Holiday
Fusion
Rated 2.0 stars by 2 users
Cured Holiday Fish Ham - Pescatarian Perfection
A new holiday tradition for merfolk, pescatarians and adventurous seafood lovers! This festive combination of savory and sweet us a whole side of fish with a maple-miso marinade to create a ham like flavor and texture with deep nuanced umami. Garnished with soothing fresh mint and antioxidant-rich pomegranate seeds in a Yuletide design, it’s as nourishing as it is stunning for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
-
Steelhead (or Yellowtail) Whole Side - Can be substituted with any Salmon, Steelhead or Yellowtail Bundle
-
Organic extra virgin olive oil (for garnish)
-
4 tbsp microplastic-free salt
-
1 tbsp organic maple syrup (from local grocery)
-
1 tsp organic smoked paprika (from local grocery)
-
1 tsp organic brown sugar (plus extra for topping) (from local grocery)
-
1 tsp organic mustard seeds (from local grocery)
-
2 tbsp organic apple cider vinegar (from local grocery)
-
1 tbsp organic miso paste (from local grocery)
-
Organic cloves (from local grocery)
-
Fresh organic dill (for garnish, from local grocery or garden)
-
Organic pomegranate seeds (for garnish, from local grocery or garden)
-
Fresh organic mint leaves (for garnish, from local grocery or garden)
Directions
-
1.Defrost the Fish: Place the yellowtail in the refrigerator to defrost overnight (removed from vacuum-seal and wrapped in paper towel or tuna paper), or use the quick defrost method by keeping the fish in the vacuum-seal and submerging it in cold running water until fully thawed. Proper defrosting preserves the fish’s delicate texture and keeps its omega-3s and nutrients at their peak.
-
2.Scale the fish: Use a sharp knife to carefully remove scales the skin from the fish, ensuring minimal mess or damage to the delicate flesh.
-
3.Prepare the Skin: Score the fish skin in a square pattern to mimic the look of a traditional ham, cutting evenly but without fully detaching the squares.
-
4.Make the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp mustard seeds, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp miso paste, and 4 tbsp microplastic-free salt. Whisk the ingredients together until fully combined. This nutrient-rich marinade not only adds savory depth and natural sweetness but also supports digestion, immunity, and overall well-being, thanks to its probiotics, antioxidants, and essential minerals.
-
5.Marinate the Fish: Generously coat both sides of the yellowtail with the marinade, ensuring even coverage. Insert cloves into the scored skin squares to infuse the fish with their warm, spicy aroma and antioxidant-rich properties. Wrap the fish in marinade paper and refrigerate for 12-48 hours to allow the flavors to develop fully.
-
6.Change the Paper: After 48 hours, unwrap the fish and replace the marinade paper to absorb excess moisture and prepare the fish for cooking.
-
7.Add the Sugar Layer: Sprinkle a thin, even layer of brown sugar over the fish to create a caramelized finish during cooking.
-
8.Bake the Fish: Preheat the oven to 300°F. Place the fish on a baking sheet and bake until the internal temperature reaches 130°F, about 15 minutes.
-
9.Broil for Crispiness: Switch the oven to broil and cook the fish until the skin turns golden brown and crispy, watching closely to avoid overcooking.
-
10.Garnish Creatively: Plate the fish with fresh dill, pomegranate seeds, and mint leaves. Lightly mist the dish with extra virgin olive oil for a glossy finish. Arrange the garnishes in a Christmas tree design to add a festive and visually stunning touch.
Recipe Note
Recipe Note
This recipe showcases Seatopia’s yellowtail (or steelhead), delivering abundant Omega-3s and paired with a nutrient-rich maple-miso marinade that’s packed with probiotics, antioxidants, and essential minerals. Every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to support your well-being, from anti-inflammatory cloves that add a warm, aromatic depth to the festive garnishes of fresh dill, mint, and antioxidant-rich pomegranate seeds.
By choosing Seatopia’s seafood, you’re not just enjoying premium-grade fish—you’re supporting a regenerative food system that fosters ecosystem restoration and personal wellness. This recipe celebrates the philosophy of Food as Medicine, offering a flavorful, nourishing twist on a holiday classic that strengthens the body and uplifts the spirit.
Seafood 101
Defrosting: Defrost Seatopia seafood in the refrigerator overnight wrapped in paper to preserve its nutrient integrity and texture. For a faster method, place the vacuum-sealed fish in a bowl of cold water for 30–60 minutes. Click here for detailed instructions on defrosting sushi-grade seafood.
Slicing: Use a sharp knife to achieve clean, uniform cuts of sashimi. Slice against the grain into thin, even pieces to create the most tender texture. Learn more about perfecting your slicing technique here.
Learn More
Seatopia’s Clean Seafood Standards: Discover how Seatopia’s seafood is rigorously tested for microplastics, mercury, and other toxins, ensuring it’s safe for raw consumption and meets the highest standards of purity and regenerative aquaculture.
Regenerative Aquaculture Benefits: Explore how Seatopia’s fish are raised in regenerative aquaculture systems designed to restore ecosystems. These practices produce seafood that is rich in micronutrients, certifiably-clean, and unmatched in quality.
Share:
Sea Bream Sashimi + Yuzu, Spirulina & Shiso
Beet-Cured Steelhead Lox: A Regenerative Twist on a Classic