Episode 239: Don't Be Scared of Cooking Fish at Home
Nov 14, 2022
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Molly Baz shares shopping and cooking fish tips for beginners, avoiding fishy smells at home. Alex Delany suggests fall drink recipes. Explore cooking methods for various seafood like squid, clams, and whole fish. Learn about buying frozen fish, making sustainable seafood choices, and transitioning from summer to fall cocktails.
Use low and slow method for baking fish like salmon at 300 degrees to prevent overcooking.
White fish such as cod and halibut are ideal for baking with aromatic marinades like harissa.
Opt for high-quality frozen seafood from brands like Lume Island Wild for peak season flavors.
Deep dives
Cooking Fish at Home: Low and Slow Method
Utilizing the low and slow method for cooking fish at home involves gently baking fish at about 300 degrees in the oven until it flakes apart, taking around 12 to 25 minutes. This method works well with fish like salmon that many prefer cooked to medium or medium rare, reducing the risk of overcooking.
Types of Fish for Low and Slow Cooking
White fish such as cod, haddock, pollock, and halibut are ideal choices for the low and slow cooking method. These whole fish pieces can be cooked in a baking dish or cast iron skillet by generously drizzling with olive oil to prevent dryness and experimenting with aromatic marinades like harissa or Mediterranean flavors.
Benefits of Using Flash Frozen Fish
When fresh fish isn't readily available, opting for high-quality frozen seafood that has been flash frozen immediately upon catching ensures freshness. Brands like Lume Island Wild and Alaska Home Pack provide sustainable frozen seafood options, offering deep orange salmon, halibut, and white shrimp that retain peak season flavors.
Transitioning to Fall Cocktails: Boulevardier and Cider Spritz
Transitioning to fall cocktails involves trying variations like the Boulevardier, swapping gin for whiskey to create a darker, richer flavor profile with bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Additionally, adding Basque-style cider and Sicilian Amaro like Averna in a spritz can deliver a perfect balance of tartness and herbal sweetness for a refreshing autumnal drink.
Exploring Amaro Varieties for Fall
Embracing the fall spirit includes savoring Amaro varieties like Forteve Marseille, characterized by minty, peppery, and floral honey notes. Enjoying a glass with a single cube of ice in a rocks glass or a small juice glass offers a unique and flavorful experience perfect for the cozy autumn season.
Molly Baz is here to help. She shares tips on how to shop for fish (even if you can't make it to speciality market), how to cook fish without stinking up your house, and more. After that, Alex Delany is back with more drinks you should be making now that it's fall.