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Sea Bass in Herbed Beer Salt Crust

17/11/2023

Sea bass in a salt crust is an excellent cooking technique that keeps the fish incredibly juicy and flavorful. The crust of salt, herbs, and beer is a tasty innovation that adds a unique aromatic touch to the dish. Here’s how to prepare this delicious recipe:

Ingredients

  • 1 whole sea bass, approximately 1-1.5 kg, gutted and scaled
  • 2 kg of coarse salt
  • 3 egg whites
  • 1 glass of light beer (preferably a lager or light ale)
  • A mix of fresh aromatic herbs (e.g., thyme, rosemary, parsley)
  • 2-3 cloves of garlic
  • Grated zest of 1 lemon (organic if possible)
  • 1 egg white (for the crust)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C.

  2. In a large bowl, mix the coarse salt with the egg whites and beer until you get a moist mixture that is not too liquid. Add the finely chopped herbs, the crushed garlic, and the grated lemon zest.

  3. Form a base on a baking tray with part of the salt mixture and gently place the sea bass on top. If you like, you can fill the sea bass’s belly with some of the aromatic herbs.

  4. Cover the sea bass with the remaining salt mixture, making sure to create an even layer that completely seals the fish.

  5. Bake the sea bass in the salt crust for about 35-40 minutes, depending on the size of the fish.

  6. Once cooked, remove the fish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, gently break and remove the salt crust, being careful not to break the skin of the sea bass.

  7. Peel off the skin of the sea bass, which should come off easily, and serve immediately, garnishing, if desired, with fresh lemon slices and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Curiosity

Cooking sea bass in a salt crust is an ancient method that allows the fish to be cooked in a moist and salty environment, concentrating its flavors and preserving its tenderness. The beer adds a slight malty note that pairs well with the delicacy of the sea bass and the aromatic herbs.

Remember that you can always customize the aromatic herbs and flavors according to your taste or based on what you have available. Enjoy your meal!

Sea Bass in Herbed Beer Salt Crust