Butter Poached Sturgeon Recipes

BUTTER POACHED VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the leeks and radishes and cook until slightly softened, about 4 minutes. Add the asparagus and radish tops, if using, along with 1/4 teaspoon salt, a few grinds of pepper and 1/4 cup water. Bring the water to a simmer, then cook, covered, until the asparagus are just barely crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Uncover, increase the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the vegetables are all crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Stir in the tarragon, lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper.

BUTTER-POACHED HALIBUT

Steps:

• Clarify the butter: Preheat oven to 350 F. In a 4-quart, oven-safe saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and bring to a simmer, 5-7 minutes. Once white foam (milk solids) begins to form on the top, skim it off with a small ladle or spoon. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue skimming the milk solids until the butter is clear. Pour the clarified butter through a cheesecloth-lined strainer to catch the smaller milk solids. Set aside to cool to 155 F.
• Poach the fish: Season the fish on all sides with salt, about ¼ teaspoon per fillet. Gently lower the halibut into the clarified butter so all four fillets are submerged. Place the fish in the oven and bake, uncovered, 8 minutes.
• Assemble the dish: Fish is done when it's firm but not hard to the touch. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fish, drain off the butter, and plate. Serve with lemon wedges, crunchy salt, and dill.

STURGEON WITH CAPER, OLIVE AND TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat saute pan over medium high heat (hot pan, cold oil, food won't stick) until just warm and add the olive oil. Let oil heat and place fillets in the pan. Let sides brown for 1 minute or 2, then add onion. Stir until onion starts to become translucent. Add garlic and rosemary. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until garlic just begins to brown. Flip fillets over to brown. Add olives and stir in. Then, add capers. Stir for 1 to 2 minutes, then, add white wine. Increase heat for a few minutes to reduce wine. Reduce heat to medium and add tomato sauce. Stir to combine all ingredients and let sit for a few minutes. Flip fillets so that both sides are coated with sauce. Fish is done when there is resistance to pressure. (Check also with your seafood market person about recommended cooking times for the fish.) Freshly ground pepper can be added during the cooking, but salting the dish isn't necessary since there is a lot of salt in the olives and capers. Serve with rice, pasta, or couscous. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary.