Herb-Infused Baked Sea Bass with Rustic Drunken Potatoes and Aromatic Cumin Rice
Indulge in a healthy, vibrant meal with our Herb-Infused Baked Sea Bass paired with Rustic Drunken Potatoes and Aromatic Cumin Rice. The premium quality sea bass, combined with fresh spring onions and zingy ginger, creates a delightful flavor profile. The baby potatoes, marinated in fragrant Chinese rice wine and roasted to perfection, add a rustic touch that complements the delicate fish. This wholesome dish, enriched with aromatic cumin-infused rice, is not only filling but also a nourishing option for family dinners or special occasions.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sea Bass Steaks
800 g (Clean and pat dry)
Spring Onions
4 large (Chopped)
Ginger
2 tablespoons (Julienned)
Rock Salt
2 teaspoons (For seasoning)
Baby Potatoes
12 (Boiled and halved)
Chinese Rice Wine
75 ml (For marinating)
Thai Rice
100 g (Rinsed)
Cumin Seeds
2 teaspoons (Lightly roasted)
Table Salt
1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning rice)
Olive Oil
1 teaspoon (For rice)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F) without fan mode.
2
Clean the sea bass steaks under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
3
In a baking pan, evenly sprinkle half of the julienned ginger and chopped spring onions as a bed for the fish.
4
Place the sea bass steaks on top of the ginger and spring onion bed. Sprinkle the remaining ginger and spring onions over the fish.
5
Sprinkle the rock salt evenly across the fish. Place the baking pan in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
6
Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the baby potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
7
Once boiled, drain the potatoes and cut them in half without peeling the skin. Allow them to cool slightly.
8
Marinate the halved baby potatoes in Chinese rice wine for at least 30 minutes.
9
After marinating, arrange the baby potatoes, skin-side down, around the fish in the same baking pan. Pour the remaining rice wine marinade over the potatoes and sprinkle with an additional pinch of rock salt.
10
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
11
While the fish and potatoes are baking, prepare the cumin rice. Lightly roast the cumin seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until just fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
12
In a stone or heavy-bottomed pot, combine 1 cup of Thai rice with 2 cups of water, the olive oil, table salt, and roasted cumin seeds. Bring to a boil over high heat.
13
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow it to cook gently until the rice absorbs all the water, about 10-15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it sit covered for an additional 10 minutes to finish cooking in the residual warmth.
14
Serve the baked sea bass alongside the drunken baby potatoes and cumin rice, garnished with fresh spring onions or herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Infused Baked Sea Bass with Rustic Drunken Potatoes?
It is a healthy, vibrant meal featuring premium sea bass baked with fresh ginger and spring onions, served with potatoes marinated in Chinese rice wine and aromatic cumin-infused rice.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the required oven temperature for the sea bass?
The oven should be preheated to 200°C (392°F) without using fan mode.
How should the sea bass steaks be prepared before baking?
The sea bass steaks should be cleaned under cold water and patted dry with paper towels.
What creates the aromatic bed for the fish in the baking pan?
A bed is made by evenly sprinkling half of the julienned ginger and chopped spring onions in the pan.
How long is the initial baking time for the sea bass?
The sea bass is initially baked uncovered for 20 minutes.
What type of salt is recommended for seasoning the fish?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of rock salt to be sprinkled evenly across the fish.
How do you prepare the baby potatoes for the dish?
Boil the baby potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, which takes about 15 minutes.
Should I peel the baby potatoes?
No, the potatoes should be cut in half without peeling the skin after they have boiled and cooled slightly.
What makes the potatoes 'drunken'?
The potatoes are marinated in 75 ml of Chinese rice wine for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavor.
How are the potatoes positioned in the baking pan?
They should be arranged skin-side down around the fish in the same baking pan.
Is the marinade used during the baking process?
Yes, the remaining rice wine marinade is poured over the potatoes before the second stage of baking.
How long is the second baking period once the potatoes are added?
The fish and potatoes are baked together for an additional 20 minutes.
How do you prepare the cumin seeds for the rice?
Lightly roast the cumin seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant.
What type of rice is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 100g of Thai rice, which should be rinsed before cooking.
What is the rice-to-water ratio for the cumin rice?
Combine 1 cup of Thai rice with 2 cups of water.
What other ingredients go into the rice pot?
In addition to rice and water, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of table salt, and the roasted cumin seeds.
What is the best type of pot for cooking the rice?
A stone or heavy-bottomed pot is recommended for cooking the cumin rice.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
Reduce the heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes until all the water is absorbed.
Should the rice be served immediately after the water is absorbed?
No, it is best to let the rice sit covered for an additional 10 minutes to finish cooking in the residual warmth.
What garnish is suggested for the final dish?
The dish can be garnished with fresh spring onions or additional herbs if desired.
How much sea bass is needed for 4 servings?
You will need 800 grams of sea bass steaks.
How much ginger is required for the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of julienned ginger.
How many baby potatoes are used?
A total of 12 baby potatoes are used for the rustic drunken potato side.
Can I substitute the Chinese rice wine?
While the recipe specifies Chinese rice wine for the authentic 'drunken' flavor, a dry sherry could be used as a substitute.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as a nourishing and premium option for both family dinners and special occasions.
What are the primary flavors in this dish?
The flavors include fresh ginger, spring onions, aromatic cumin, and the unique notes of Chinese rice wine.
Is the fish baked covered or uncovered?
The sea bass is baked uncovered for the duration of the cooking process.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 10 main ingredients used in this preparation.
Is this dish considered a healthy meal?
Yes, it is described as a healthy and wholesome dish enriched with aromatic ingredients.