Forget everything you think you know about salmon heads. This isn't some fishy leftover relegated to the scraps bin; this is a culinary adventure waiting to happen. Braised salmon head with pineapple is a surprisingly delightful dish, transforming a typically overlooked ingredient into a tender, succulent, and subtly sweet masterpiece. The rich, savory broth infused with the tropical sweetness of pineapple creates a flavor profile that’s both unexpected and utterly addictive. This recipe elevates the humble salmon head to a star of the culinary stage.
The combination of tender salmon, juicy pineapple, and fragrant aromatics creates a symphony of flavors in your mouth. This seemingly simple dish is bursting with depth and complexity, offering a unique and memorable dining experience. Ready to unlock the delicious potential of this often-discarded ingredient? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own Braised Salmon Head with Pineapple.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Knife
- Scissors
- Chopping board
Ingredients
- Salmon head: 500 grams
- Pineapple: 250 grams
- Green onions: 20 grams
- Shallots: 4
- Garlic: 3 cloves
- Chili peppers: 3
- Fresh coconut
- Coconut water: 300ml
- Sugar: 1/2 teaspoon
- Sweet soy sauce: 1/3
- Seasoning powder: 1/2
- Ground pepper: a little
- Fish sauce: 1 spoonful
- Caramel: 1 spoonful
- Cooking oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Marinate Salmon
- Cut the pineapple into thin slices (about 1 cm thick).
- Chop the green onions, chili peppers, shallots, and garlic finely.
- Marinate the salmon head with half of the chopped garlic, shallots, chili, sugar, sweet soy sauce, seasoning powder, ground pepper, fish sauce, and caramel. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
Step 2. Sauté Aromatics and Pineapple
- Sauté the remaining minced garlic, shallots, and chili in cooking oil until fragrant.
- Add the pineapple and stir-fry for about 1 minute.
Step 3. Braise the Salmon Head
- Add the marinated salmon head to the pot and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add 300ml of fresh coconut water and adjust the fish to be covered with water.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for 3 minutes. Flip the fish halfway through.
- Season to taste. Braise for another 7-10 minutes on medium heat without flipping the fish.
- Add green onions during the last minute of cooking.
Step 4. Serve
- Turn off the heat and serve.
Read more: Vietnamese Braised Pork Ribs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Use fresh coconut water for the best flavor.
- Caramel adds color and enhances the flavor of the fish. A recipe for making caramel is available in another video (link in description).
- Don't flip the fish too often during braising to prevent it from becoming tough.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Is braising a salmon head really necessary? Can't I just cook it another way?
While you *could* try other methods, braising is ideal for tenderizing the head and extracting maximum flavor from the bones and cheeks. Other methods might leave the meat dry or tough.
2. What can I substitute for pineapple if I don't have it?
Other tropical fruits like mango or even a touch of sweetness from brown sugar could work, but the pineapple's unique acidity and sweetness are key to the dish's flavor profile. Experiment cautiously!
This Braised Salmon Head with Pineapple recipe proves that deliciousness can be found in unexpected places. From start to finish, this dish is a rewarding culinary experience, showcasing the surprising versatility of often-overlooked ingredients. So, embrace the adventure and treat yourself to this unique and flavorful meal!