Wine Match: 2023 Wairau River Reserve Rosé

This flavorful recipe for Big Glory Bay Salmon is beautifully enhanced with a Ginger, Lime, and Soy Dressing, and garnished with homemade candied ginger. Create an elegant dish that delights both palate and presentation.

Ingredients

Salmon:

½ side Big Glory Bay Salmon, skinned and pin-boned

Ginger, Lime, and Soy Dressing:

100 ml grapeseed oil

100 ml olive oil

30 ml soy sauce

30 ml sherry vinegar

30 ml mirin

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tbsp candied ginger (including some liquid for sweetness, adjust to taste)

1 tbsp fresh lime juice

Sea salt, to taste

Candied Ginger:

2 thumbs ginger, peeled and finely diced

100 ml water

100 g sugar

Garnishes:

Fresh red chilli, sliced

Chopped chives

Fresh lime slices

Method

Candied Ginger:

  • Place the diced ginger in a saucepan with enough cold water to cover. Bring to a boil, then strain. Repeat this blanching process four more times to reduce the ginger’s pungency.
  • After the final blanching, place the 100 g of sugar and 100 ml of water in a pan with the ginger. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until the ginger is tender and the syrup is slightly thickened.
  • Chill and set aside.

Preparing the Salmon:

  • Slice the Big Glory Bay salmon fillet, separating the belly from the top side. Remove any brown flesh areas for a cleaner presentation.
  • Slice the salmon into 5 mm thick slices and arrange them neatly on a serving plate.

Dressing:

  • In a bowl, whisk together the grapeseed oil, olive oil, soy sauce, sherry vinegar, mirin, minced garlic, candied ginger (with a bit of its syrup), and fresh lime juice until well combined.
  • Season with sea salt to taste. Ensure the dressing is well balanced; adjust the soy sauce, lime juice, and candied ginger to suit your taste. Taste and adjust seasoning before dressing the salmon.

Assembling the Dish:

  • Drizzle the dressing over the salmon slices, ensuring each piece is lightly coated.
  • Garnish each slice of salmon with a thin slice of fresh red chilli, a sprinkle of chopped chives, and a small wedge or slice of fresh lime.
  • Consider arranging the salmon slices in a slightly overlapping pattern or in a circular fan shape for an elegant presentation.

Serve with steamed rice, sauteed Asian Greens, Cucumber Salad or Edamame.