Preparing opah may seem daunting, but with these recipes, you’ll be hooked! Opah, also known as sunfish and moonfish, is a unique Hawaiian catch that’s just as flavorful as it is visually striking. The flavor profile varies depending on the part of the fish used, ranging from tuna-like to salmon-like, with hints of beef. While it may not be a staple in many households, opah’s versatility knows no bounds.
From seared and served to crispy tostadas, here are several delectable ways to savor this underrated gem:
Seared Opah with Vine-Ripened Tomato Butter
When preparing seafood dishes, a classic combination to rely on is garlic butter. This opah recipe takes this fundamental flavor profile to new heights by incorporating an abundance of garlic butter, along with a zesty lemon twist, a splash of white wine, and a rich tomato concasse. The latter term, often unfamiliar to non-French cooks, refers to the process of boiling and peeling tiny diced tomatoes, removing any skins and seeds in the process.
This technique is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy cooked tomatoes but find the texture of their skins unappealing.
Steamed Opah
Steaming fish doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. In fact, with a few clever tweaks, you can elevate your seafood game without sacrificing any precious time. Take this opah dish, for instance. By marinating the fish in white wine before steaming, you’ll end up with a beautifully tender and juicy piece of fish that’s bursting with flavor. But that’s not all – the addition of homemade ginger pesto during the cooking process adds an extra layer of depth and complexity to the dish.
And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance: drizzling the entire thing in an umami-rich ginger cream sauce just before serving. The result is a mouthwatering, restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly quick to prepare – we’re talking just 15 minutes from start to finish.
Grilled Opah and Asparagus with Lemon Sauce
The harmonious union of asparagus and lemon is already a winning combination. However, when you introduce opah to the mix, it becomes an unbeatable trio. The secret to successfully grilling opah lies in ensuring that the grates are well-oiled, thereby preventing the fish from sticking. This crucial step sets the stage for a culinary masterpiece. Once the grates are prepared, it’s a simple matter of adding the asparagus and opah to the grill.
The opah requires only two to three minutes per side, depending on its thickness, making it an effortless addition to your meal. As soon as both components are cooked to perfection, the tangy zest of lemon sauce can be liberally applied, elevating the dish to new heights. I particularly enjoy serving this delectable fusion at gatherings and barbecues, where the opportunity arises to introduce friends and family to the unique flavor profile of opah.
Grilled Opah Tostadas
Indulge in the delightful combination of grilled opah tostadas, perfect for any occasion – whether you’re craving a satisfying lunch, dinner, or a quick snack. The crispy tostada shells serve as the ideal canvas for a medley of flavors and textures. Start by spreading refried beans on each shell, followed by generous helpings of crunchy slaw, creamy avocado, tangy salsa, and seared opah.
These flavorful bites are sure to be a hit at your next summer cookout or gathering when the sun is shining and everyone’s looking forward to a relaxing good time.
Simply Seared Opah
To bring out the natural flavor of opah and achieve a crispy crust, a simple yet effective method is to sear it. This technique requires minimal effort and no complex seasoning combinations. A light dusting of salt and pepper sets the stage, followed by a burst of citrusy freshness from a squeeze of lemon juice. The beauty of this approach lies in its simplicity and foolproof nature. When it comes to achieving a perfect sear, I find that using a well-oiled cast-iron skillet is ideal.
Additionally, opting for oil with a high smoking point ensures that the cooking process unfolds smoothly, preventing the oil from breaking down prematurely.
Opah with Buttery Tomato Sauce
If you’re looking for a more satisfying combination, I highly suggest pairing Opah with a bold tomato sauce. The firm, meaty texture of Opah pairs perfectly with the rich flavors in the sauce. And the best part? You likely already have all the necessary ingredients on hand. The sauce recipe includes staple pantry items like tomato paste, vinegar, garlic, and onions, with fresh tomatoes adding a pop of freshness (or canned tomatoes as a convenient substitute).
To keep things simple and healthy, serve it alongside some quarked quinoa and steamed vegetables. But when I’m craving something comforting, there’s nothing quite like reaching for a crusty baguette to mop up every last drop of sauce.
Seared Opah with Papaya Avocado Salsa
Savor the tropical essence of this delectable dish, featuring a harmonious balance of fresh, sweet, meaty, and gluten-free flavors. The real showstopper is the sensational fruity salsa, infused with papaya, avocado, and a delightful surprise: hints of pineapple and orange juice. This condiment is the perfect accompaniment to the firm fish, allowing its natural flavor to shine through.
As most of the complementary flavors are already present in the salsa, simply season the opah with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper for added depth.
Opah Bolognese
Indulge your pescatarian cravings without sacrificing flavor with a rich and satisfying bolognese sauce. The abductor muscle of opah, which surprisingly echoes the taste of beef when ground, is the key to achieving this culinary delight. While it may not sound appetizing at first, trust that the end result will be well worth the time invested in crafting the perfect sauce – a true treat for your taste buds.
Grilled Opah Fish Tacos
The discussion of fish wouldn’t be complete without mentioning its starring role in fish tacos. To elevate this dish to new heights, follow these steps. Start by seasoning the opah filets with a blend of lemon peppercorn and Hawaiian black lava salt, which boasts a distinctive smoky, sweet, and salty flavor profile. If you can’t access this unique salt, sea salt is a suitable substitute.
After a brief sear, place the fish within a warm corn tortilla accompanied by a refreshing slaw and a drizzle of spicy avocado buttermilk dressing. This innovative combination will undoubtedly leave other taco variations in its wake.
Opah Fish with Sunchokes and Asparagus
Savor a delectable pescatarian dinner with ease! Roasted sunchokes, also known as Jerusalem artichokes, bring a delightful nutty flavor to the table. Simply pair them with pan-seared fish and blanched asparagus, then season with salt, pepper, and a hint of lemon zest. This straightforward seven-ingredient recipe is perfect for cooks of all levels, requiring minimal prep time and yielding a dish that showcases each ingredient’s unique qualities.
