Melt-in-Your-Mouth Salmon Belly

salmon belly, often overlooked, is a culinary treasure trove, brimming with rich, buttery fat and delicate flavor. In this recipe, we elevate this underappreciated cut to new heights, infusing it with a symphony of global flavors. This dish is a testament to the power of culinary fusion, where tradition meets innovation.

Ingredients:

1 pound salmon belly, skin on

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon mirin

1 tablespoon sake

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon grated ginger

1/2 teaspoon grated garlic

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 lime, zested and juiced

1 lemon, zested and juiced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Sesame seeds, for garnish

Image Source: getfish.com.au

Preparation Process:

Total Time: 30 minutes

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, lime zest and juice, and lemon zest and juice. Whisk until well combined.
2. Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon belly in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
3. Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the salmon from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Sear the salmon, skin-side down, for 3-4 minutes, or until the skin is crispy.
4. Finish Cooking: Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the flesh is cooked through but still slightly pink in the center.
5. Plate and Serve: Remove the salmon from the pan and place it on a serving plate. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds.

Serving Ideas:

Asian-Inspired: Serve with steamed rice, miso soup, and pickled vegetables.

Mediterranean-Inspired: Pair with roasted vegetables, couscous, and a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Latin-Inspired: Accompany with a side of plantains, black beans, and a squeeze of lime.

A Culinary Journey

This dish is a harmonious blend of Japanese, Chinese, and Southeast Asian culinary traditions. The soy sauce, mirin, and sake are staples of Japanese cuisine, while the ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes add a spicy kick, reminiscent of Chinese and Southeast Asian flavors. The citrus zest and juice provide a bright, refreshing note, balancing the richness of the salmon.

This recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a journey through time and cultures. It’s a celebration of the diversity of flavors and the power of culinary creativity. By embracing different traditions and techniques, we can create something truly extraordinary.