If you're a fan of seafood and love trying new recipes, then you must give this smoked Arctic char recipe a try. The combination of the smoky flavor and the delicate taste of the Arctic char creates a dish that is both delicious and satisfying. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of preparing this mouthwatering dish.
What does smoked Arctic char taste like?
The Arctic char is a cold-water fish that is known for its mild and delicate flavor. It has a rich, buttery taste with a hint of sweetness. When smoked, the char develops a smoky flavor that complements its natural taste, creating a unique and delightful combination of flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2 fillets (8-10 ounces/227-283 g each) Arctic char, skin on, pin-bones removed
- 1 cup (240 ml) kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) ground juniper berries, plus more for smoking
- Black pepper
- Smoking wood chips, fine bits (or untreated sawdust)
- Dutch oven and smooth small 3 inch fire-safe stones (such as Dekko slate beach stone)
Method:
Heat the fire-safe stones in the oven at 550 F (288 C) for 1 hour.
Combine the salt, sugar, juniper berries, and pepper. Sprinkle the mixture over the char to cover the flesh with a thin coat of cure. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
Rinse off the cure and gently pat dry. Cut the char into 2 x 2 inch (5 x 5 cm) squares and reserve.
Mix smoking wood chips and juniper berries and reserve.
In a well-ventilated space, make a quick smoker by placing one layer of the extremely hot, fire-safe stones in the bottom of the Dutch oven and sprinkling on the mixture of wood chips and juniper berries. The chips should begin smoldering immediately.
Working quickly, place a piece of the cured char on a room temperature stone, then carefully place that stone over the hot stones with the smoldering chip mixture. Cover immediately with a tight-fitting lid.
Smoke the fish for exactly 45 seconds, then remove the lid and remove the fish from the smoker. Gently remove the skin from the char with a fillet knife before serving.
Warm Seaweed Salad:
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (350 ml) dried arame seaweed
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) butter
- Salt and pepper
- 1 ½ tablespoon (25 ml) chopped fresh dill
- 1 lemon, zest only
Method:
Rehydrate the seaweed completely in warm water for 10 minutes, until soft.
Drain off and discard the water, pat dry.
Heat the butter in a small skillet over medium-low heat, add the arame and toss to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until warm through.
Add dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Toss and cook for 1-2 more minutes, until the flavors are well combined.
Remove from heat, keep warm.
Pickled Spring Onions:
Ingredients:
- 3 small spring onions with greens
- 2 cups (470 ml) white wine vinegar
- ½ cup (120 ml) sugar
Method:
Trim the spring onions to 6-inch (15 cm) lengths. Trim the root bulbs to remove any unsightly, dirty, or discolored bits. Do not remove the core as it will help the onion stay intact for pickling and plating. Cut each onion in half lengthwise, from root core through the greens, to create six portions with both attached greens and a flat side on the bulb.
In a small saucepan, bring vinegar and sugar to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.
Holding the onions by the greens, poach the bulbs in warm vinegar for 2-3 minutes. Remove from vinegar.
Refrigerate the vinegar-sugar mixture until cool. Place spring onions flat in a high-sided dish and cover with the chilled mixture. Marinate for at least 2 hours.
Spiced Crème Fraiche:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) crème fraiche
- ½ teaspoon (5 ml) paprika
- ½ teaspoon (5 ml) ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon (5 ml) ground cardamom
- Salt
Method:
In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the crème fraiche, paprika, coriander, and cardamom. Season with salt and reserve for plating.
Brown Butter and Lemon Chanterelles:
Ingredients:
- 24 button chanterelles, stems cut to ¾ inch (18 mm)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) butter
- 1 lemon, juice
- Salt and pepper
Method:
Clean and trim mushrooms.
Heat butter in a small sauté pan over medium-medium-high heat. Let bubble for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned.
Add mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and any released liquid has evaporated. Season with salt and pepper.
Remove from heat and swirl in the lemon juice. Reserve for plating.
To Serve:
For the plate, place a whole pickled spring onion, flat side of the bulb facing down, across a large round white plate, ensuring that the leaves are flat on the plate.
Cover the bulb of the onion with ½ cup (120 ml) of the warm seaweed salad. Place the char neatly over the pickled onion greens.
Add a small dollop of spiced crème fraiche over one of the corners of the fish. Finish the plate with a few of the brown butter and lemon chanterelles arranged over the fish and between the fish and the seaweed.
Arctic char is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. It is a rich source of healthy fats, known as omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining a healthy heart and promoting brain development. Additionally, Arctic char is an excellent source of protein, which is vital for building and repairing the body's tissues.
Furthermore, Arctic char contains calcium in its skin and vitamin D in its meat. Both calcium and vitamin D are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. While our bodies can produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, consuming foods like Arctic char during the winter months can help ensure an adequate intake of this vital nutrient.
It's important to note that Arctic char, like most fish, may contain traces of mercury. However, Arctic char is considered safe to eat, and the benefits of consuming this nutritious fish outweigh the potential risks of mercury exposure. The Northwest Territories' Chief Public Health Officer has never issued a consumption notice to limit the intake of Arctic char.
So, next time you're looking for a healthy and flavorful seafood option, consider trying this smoked Arctic char recipe. Not only will you enjoy a delicious meal, but you'll also reap the numerous health benefits that Arctic char has to offer.
If you want to know other articles similar to Delicious smoked arctic char recipe: a flavorful delight you can visit the Food category.
Related Articles