Beer-Brined Lamb Shoulder Roast with Red Wine & Blueberry Sauce

This succulent roast lamb has a sweet and savory twist: blueberries add a burst of juicy flavor that is complemented by rosemary and shallots, and a beer brine adds wonderful depth and moisture. Enjoy the Beer-Brined Lamb Roast with Black Sage Vineyard Merlot or Black Hills Nota Bene.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6-8
LAMB
10 cups (2.5 L) water, divided
½ cup (125 ml) coarse salt
¼ cup + 1 tbsp (75 ml) granulated sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) whole black peppercorns
1 tbsp (15 ml) juniper berries
6 sprigs fresh rosemary, divided
2 fresh bay leaves
2 × 473 ml cans Strange Fellows Jongleur Wit Beer
4 to 4½ lbs (1.8 to 2 kg) bone-in lamb shoulder
1 white onion, cut into large chunks
1 head garlic, cut in half crosswise
RED WINE AND BLUEBERRY SAUCE
2 tsp (10 ml) juniper berries, lightly crushed
½ tsp (2.5 ml) whole black peppercorns
2 fresh bay leaves
1 small sprig fresh rosemary
2 tbsp (30 ml) canola oil
3 large shallots, thinly sliced
1¼ cups (310 ml) Petrichor Cabernet Merlot
¼ cup (60 ml) balsamic vinegar
3 tbsp (45 ml) granulated sugar
½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
2 cups (500 ml) fresh blueberries

Instructions

  1. To make beer brine, in a medium saucepan, combine 8 cups (2 L) water, salt, sugar, peppercorns, juniper berries, 2 rosemary sprigs and bay leaves and bring to a boil until salt and sugar dissolve. Remove from heat, add beer and cool to room temperature.
  2. Place lamb in a container sized to fit lamb snugly. Pour in cooled brine to cover. If lamb is not fully covered, add a bit more beer or water until submerged. Let rest in brine, covered, in refrigerator for at least 12 hours but no more than 36.
  3. Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C).
  4. Remove lamb from brine and pat dry. Arrange remaining 4 rosemary sprigs, onions and garlic in bottom of a roasting pan and place lamb on top. Pour in remaining 2 cups (500 ml) water and cover lamb with a sheet of parchment and then a layer of foil, making sure to seal edges around baking dish.
  5. Transfer lamb to oven and cook until tender enough that you can twist a fork pierced at its thickest point, about 3 hours. Raise oven temperature to 400 F (200 C), remove parchment and foil from lamb and continue to roast for another 30 minutes. Remove from oven, tent with foil and let rest for 15 to 30 minutes.
  6. Shred lamb from bone in large chunks and transfer to a serving dish. Drizzle with a bit of rendered juices from roasting pan and serve with Red Wine & Blueberry Sauce.
  7. To make the Red Wine and Blueberry Sauce, in a small piece of cheesecloth, combine juniper berries, peppercorns, bay leaves and rosemary. Tie into a bundle and set aside.
  8. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, warm canola oil, then add shallots and sauté until just beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Pour in red wine, vinegar, sugar and salt. Add spice bag, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes. Add blueberries and simmer for about 30 more minutes, until berries have softened and sauce has thickened. Remove from heat and discard spice bag. Serve warm or at room temperature. Can be stored in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 5 days. Makes 2 cups (500 ml)
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Drink Pairings

