Mirin-Poached Salmon with Spring Salad

By garciamoss

Poaching fish with a little flavorful liquid may be the easiest way to cook fish! This quick poached-fish recipe stars salmon, but tuna, mahi-mahi or cod work just as well. Look for pea sprouts, also called “pea shoots,” at farmers’ markets and in well-stocked supermarkets. Or use 1 more cup thinly sliced snap peas instead.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup water
• 3 tablespoons mirin (see Tips)
• 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger matchsticks (see Tips)
• 1-1 1/4 pounds salmon, tuna, mahi-mahi or cod, skinned if desired, cut into 4 portions (see Tips)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup radish matchsticks
• 1 cup thinly sliced snap peas
• 1 cup pea sprouts

Details

Adapted from eatingwell.com

Preparation

Step 1

Combine water, mirin, soy sauce, vinegar and ginger in a large skillet. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 4 minutes. Add fish; sprinkle with salt. Cover, reduce heat to medium and cook, turning once, just until opaque in the center, 4 to 8 minutes (depending on thickness).
Meanwhile, combine radishes, snap peas and pea sprouts in a medium bowl. When the fish is done, pour the braising liquid into the bowl and toss to coat. Serve the salad on the fish.

Tips & Notes:
Look for mirin—a sweet, low-alcohol rice wine used in Japanese cooking—near other Asian ingredients in well-stocked supermarkets. Use it to add a touch of sweetness to sauces and marinades. Refrigerate for up to 6 months.
Learn how make “matchsticks” or "julienne": Slice ingredients crosswise into very thin slices. Make a stack of 2 to 3 slices at a time, then slice into fine matchsticks (about 1/8 inch wide).
For information about choosing sustainable seafood, visit seafoodwatch.org.