Salt Crusted Hawaiian Opakapaka Recipes

OPAKAPAKA W/TRI-CITRUS BUTTER SAUCE

Steps:

• Season the opakapaka with salt and pepper, then cover evenly with flour.
• Heat the clarified butter on medium heat in a saute pan.
• Place the opakapaka in the pan with the skin side up and cook for 3 - 3 1/2 minutes. Turn fish over and cook for an additional 3 - 3 1/2 minutes.
• Place the cooked opakapaka on a large plate and drizzle the tri-citrus butter sauce around the fish.
• Garnish with fried basil and fruit sections.

SALT-CRUSTED TUNA

Steps:

• In a small bowl, add the lemon zest, dill and olive oil and combine well. Rub the tuna with the mixture and marinate, covered, in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
• Place 2 cups of the salt on a baking tray. Lay 1 side of the tuna in the salt and place in a very high oven or on a grill and bake for 15 to 20 minutes for medium-rare to medium, or longer if desired. All sides should be seared and the inside of tuna should be rare.

SALT-CRUSTED FINGERLINGS

Steps:

• In a heavy-bottomed, wide saute pan over high heat, add the potatoes and just barely cover with cold water. Add the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, thyme and bay leaves. Bring to a boil and then simmer uncovered until just tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Lower the heat and continue to cook, keeping a watchful eye, so the water evaporates completely and the potatoes are left covered in salt, about 30 minutes. Once the water has evaporated, cook for 3 to 4 minutes, lightly tossing; the oil left in the pan will help prevent the potatoes from sticking. Remove the potatoes from the pan, discard the herbs and garlic and serve.

SALT CRUSTED WHOLE FISH

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, trimmed to extend 3-inches in diameter around outside of the fish.
• In a medium bowl, combine the egg whites, sea salt, flour, 2 tablespoons of the parsley and 1/2 cup of water. Mix with your hands until a thick paste forms.
• Fill the cavity of the fish with the sun-dried tomatoes, olives, artichoke hearts and lemon slices. Rub the exterior of the fish with the garlic, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of parsley and freshly ground black pepper
• Put the fish on the parchment lined baking sheet. Mound the salt paste evenly over the entire fish. Press the mixture firmly down to the baking sheet, being careful to seal any cracks.
• Bake the fish until the crust is golden brown and very firm, about 18 to 20 minutes.
• Slide the parchment and fish onto serving platter or cutting board and crack the crust with a handle of a large knife. Slide a spoon under the top fillet, over the spine, and lift it to a serving platter. Turn over and repeat. Garnish with lemon slices and serve immediately.