Dandelion Greens Tart

This tart is a great addition to a relaxed springtime brunch. Delicious warm or at room temperature, it looks like much more effort than it actually is. If you can’t find dandelion greens, feel free to substitute the same amount of any readily available bitter greens. Enjoy the Dandelion Greens Tart alongside Left Field Nelson Sauvignon Blanc or Santa Ana La Mascota Cabernet Franc.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6
1 tbsp (15 ml) flax meal
2½ tbsp (37.5 ml) water
2 cups (500 ml) raw pumpkin seeds, plus more for garnish
2 tbsp (30 ml) nutritional yeast
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil, divided
1 bunch dandelion greens (about 6 oz/170 g)
kosher salt, to taste
2 shallots, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup (250 ml) plain yogurt
3 large eggs
2 tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped fresh chives
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 oz (85 g) goat’s cheese, crumbled, for garnish
microgreens, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C).
  2. In a small bowl, whisk flax meal and water. Set aside to thicken for 5 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, in a food processor fitted with an S blade, pulse pumpkin seeds and nutritional yeast until a coarse meal forms. Add 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil and flax mixture. Pulse again until well combined and a small portion of mixture holds together when pressed in your hand.
  4. Pour crust mixture into a 4 × 14-in (10 × 35 cm) fluted rectangular tart pan with removable bottom. Evenly press crust mixture across bottom and up sides of pan. Bake until crust is lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Set aside to cool while making filling.
  5. Cut off tough stems of dandelion greens and wash well under cold water. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Meanwhile, prepare an ice bath by placing a couple handfuls of ice in a large bowl and filling bowl about halfway with water. When saucepan of water comes to a boil, salt generously and add dandelion greens. Blanch, about 2 minutes, then transfer to ice bath. Drain, squeeze out excess water and roughly chop.
  6. In a small frying pan over medium heat, warm remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil. Add shallots, garlic and a pinch of salt and sauté, stirring often, until shallots have softened, about 8 minutes.
  7. In a medium bowl, whisk yogurt and eggs until well combined. Fold in chopped dandelion greens, shallot mixture, chives and a good pinch of pepper.
  8. Pour filling into tart shell and transfer tart to oven. Bake until filling has puffed up and is lightly golden brown, 30 to 40 minutes. Let tart cool in pan on a rack for at least 25 to 35 minutes.
  9. When ready to serve, remove tart from pan and place on a platter. Garnish as desired with pumpkin seeds, goat cheese and microgreens. Slice and serve.
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Drink Pairings

Oven-Baked Salmon Fillet

Whether for a quick dinner on a busy night or when feeding a group at a dinner party, this gorgeous fillet recipe will be one you want to save. Serve it with your favourite salad for a complete meal, and add any leftovers to your favourite greens for a wholesome lunch the next day. So easy, so versatile and so delicious! Enjoy the Oven-Baked Salmon Fillet with Tinhorn Creek Gewurztraminer.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4-6
1 fillet wild BC salmon fillet (about 1.6 lbs/725 g), deboned, washed and thoroughly dried
salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup (125 ml) mayonnaise
½ tbsp (7.5 ml) Dijon mustard
1 tsp (5 ml) smoked paprika
¼ tsp (1 ml) cayenne pepper
2 tsp (10 ml) fresh lemon juice
up to ½ tsp (2.5 ml) freshly ground pepper, to taste
fresh parsley, lemon and
lime slices, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Adjust oven rack to upper third of oven and preheat to 400 F (200 C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
  2. Season salmon fillet with salt and pepper and place on lined baking sheet, skin-side down.
  3. In a medium bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon, paprika, cayenne and lemon juice. Spread evenly over surface of salmon.
  4. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and season with freshly ground black pepper. Garnish as desired with parsley and lemon and lime slices, and serve.
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Drink Pairings

