Tea-Steamed Cod

Tea-steamed cod is a delicate dish that combines flavors of the sea with the earthy notes of tea. Here is how to prepare this dish.

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (about 150-200 gr each)
• 1 organic lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon of green tea (or black tea, depending on your preference)
• 800 ml of water

Preparation

1. Start by washing the cod fillets carefully under cold running water, then pat them dry with kitchen paper.
2. Grate the zest of the organic lemon, being careful not to reach the white part which could be bitter.
3. Take a pot suitable for steaming. Fill it with 800 ml of water and bring to a boil.
4. Add to the boiling water the green tea, bay leaves, and grated lemon zest. Let it infuse for about 5 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, sprinkle the cod fillets with salt, pepper, and some of the grated lemon zest set aside.
6. Arrange the fillets in the steaming basket and place it over the pot with the flavored water. Make sure that the water does not touch the fish.
7. Cover with a lid and let steam for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cod is well cooked but still soft to the touch.
8. Once cooked, carefully remove the cod fillets from the basket and arrange them on plates.

Taste and variations: The flavor of the tea in the steam adds a unique note to the dish without overpowering the delicate taste of the cod. If you want to add an Italian touch, you could garnish the dish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley.

Curiosity

Steam cooking is a very healthy technique that preserves the nutritional properties of the food. The choice of using tea to flavor the cooking water is an example of how the cuisines of different cultures can inspire each other, creating innovative and surprising dishes. Green tea is traditionally used in Asian cuisines for its delicate floral notes and slightly bitter aftertaste, which pairs well with fish and seafood.