Salmon Belly: A Fatty Fish Lover’s Dream

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salmon belly, often overlooked, is a culinary treasure trove. Its rich, buttery texture and delicate flavor profile make it a canvas for culinary creativity. Today, we embark on a culinary journey, blending the best of Asian and Western culinary traditions to create a dish that is both indulgent and sophisticated.

Ingredients:

2 pounds fresh salmon belly, skin-on

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon mirin
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • Fresh dill, for garnish
  • Microgreens, for garnish

    • Salmon Belly Recipe
    Salmon Belly Recipe

    Image Source: meplusfood.com

    Preparation:

    1. Prepare the Salmon Belly:

  • Pat the salmon belly dry with paper towels.
  • In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  • Marinate the salmon belly in the mixture for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, in the refrigerator.

    • 2. Create the Batter:

  • In three separate shallow dishes, prepare the following:
  • Flour
  • Egg wash (beaten egg)
  • Panko breadcrumbs mixed with lemon zest

    • Salmon Belly Recipe
    Salmon Belly Recipe

    Image Source: meplusfood.com

    3. Coat the Salmon Belly:

  • Dredge the marinated salmon belly in flour, then dip it into the egg wash, and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumb mixture.

    • 4. Fry the Salmon Belly:

  • Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (177°C).
  • Carefully fry the coated salmon belly for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove the fried salmon belly and drain on paper towels.

    • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating time)

    Serving Suggestions:

    Asian-Inspired: Serve the crispy salmon belly with a side of steamed rice, a drizzle of ponzu sauce, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

  • Western-Inspired: Pair the salmon belly with a side of roasted vegetables, a lemon-dill sauce, and a dollop of crème fraîche.

    • Cultural Fusion

    This recipe is a harmonious blend of Asian and Western culinary techniques. The marinade, inspired by Japanese flavors, infuses the salmon belly with umami-rich notes. The breading and frying techniques, borrowed from Western cuisine, add a satisfying crunch to the dish.

    By marrying these disparate culinary traditions, we create a dish that is both familiar and exotic. The crispy exterior gives way to a tender, buttery interior, while the bold flavors tantalize the taste buds. This Salmon Belly Rhapsody is a testament to the power of culinary fusion, a celebration of diversity, and a testament to the endless possibilities of the culinary arts.