Green Curry with Poached Prawns

Vibrant and fresh in both colour and taste, this curry highlights one of BC’s most coveted springtime ingredients: spot prawns. It’s sure to brighten any spring table. Cloudy Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc or Hakutsuru Dai Ginjo Sake make excellent pairings for this dish.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 6
1 × 14 oz (398 ml) can full-fat coconut milk
¼ cup (60 ml) Green Curry Paste, make ahead, recipe follows
1 cup (250 ml) Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc
1 large bulb fennel
6 oz (170 g) broccolini
2 tbsp (30 ml) liquid coconut oil
1 lb (450 g) whole fresh spot prawns
6 oz (170 g) baby bok choy, each cut in half
1 cup (250 ml) snap peas
⅓ cup (80 ml) toasted cashews, for garnish
2 Thai (bird’s eye) chilies, sliced into thin rounds, for garnish (optional)
¼ cup (60 ml) fresh cilantro sprigs, for garnish (optional)
1 lime, cut into wedges, to serve
GREEN CURRY PASTE
1 cup (250 ml) packed spring greens (such as spinach, arugula, watercress or dandelion greens)
2 to 3 Thai green chilies, to taste
6 green onions, trimmed and roughly chopped
1 stalk lemongrass, outer leaves removed and inner stalk roughly chopped
2-in (5 cm) piece fresh ginger
4 cloves garlic
4 Makrut lime leaves
1 tbsp (15 ml) ground coriander
1½ tsp (7.5 ml) ground cumin
1 lime, zest and juice
2 tsp (10 ml) fish sauce
1 cup (250 ml) packed fresh cilantro leaves and tender stalks

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
  2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, whisk coconut milk, Green Curry Paste and wine until mixture comes to a rolling simmer.
  3. Meanwhile, trim fennel bulb and cut into 8 wedges. Place fennel and broccolini into a roasting pan, drizzle with coconut oil and toss to coat. Spread vegetables into a single layer and transfer to oven. Roast until fennel starts to soften, about 20 minutes.
  4. Add curry sauce to roasting pan, then scatter prawns, bok choy and snap peas over roasted vegetables. Return roasting pan to oven and roast until prawns turn pink and bok choy is tender, about 10 minutes.
  5. Garnish warm curry with some toasted cashews and a sprinkle of chilies and cilantro sprigs, if using. Serve with lime wedges alongside. This curry is delicious served over rice.
  6. To make Green Curry Paste, bring a small saucepan of water to a boil. Meanwhile, prepare an ice bath by placing a couple handfuls of ice in a medium bowl and filling bowl about halfway with water. When saucepan of water comes to a boil, add spring greens. Blanch, 1 to 2 minutes, until wilted and bright green, then transfer to ice bath. Drain, squeeze out excess water and roughly chop. Set aside.
  7. In a blender, place chilies, green onions, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, lime leaves, coriander, cumin, lime zest and juice and fish sauce. Pulse until well combined and a chunky paste forms. You may need to scrape down sides of blender a couple of times. Add cilantro and blanched spring greens and pulse again until a thick, smooth paste forms, stopping to scrape down sides of blender as needed. Can be stored in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 1 week. You’ll have more paste than you need for curry recipe, so try mixing it with butter and using it to baste meat, seafood or vegetables, or add a teaspoon to your next batch of scrambled eggs for a kick of flavour.
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Drink Pairings

Green Shakshuka

Shakshuka, a dish hailing from North Africa, is traditionally made by poaching eggs in a spicy tomato sauce. For this seasonally inspired take, we forgo the tomatoes and instead use a garden’s worth of springtime greens. Serve this dish with Bleu Blanc Thau Côtes de Thau or San Pedro 1865 Selected Vineyards Carmenère.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4
8 cups (2 L) packed chopped spinach and/or arugula, divided
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
1 tsp (5 ml) kosher salt
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish
1 cup (250 ml) ice cubes
1 tbsp (15 ml) grapeseed oil
2 tbsp (30 ml) unsalted butter
1 large leek, trimmed and white and tender green parts thinly sliced into rounds
1 clove garlic, minced
8 to 10 spears asparagus, trimmed and chopped into 1-in (2.5 cm) lengths
½ cup (125 ml) fresh or frozen green peas
½ cup (125 ml) shelled fava beans or edamame
4 large eggs
red pepper chili flakes, for garnish (optional)
toasted bread, to serve (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups (500 ml) greens and blanch for about 10 seconds. Immediately transfer blanched greens to a blender along with cumin, salt, dill and ice. Purée until smooth, then set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil and butter. Add leeks and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, asparagus, peas and fava beans. Continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in remaining 6 cups (1.5 L) chopped greens a handful at a time, letting each addition wilt slightly before adding more. Cook, stirring and tossing often, until all leaves are wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in purée mixture and cook until warmed through, about 4 minutes.
  3. Using a spoon, create 4 wells in mixture. Crack an egg into each well. Cover skillet with a lid and poach eggs to your liking, 6 to 8 minutes for set whites and runny yolks, or longer for firmer set eggs. Remove from heat and garnish shakshuka with extra dill and a sprinkle of chili flakes, if using. Serve with some toasted bread, if desired.
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Drink Pairings

