Many of us first tasted this rich, buttery fish (also known as butterfish or sablefish) at Japanese restaurants. It's often lacquered in a sweet miso glaze — a combination credited to famed sushi master Nobu Matsuhisa. It was only a matter of time before chefs everywhere discovered its succulence and versatility, comparable to Chilean sea bass. Now they're pairing it with everything from truffles to the Spanish flavors in this dish.
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Using sharp knife, make three 1/4-inch-deep, 2 1/2-inch-long diagonal cuts in skin of each fish fillet. Arrange fillets in single layer, skin side up, in 15x10x2-inch glass baking dish. Pour Sherry and 1/4 cup olive oil over; sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours and up to 6 hours, turning occasionally.
Step 2
Preheat oven to 425°F. Combine butter and garlic in heavy medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat until butter melts and garlic begins to brown, about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Discard garlic clove. Add panko to butter (mixture will bubble); cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Add lemon juice; remove from heat. Stir in pimentón. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper. Cover to keep warm while preparing fish.
Step 3
Remove fish from marinade and drain. Sprinkle fish with coarse salt. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add fish fillets, skin side down, and cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Turn fillets over; place skillet in oven and roast until fish is just opaque in center, about 2 minutes.
Step 4
Spoon Roasted Sweet-and-Sour Onions into center of 6 plates. Top each serving with 1 fish fillet. Spoon sauce over and serve.
Step 5
*Available in the Asian foods section of some supermarkets and at Asian markets.
Step 6
**Available at some supermarkets, specialty foods stores, and by mail from La Tienda (888-472-1022; tienda.com).
