Hello Paulinos and Paulinas! Welcome back to this beautiful community of gourmets and lovers of good food. Today we're bringing you a delicacy straight from the Mediterranean coast: sea bream in salt . This cooking method , which involves covering the fish with coarse salt , is very old and is also used with other types of meat, such as beef, pork, or chicken.
In this article, we're going to tell you all about this exquisite dish and give you tips on how to make it at home . It's a simple and super-tasty recipe , perfect for entertaining.
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About the sea bream in salt
Sea bream in salt is a traditional dish that involves cooking sea bream wrapped in a layer of coarse salt. This cooking method allows the fish to cook evenly, retaining its juiciness and enhancing its natural flavor.
Before cooking, cover the fish with a layer of coarse salt. The salt acts as a protective barrier, preventing the sea bream from drying out during cooking. It's important to let the sea bream sit in the salt for a certain amount of time so it absorbs the flavors and cooks optimally.
What kind of fish is sea bream?
saltwater white fish tender and flavorful flesh . It is a highly prized species in Mediterranean cuisine due to its lean flesh and mild, delicate flavor.
Its preparation method is varied and lends itself to different culinary techniques, among which one of the most common is sea bream in salt, although it is also often prepared in the oven, on the grill, or on the griddle.
Origin of this cooking method
The method of cooking fish wrapped in coarse salt , like the technique used in preparing sea bream in salt, has its roots in ancient times and has been passed down through the centuries in different culinary cultures.
One theory about the origin of this method suggests that it dates back to the times of ancient Greece and Rome. At that time, salt was used as a valuable resource for preserving food, especially fish, which was an important food source in coastal regions.
Where we find the recipe for sea bream in salt
Sea bream in salt is a dish found in different regions of the world , especially those with access to fresh fish and culinary traditions based on local ingredients.
- Mediterranean: Salt-baked sea bream is especially popular in Mediterranean regions, such as Spain, Italy, Greece, and Portugal. In these countries, it can be found in coastal restaurants and venues specializing in fish and seafood dishes . Places like the Costa Brava in Spain, the Algarve region in Portugal, and the Greek islands are known for offering delicious varieties of salt-baked sea bream.
- France: Provence region of southern France, sea bream cooked in salt is a popular culinary option. The technique of cooking fish in salt, known as "en croûte de sel ," is part of the Provençal culinary tradition.
- North Africa: In countries like Morocco and Tunisia, salt-baked sea bream is also a traditional dish. In these places, you can enjoy the flavors and seasonings characteristic of North African cuisine when preparing this dish.
5 tips for making sea bream in salt
- Choosing the fish: Choose a fresh sea bream with bright eyes, well-adhered scales, and firm, elastic flesh.
- Proper cleaning: Before salting the sea bream, clean it thoroughly inside and out. You can remove the scales and guts. Rinse with cold water to remove any residue.
- Amount of salt: Completely cover the sea bream with a generous layer of coarse salt and let it rest for a while before cooking.
- Adding herbs: To give the sea bream an extra touch of aroma, you can add fresh herbs , such as thyme, rosemary or parsley, to the inside of the fish before covering it with salt.
- Resting and flaking time: After removing the sea bream from the oven, it is important to let it rest for a few minutes before breaking the salt crust and flaking.
Recipe for sea bream in salt, baked with potatoes
- Yield : 4 portions
- Preparation time : 45 minutes (approx)
Ingredients
- 1 fresh sea bream (about 1 kg)
- Thick salt
- Aromatic herbs: thyme, rosemary, tarragon (optional)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Potatoes
- Salt and pepper (for the potatoes)
- Parsley to decorate (optional)
How to make sea bream in salt step by step
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Meanwhile, wash and dry the sea bream thoroughly. Optionally, you can remove the guts and scale them.
- In an ovenproof dish, spread a layer of coarse salt, place the sea bream on top of the layer of salt, add aromatic herbs inside the sea bream, such as thyme or rosemary (optional) and cover completely with more salt.
- Cut the potatoes into thin slices or cubes and place them in the dish around the fish, sprinkled with salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil on top.
- Place in the oven and cook for approximately 20 minutes per kilogram of sea bream. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the fish.
- Once the sea bream is cooked, carefully remove it from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes and then break the salt crust, gently removing the skin and flesh of the fish. The fish will easily separate from the central bone.
- Serve the sea bream on a plate, drizzled with a little olive oil and accompanied by the potatoes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