Creamy Tuscan Salmon

For your next dinner party, impress your guests with a luxuriously creamy salmon main that is deceptively easy to make! Serve with your favourite pasta or toasty dinner rolls and expect your guests to go for seconds. Consider pairing this recipe with Stag’s Hollow Pinot Gris.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4
4 wild BC salmon fillets (about 4 to 6 oz/110 to 170 g each)
salt and pepper, to taste
4 tbsp (60 ml) vegetable or avocado oil, divided
1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
1 shallot, finely chopped
5 cloves garlic, crushed
¼ cup (60 ml) dry white wine
7 oz (200 g) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and cut into about ¼-in (0.6 cm) thick slices
4 cups (1 L) fresh baby spinach leaves
1 cup (250 ml) whipping cream
1 cup (250 ml) half-and-half cream
⅛ tsp (a pinch) red pepper chili flakes (optional)
¼ cup (60 ml) chopped fresh basil
⅔ cup (160 ml) grated Parmesan
chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large skillet over high heat, heat 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil until shimmering. Reduce heat to medium-high and add seasoned salmon fillets skinside up. Do not crowd fillets. Fry for 2 minutes, undisturbed. Flip fillets and continue frying for another 1 to 1½ minutes. Transfer fried salmon to a plate and set aside.
  3. To same skillet, add remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) oil and the butter and cook over medium heat until butter melts. Add shallots and garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, until fragrant. Add white wine to deglaze and cook until liquid has evaporated.
  4. Mix in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts. Reduce heat to low and add whipping cream, half-and-half cream, chili flakes (if using) and basil. Cook for about 1 minute. Mix in Parmesan and continue cooking until melted, 1 to 2 minutes.
  5. Add salmon fillets to skillet with cream sauce. Spoon some sauce over salmon, cover and cook for 1 minute to integrate all flavours. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Garnish with parsley and serve.
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Drink Pairings

Sausage & Mushroom Sticky Rice

This is a classic sticky rice preparation. The rice is cooked, then stir-fried with aromatic Chinese sausages, dried shiitake mushrooms and dried shrimp. Pair with Toscana Tenute Rossetti Governo or Pinot Noir Diora La Petite Grace 2020
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4 to 6
2 tbsp (30 ml) dark soy sauce
2 tbsp (30 ml) oyster sauce
2 tsp (10 ml) soy sauce
2 tsp (10 ml) chicken stock powder
2 tsp (10 ml) sesame oil
1 pinch white pepper
1 pinch salt
1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil
¼ cup (60 ml) dried shrimp, soaked for 30 minutes in warm water, drained and finely chopped
4 Chinese sausages, diced
8 dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked for 30 minutes in warm water, drained and diced
4 green onions, thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
2 tsp (10 ml) Pagoda 8-Year-Old Shaoxing Rice Wine
2 cups (500 ml) glutinous rice, rinsed and cooked according to package instructions
sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, chicken stock powder, sesame oil, white pepper and salt. Set aside.
  2. Heat a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add oil, then stir-fry shrimp and Chinese sausages for 30 seconds. Add shiitake mushrooms and green onions and stir-fry until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add cooking wine and stir-fry for 1 minute.
  3. Add rice, then mix in sauce. Continue mixing until everything is thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
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Drink Pairings

