Whiting with seaweed butter
SERVES 6 AS A SHARED DISH // PREP TIME 20 MINS // COOK 25 MINS (PLUS RESTING)
“We source our fish directly from our fisherman, Justin Cicolella, who is part of the Fair Fish community-supported fishery,” says Edwards. “A few times a week we have a chat about what he's catching. Fish this good deserves to be the hero – a little seaweed butter and a squeeze of lemon is all it needs.” Pictured p99.
3 large yellowfin whiting (or other whiting; about 20-25cm in length), cleaned and fins removed Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling and brushing 1 lemon, halved, for squeezing, plus extra lemon wedges to serve
Watercress or other greens, to serve SEAWEED BUTTER 5 golden shallots, diced 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 80 ml (1⁄3 cup) extra-virgin olive oil 6 sheets Korean laver or nori (see note) 1 tbsp light soy sauce 2 tsp rice wine vinegar 200 gm softened unsalted butter
1 For seaweed butter, combine shallot, garlic, oil and a pinch of salt in a saucepan over low heat, and cook, stirring, until soft (15 minutes). Remove from heat. 2 Hold laver over a gas flame briefly with tongs until crisp and toasted, or roast under a low grill. Crush laver, add to shallot mixture and set aside to soften and cool (15 minutes). Add soy and vinegar and season with salt (about 1 tsp). Pulse in a food processor until a chunky paste forms, then fold through butter.
3 Preheat a charcoal or other barbecue to high. Lightly brush fish with oil and season with salt (ensure fish is at room temperature). Grill over indirect heat until skin is charred and fish is just cooked through
(6-7 minutes each side).
4 Squeeze lemon over fish, sprinkle with sea salt flakes and top with a large spoonful of seaweed butter. Drizzle with oil and serve with watercress and lemon wedges.
Note Korean laver (toasted seaweed) is available from Asian supermarkets; substitute nori. Wine suggestion A fruitforward pinot noir, such as
Lucy Margaux “Out of Control”.