomatillo Sauce and Avocados with Creamy Corn and Peppers

Tilapia with Tomatillo Sauce and Avocados with Creamy Corn and Peppers

Today I give you a dish inspired by the flavors of Mexico, utilizing cilantro, lime, garlic, tomatillos, and peppers. This dish makes for a wonderful presentation, with the yellow of the corn, the red and green of the peppers, and the nice golden-brown of the fish; it is sure to please the eye. This meal is packed full of flavor and healthy to boot. Serve with cold beer or margaritas and you’re in for a fun night.

Featured Ingredient: Tomatillo

Tomatillos

Tomatillos are related to tomatoes. They are small, round, green fruit and have a greenish-brown papery husk covering them. When using tomatillos, first remove the husks; the husks will be somewhat sticky. Carefully wash the tomatillos, removing any dirt. Next cut the top off the tomatillos. Then use the tomatillos as needed. Tomatillos are a staple in Mexican cuisine and can be used in salsas, as well as in a variety of sauces. If you have not tried them, you really should. read more