Asian Sea Salt Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 150°C Place the lime leaves, Sichuan peppercorns, Chinese five spice and salt in a mortar and pound with a pestle until coarsely crushed.
• Transfer to a baking tray. Bake in oven for 5 minutes or until dry. Set aside to cool completely.
• Notes & tips.
• Make a kebab kit by packaging tiny bags of flavoured sea salt with bamboo skewers. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months.
• Variations: Chilli-herb sea salt - Replace the kaffir lime leaves, Sichuan peppercorns and Chinese five spice with 1 tbs chopped fresh thyme, 2 tsp dried oregano and 1 tsp dried red chilli flakes.
• Citrus sea salt - Replace the kaffir lime leaves, Sichuan peppercorns and Chinese five spice with the finely grated rind from 1 orange, 1 lemon and 1 1/2 limes.

Steps:

• 1. Rinse the fish in cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season the fish inside and out with salt and pepper. Place the fish on a heatproof plate that is both large enough to accommodate it (a glass pie plate works well) and will also fit inside your steamer, bending the fish slightly if it is too long. Stuff half of the ginger inside the cavity of the fish and spread the remaining ginger on top of the fish.
• 2. Pour water into a wok or stockpot and set a steamer in the wok or on the rim of the stockpot. Make sure the water does not touch the bottom of the steamer. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
• 3. Place the plate holding the fish in the steamer, cover, and steam for about 8 minutes, until the fish flakes easily when tested with the tip of a knife.
• 4. While the fish is steaming, in a small bowl, stir together the soy sauce, wine, and 1 tablespoon of water. Set aside.
• 5. When the fish is ready, carefully remove the plate from the steamer and pour off any accumulated liquid. Lay the scallion and cilantro along the top of the fish. In a small sauté pan, heat the oil over high heat until it is hot but not smoking. Remove the oil from the heat and pour it directly over the scallion and cilantro to "cook" them. Drizzle the soy mixture over the fish and serve immediately.