Sesame-Crusted Salmon - 10/25/04

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Sesame-Crusted Salmon

Cornstarch, egg white, and sesame seeds form a crackling crust on these salmon fillets. The flavor of the toasted sesame seeds is complemented by the Asian-flavored sauce surrounding the fish, but don't serve the sauce over the fish or you'll lose the crunch.

WINE RECOMMENDATION:
Salmon is generally best with a light red or a substantial white. Pinot noir is the usual red suggested. With the Asian ingredients here, a white such as a pinot gris from Oregon or Alsace in France will make a delicious pairing.

1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons dry sherry
1/2 cup canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons water
1 egg white
2 pounds center-cut salmon fillet, cut into 4 pieces
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup cooking oil

1. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sherry, chicken broth, sugar, ginger, and garlic. In another small bowl, stir together the 2 teaspoons cornstarch and the water.

2. Whisk together the egg white and the 2 tablespoons cornstarch. Brush the skinless side of the salmon with the egg-white mixture and then dip it into the sesame seeds to coat.

3. In a large nonstick frying pan, heat the oil over moderately high heat. Put the salmon in the pan, sesame-seed side down, and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Turn and cook until just done, about 3 minutes longer for a 1-inch-thick fillet. Remove.

4. Pour any oil from the pan. Add the soy-sauce mixture. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring. Whisk in the cornstarch-and-water mixture and cook, stirring, until thickened, about 1 minute longer. Serve the salmon with the sauce poured around it.

FISH ALTERNATIVES

Tuna steaks would be perfect with the sesame-seed crust and the sauce. You can also use salmon steaks instead of fillets.

Reprinted by permission of Food and Wine. All rights reserved.

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Nutrition Facts
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Serves 4
Facts per Serving
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Calories: 531 Fat: 32g Carbohydrates: 8g
Cholesterol: 125mg Sodium: 1037mg Protein: 48g
Fiber: 1g % Cal. from Fat: 54% % Cal. from Carbs: 6%
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Source Source: Quick from Scratch - Fish
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