Poached Chilean Sea Bass in Hot and Sour Broth

Poached Chilean Sea Bass in Hot and Sour Broth
The Washington Post, October 11, 2006


The fish picks up flavor quickly from this easy, non-assertive broth. The soy sauce step may be omitted for those who are conscientious about sodium intake. Serve with thin ribbons of herbed seedless cucumber or atop a mound of jasmine rice or brown rice.

4 to 5 servings

Ingredients:

1 to 2 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
2 pounds  Chilean Sea Bass fillets, 1 inch thick, pin bones removed (may substitute mild-flavored, firm-fleshed fish such as cod or halibut; tilapia works well)
4 cups homemade or low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup honey
3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
12 quarter-size slices from a 2 1/2-inch piece of ginger root
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, such as Tabasco
1/4 cup (1 bunch) finely chopped scallions, both white and light green parts, for garnish
1/4 cup (about 6 sprigs) coarsely chopped cilantro, for garnish
Directions:

Drizzle the soy sauce on both sides of the fish fillets. Cover and refrigerate while you make the hot and sour broth.

In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the chicken broth, honey, tomato paste, cider vinegar, ginger and hot pepper sauce and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally and skimming foam as necessary. Add the fillets, cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the fish is slightly firm to the touch and the center is almost opaque (make a small slit with a knife to check; the fish will not be fully cooked at this point). Turn off the heat and let the fish sit in the broth for 2 minutes.

Divide the fish and the broth evenly among individual shallow soup bowls. Sprinkle generously with scallions and cilantro. Serve immediately.

Recipe Source:

Based on a recipe from 101 Quick & Delicious Recipes, a 2006 collection of Fine Cooking magazine recipes.