Fish Around the World

Discover the versatility of fresh fish in five fabulous dishes from around the globe.

Seventy-five per cent of the surface of the globe is covered by water, which certainly explains why populations around the world share a love for fresh fish. From the exotic fish curries of Southeast Asia to fish roasted with the delicate fragrance of fennel and lemon throughout the Mediterranean, every country has its own unique traditions when it comes to cooking with this versatile ingredient.

In your own kitchen, preparing a memorable fish meal with international flavour is much easier than you might expect, if you keep in mind a couple of basic tips. One of the biggest taboos when it comes to fish is overcooking it. As the flesh is naturally tender and contains very little connective tissue, it should only be cooked until firm and starting to flake, while still remaining moist. When purchasing fresh fish, make sure that the flesh is firm and has no strong odour. If you’re searching for a whole fish, look for one with clear eyes and tight scales.

To get a taste of fish as it’s cooked around the globe, sample our five flavourful recipes, each employing a simple yet different regional cooking technique. From the coast of India comes a spice-rubbed fillet pan-seared in a fragrant coconut crust; from tropical Mexico, a refreshing chilled appetizer of fish “cooked” in zesty citrus juices and chilies; from France, a whole fish roasted in the oven with lemon, fennel, olives and other Provençal flavours; from Thailand, an aromatic red curry; and from the seas of Japan, traditional sablefish famously marinated in miso and sake and then broiled to perfection.

Whichever dish you sample, you’ll discover that a simple bite of fish can open up a whole new world of flavours.

Recipes in this article:

• CEVICHE (MEXICO)
• THAI FISH CURRY (THAILAND)
• MISO AND GINGER MARINATED SABLEFISH WITH BRAISED DAIKON (JAPAN)
• SPICY FISH WITH COCONUT (INDIA)
• ROASTED FISH WITH GARLIC, OLIVES, LEMON AND FENNEL (FRANCE)

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