ππ Asian Simmered Halibut with Rice Wine ππ
Overview:
Asian Simmered Halibut with Rice Wine is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender halibut fillets with a savory, umami-rich sauce made with rice wine, soy sauce, ginger, and other seasonings. This dish is a classic in Asian cuisine, and it’s known for its delicate balance of flavors. Let’s dive into its history, components, preparation, and the time needed to make it.
History:
This dish is part of the extensive repertoire of Asian cuisine, particularly Japanese and Chinese cuisines. It draws upon the tradition of simmering fish in various sauces to create a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The use of rice wine and soy sauce is common in Asian cooking, and these ingredients are key to achieving the dish’s unique taste.
Components:
- Halibut fillets: The star of the dish, halibut is a mild, flaky white fish that is perfect for absorbing the rich flavors of the sauce.
- Rice wine: Typically, sake, mirin, or Shaoxing wine is used. It adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Soy sauce: Provides a salty and savory base to the sauce.
- Ginger and garlic: These aromatic ingredients give the dish a lovely fragrance and flavor.
- Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
- Green onions: Used as a garnish for freshness and color.
- Optional garnishes: Some variations of the dish include sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, or sliced chili peppers for added heat.
Steps to Prepare:
Here’s a basic recipe to prepare Asian Simmered Halibut with Rice Wine:
Ingredients:
- 4 halibut fillets
- 1/4 cup rice wine (sake, mirin, or Shaoxing wine)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons minced ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions:
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In a bowl, mix together the rice wine, soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and garlic to create the sauce.
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Heat a large skillet or pan over medium heat and add a bit of oil.
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Place the halibut fillets in the skillet, and sear them for a couple of minutes on each side until they turn lightly brown.
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Pour the sauce over the halibut in the skillet.
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Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 5-7 minutes or until the halibut is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
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Garnish with sliced green onions.
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Serve the halibut over steamed rice, spooning the sauce over the top.
Total Time:
The total time to prepare this dish is approximately 30-40 minutes, including preparation and cooking.
Enjoy this delightful Asian Simmered Halibut with Rice Wine, which combines the succulence of halibut with the aromatic and savory notes of the sauce. It’s a perfect balance of flavors that will surely satisfy your taste buds! πππ½οΈ
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Asian Simmered Halibut with Rice Wine. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, without rice):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories per serving.
- Protein: Halibut is a good source of high-quality protein, providing around 20-25 grams per serving.
- Fat: This dish is relatively low in fat, with roughly 5-8 grams per serving, depending on the cooking method and portion size.
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15 grams of carbohydrates per serving, mainly from the sugar and rice wine used in the sauce.
- Sodium: The sodium content can be significant due to the soy sauce, with around 600-800 mg per serving. It’s important for those watching their sodium intake to use low-sodium soy sauce or reduce the amount used.
- Fiber: Negligible fiber content.
Health Information:
- Protein: The high protein content in halibut makes it a good choice for those looking to maintain or build muscle.
- Low in Fat: This dish is relatively low in fat, which can be a healthy choice for those watching their fat intake.
- Carbohydrates: The carbohydrates primarily come from the sugar in the sauce and any rice served with the dish. It’s a moderate amount of carbohydrates.
- Sodium: The sodium content in this dish can be high due to soy sauce. Excess sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure, so it’s advisable to use low-sodium soy sauce or reduce the amount used, especially for those with dietary restrictions.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Halibut is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and reducing inflammation.
Overall, this dish can be a healthy and nutritious choice, especially when balanced with steamed vegetables and whole-grain rice. However, those with specific dietary concerns or restrictions should be mindful of the sodium content and portion sizes.
