From Regina
“It was difficult to not choose one of my favorite recipes from America’s Test Kitchen, which is the Braised White Beans, Linguica and Clams… although this is a definite runner up. How could I not have Salmon in the Pacific Northwest? I think this particular recipe is a great representation of the Pacific Northwest, celebrating the Chinese history in this area and showcasing local ingredients.”
From ATK
We anticipated the sauce would be the trickiest component of our soy-glazed salmon recipe, so we decided to tackle it first, starting with a foundation of dry sherry, chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili sauce. The rice vinegar balanced the saltiness of the soy sauce, and the chili sauce added spiciness and heat. We also sweetened the mix with sugar in order to tame the bite of the chili sauce.
Soy Glazed Salmon with Shiitake Mushrooms and Bok Choy
SERVES 6
Salt
1 medium red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and sliced into 1/4-inch-thick strips
1 small head bok choy (about 1 1/4 pounds), cored and sliced crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick shreds
1 ½ cups long grain white rice
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup soy sauce
½ cup dry sherry
¼ cup unseasoned rice vinegar
¼ cup sugar
1 tablespoon Asian chili sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
12 ounces shiitake mushrooms, brushed clean, stems discarded, and sliced into 1/4-inch-thick strips
1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced
6 medium garlic cloves, minced or pressed through a garlic press
6 (6-ounce) center-cut salmon fillets (roughly 1 to 1 1/4 inches thick), skin removed
4 scallions, white and light green parts only, sliced thin
Asian chili sauce can be found near other spicy condiments in most supermarkets. If it is not available, 1 to 2 teaspoons of Tabasco can be substituted. You can substitute 1½ pounds of napa cabbage, cored and shredded into ½-inch thick pieces, for the bok choy.
- Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 450 degrees. Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot (with a perforated pasta insert, if available) over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon salt, the pepper, and bok choy; cook for 10 seconds. Transfer the vegetables to a colander using a slotted spoon or mesh spider or by lifting out the pasta insert, if using. Pat dry with paper towels and transfer to a large bowl.
- Return the water to a boil and add the rice; cook until almost tender but still firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain through a fine mesh strainer, shaking to remove any excess water. Toss with the red pepper and bok choy and set aside.
- Whisk the chicken broth, soy sauce, sherry, rice vinegar, sugar, chili sauce, and cornstarch together in a medium bowl; set aside. Heat the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the shiitakes and cook, stirring constantly, until lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Add the ginger and garlic; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Briefly re-whisk the soy mixture and add it to the pan; bring to a simmer and cook, whisking often, until the sauce has thickened, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat.
- Spread the rice and cabbage mixture into a 9 by 13-inch baking dish (or a shallow casserole dish of similar size). Lay the salmon fillets, skinned-side down, about ¼ inch apart on top of the rice. Pour the shiitake sauce evenly over the salmon. Bake until the salmon is cooked through and the rice is steaming, about 20 minutes. Sprinkle with the scallions and serve immediately.
As we bid adieu to this delectable stop along our culinary journey, we invite you to recreate this remarkable recipe in your own kitchen. The aromatic essence, the burst of flavors, and the vibrant textures encapsulate the essence of these majestic rivers, inviting you to savor a taste of their magnificence.
Join us for the next chapter of our culinary exploration as we navigate new waterways, each offering a distinct palette of tastes and stories waiting to be discovered. Until then, let the lingering aroma of the Soy-Glazed Salmon, Caraway Pork Chops, and Louisiana-Style Cornbread Dressing remind you of the tantalizing delights yet to come aboard our river voyages.
New Orleans