Sesame-Infused Japanese Mackerel Parcels
Experience the fusion of Japanese and Spanish flavors with this aromatic dish featuring Spanish mackerel, gently steamed with a medley of mushrooms and cabbage, all wrapped in parchment paper. The umami-rich sesame sauce with a hint of miso enhances the dish, making it perfect for a quick yet sophisticated meal. This dish promises a delightful balance of tastes and textures while being quite easy to prepare.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spanish mackerel fillet
150 g (seasoned with salt and pepper)
Salt
1 pinch (for fish seasoning)
Pepper
1 pinch (for fish seasoning)
Yellow onion
1/4 (thinly sliced)
Cabbage leaves
2 leaves (shredded)
Shimeji mushrooms
50 g (root removed, separated)
Eringi mushrooms
50 g (sliced lengthwise)
Sake
2 tablespoons (combined in sauce)
Ponzu sauce
1 tablespoon (combined in sauce)
Sesame oil
1 tablespoon (combined in sauce)
Mirin
1 tablespoon (combined in sauce)
Vinegar
1/2 tablespoon (combined in sauce)
Sesame paste (neri goma)
2 tablespoons (or tahini, combined in sauce)
Miso
1 tablespoon (combined in sauce)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (combined in sauce)
Sesame seeds
1/2 teaspoon (combined in sauce)
Instructions
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1. Prepare the Fish: Begin by seasoning the Spanish mackerel fillets with a light pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside to allow the flavors to infuse.
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2. Prepare the Vegetables: Finely shred the cabbage after removing its hard center. Thinly slice the yellow onion. Trim the root of the shimeji mushrooms and divide them into individual pieces. Slice the eringi mushrooms lengthwise into thick pieces.
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3. Make the Sesame Sauce: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the sake, ponzu sauce, sesame oil, mirin, vinegar, sesame paste (or tahini, if unavailable), miso, sugar, and sesame seeds until smooth and well-incorporated.
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4. Prepare the Parcels: Cut two 30cm x 30cm sheets of parchment paper. On each sheet, arrange half of the cabbage, onion, and mushrooms in a heap. Place a mackerel fillet on top of the vegetable mix.
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5. Cook the Parcels: Fold the parchment paper over the fish and vegetables to form a sealed parcel. Place one parcel on a microwave-safe dish and microwave at 600W for 4 minutes. Let it rest for 1-2 minutes to allow the steam to continue cooking the fish. Repeat for the second parcel.
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6. Finish and Serve: Carefully open each parcel, being mindful of the steam. Pour the prepared sesame sauce over the fish and vegetables. Serve immediately, ensuring each serving gets an even distribution of fish, vegetables, and sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sesame-Infused Japanese Mackerel Parcels?
This dish features Spanish mackerel steamed in parchment paper with cabbage and mushrooms, topped with a rich miso-sesame sauce.
What type of fish is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses Spanish mackerel fillets, seasoned with salt and pepper.
What is the flavor profile of the Sesame-Infused Japanese Mackerel Parcels?
The dish offers a balance of umami from the miso and sesame, a hint of sweetness from mirin and sugar, and a touch of acidity from vinegar and ponzu.
What vegetables are included in the parcels?
The parcels contain shredded cabbage, thinly sliced yellow onion, shimeji mushrooms, and eringi mushrooms.
How should the cabbage be prepared?
The hard center of the cabbage should be removed before finely shredding the leaves.
How do I prepare the shimeji mushrooms?
Trim the root of the shimeji mushrooms and divide them into individual pieces before adding them to the parcel.
What is the best way to slice the eringi mushrooms?
Slice the eringi mushrooms lengthwise into thick pieces to ensure they have a good texture after steaming.
What ingredients are in the sesame sauce?
The sauce is a blend of sake, ponzu sauce, sesame oil, mirin, vinegar, sesame paste, miso, sugar, and sesame seeds.
Can I substitute the sesame paste (neri goma)?
Yes, if Japanese sesame paste (neri goma) is unavailable, you can use tahini as a substitute.
How do I ensure the sesame sauce is well-incorporated?
Thoroughly combine all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth.
What size should the parchment paper be for the parcels?
You should use two sheets of parchment paper, each measuring approximately 30cm x 30cm.
How do I assemble the mackerel parcels?
Place a heap of the vegetable mix on the parchment paper and then place a seasoned mackerel fillet on top before sealing.
How are the parcels cooked?
The parcels are microwaved individually to steam the fish and vegetables inside the parchment paper.
What is the microwave power and time required for each parcel?
Each parcel should be microwaved at 600W for 4 minutes.
Why is it important to let the parcels rest after microwaving?
Resting for 1-2 minutes allows the residual steam to finish cooking the fish gently and evenly.
How do I finish the dish before serving?
Open the parcels carefully and pour the prepared sesame sauce over the fish and vegetables.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy option as it involves steaming fish and vegetables with minimal added fats.
What makes this a fusion recipe?
It combines Japanese flavors like miso, sake, and ponzu with Spanish mackerel, a popular fish in Spanish cuisine.
Can I use other types of fish if Spanish mackerel is not available?
Yes, other firm-fleshed fish or white fish fillets can be used, though the flavor profile may vary slightly.
What should I be careful of when opening the parcels?
Be very mindful of the hot steam that will escape as you open the parchment paper.
Is the sesame sauce cooked?
No, the sauce is mixed cold and poured over the hot, freshly steamed fish and vegetables.
Can I prepare the ingredients in advance?
Yes, you can chop the vegetables and mix the sauce ahead of time to make the final assembly even faster.
What is the purpose of the sake in the sauce?
Sake adds an extra layer of umami and helps to balance the stronger flavors of the miso and sesame.
Does this recipe include sugar?
Yes, one teaspoon of sugar is included in the sesame sauce to balance the savory and sour notes.
What provides the sour note in the sauce?
The acidity comes from both the vinegar and the citrus-based ponzu sauce.
Are the mushrooms cooked before being put in the parcel?
No, they are placed raw in the parcel and are cooked by the steam while in the microwave.
What is the role of sesame oil in this dish?
Sesame oil provides a rich, nutty aroma and adds depth to the overall sauce flavor.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the ingredients, this recipe makes two individual parcels, suitable for two servings.
Can I add more sesame seeds at the end?
Yes, you can sprinkle extra sesame seeds over the finished dish for added texture and visual appeal.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, with a 4-minute cooking time per parcel, it is an ideal quick yet sophisticated meal.