Asian Style Salmon.       

When I used to live outside of Philadelphia I used to trek in to the city where there was a small China Town area located.   Once in a while I would venture into a  local Chinese restaurant to taste their dishes.  

Whether you visit Chinatown in New York or San Francisco try something new.  That is how I learned to adore the Chinese preparation of Squid and Whole Fish recipes.  Although you wont find Salmon served normally on the menu this is a recipe traditionally served with Sea Bass in Gourmet Chinese Restaurants.    I have never experienced a flavorful fish dish as this one.  

The flavors jump out at you.  The dish is cooked in less than 20 minutes.  We are sure that you probably have most of the ingredients on hand.  When you go to the market to pick up a fresh piece of salmon all you probably need to buy is one more item.  Chinese Five Spice Powder.  This is not a spice that will sit in your cabinet forever either.  Once you taste the magic that it creates you will find ways to use it in light and easy chicken and vegetable dishes  It is invaluable in Asian style cooking.  It adds a spicy sweet flavor to exotic dishes. 

We purchased it at our local market Winn-Dixie under the McCormick brand.  We at therecipeexchange.com have become well acquainted with the McCormick brand as the leader of fine quality spices.  You pay a little more for the brand but it is well worth the cost.  The Chinese Five Spice is made up of  Anise, Cinnamon, Star Anise and Ginger.  An important aspect of this dish is the marinating.  Make sure you marinate the fish for 6 hours to overnight.  It makes the world of difference in the final flavor.  Let us know what you think about this recipe.  It is our favorite recipe so far for the preparation of Salmon and we are sure you will agree.        

Marinade Ingredients: Salmon-2 Lbs. 
Vermouth-1 cup. 
Soy Sauce-1 cup. 
Water-1 cup. 
Fresh Ginger-1 tablespoon finely grated.              
Additional Ingredients: 
Salt-1/2 teaspoon. 
White Pepper- 1/4 teaspoon. 
Cornstarch- 1/4 cup for dredging. 
Sweet Butter-2 tablespoons. 
Olive Oil-2 tablespoons.
Chinese Five Spice Powder-1-teaspoon.           

Sauce Ingredients: 
Sweet Butter-1 stick. 
Soy Sauce- 3/4 cup. 
Balsamic Vinegar-1/4 cup. 
Lemon-Juice of 1 Lemon. 
Tabasco Sauce- 1/4 teaspoon.          

Instructions:  Combine all the marinade ingredients into a bowl.  Place the Salmon in the bowl and spoon the marinade over the Salmon to coat well.  Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 6 hour or overnight.  In a large non-stick skillet place the Sweet Butter and Olive oil over a medium flame.  Remove the Salmon from the marinade and pat lightly with a paper towel.  Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.  Dust the fish with a fine coating of the corn starch and Chinese Five Spice Powder.   Place skin side down in the skillet.   Gently flip the fish and  cook the fish until lightly golden on each side.  We serve it slightly rare on the inside.  Cook it to your own taste.  For the sauce, in a separate sauce pan add in the Sweet Butter, Soy Sauce, Balsamic Vinegar, Lemon Juice and Tabasco Sauce.  Wisk over a medium flam until blended.  Plate the Salmon on a lovely decorative fish platter and spoon the delicious sauce all around the fish.  Serve with cooked short grain rice.