Cava Poached Lobster with Saffron Butter

Ring in the New Year with a touch of elegance. Gently poached, tender lobster is enhanced by the subtle, aromatic flavour of saffron-infused butter. Go ahead, treat yourselves. Pair the poached lobster dish with Varias Cava Genui Brut Nature, Louis Roederer Collection, or Taittinger Brut Réserve.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 2
2 cups (500 ml) Varias Genuí Cava Brut Nature, plus more as needed to cover
2 cups (500 ml) water
1 stalk celery, cut into ½-in (1.25 cm) slices
½ cup (125 ml) sliced fennel, a few fronds reserved for garnish
½ yellow onion, cut into ½-in (1.25 cm) dice
½ lemon, cut into ⅓-in (0.8 cm) slices
1 tsp (5 ml) whole black peppercorns
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
2 dried bay leaves
2 × 6 oz (170 g) lobster tails
8 × 3- to 4-in (7.5 to 10 cm) long baby carrots, thicker ones sliced in half lengthwise
1 bunch radishes, larger ones sliced in half
1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
1 tsp (5 ml) fresh thyme leaves
1 cup (250 ml) snap peas
Saffron Butter, make ahead, recipe follows
finely sliced fresh chives, for garnish
lemon wedges, to serve
toasted focaccia or crusty baguette, to serve
SAFFRON BUTTER
2-finger pinch saffron (about 25 threads)
¼ cup (60 ml) Varias Genuí Cava Brut Nature
¼ cup (60 ml) whipping cream
⅛ tsp (a pinch) Spanish smoked paprika
½ cup (125 ml) butter, room temperature

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).
  2. In a saucepan large enough to fit lobster tails but narrow enough that tails can be submerged, combine Cava, water, celery, fennel slices, onions, lemon slices, peppercorns, salt and bay leaves and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes, then turn off burner. Cover and let cool to room temperature, then strain. Rinse saucepan and pour strained liquid back in.
  3. Using sharp kitchen shears, cut along back of each lobster tail, leaving tail end intact. Look for any dark veins along tail meat and remove if present. Set lobster tails aside.
  4. Bring poaching liquid to a boil over medium-high heat. Blanch carrots for 4 minutes, then use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Blanch radishes for 1 minute and transfer to plate with carrots.
  5. Add lobster to saucepan, adding a splash more Cava to cover if tails aren’t fully submerged. Bring up to a boil, then remove from heat and cover with a lid. Let sit, covered, for 5 minutes, then remove lobster tails and cut in half lengthwise along precut line. Reserve ½ cup (125 ml) poaching liquid.
  6. In a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add blanched carrots, blanched radishes and thyme and toss until everything is well coated. Transfer to oven and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until vegetables are lightly browned. Return to stovetop over medium-high heat and add snap peas and reserved ½ cup (125 ml) poaching liquid. Reduce liquid by about half, then add lobster tails and 3 tbsp (45 ml) Saffron Butter. Remove from heat and gently stir until butter is emulsified into broth.
  7. Divide among 2 shallow bowls, pouring any remaining sauce over lobster tails. Garnish with reserved fennel fronds, sliced chives and another dollop of Saffron Butter. Serve with lemon wedges and toasted focaccia for soaking up sauce.
  8. To make Saffron Butter, in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine saffron threads and Cava and simmer until Cava is almost completely reduced. Stir in whipping cream and paprika and continue to simmer until volume is reduced by about half. Transfer to a small mixing bowl and let cool to room temperature, then stir in butter until smooth. Can be made ahead and stored in refrigerator for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before using.
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Drink Pairings

Honey Walnut Prawns

Battered prawns are tossed in a sweet mayonnaise and served with candied walnuts. This dish is extremely addictive! Serve with Wild Goose Pinot Gris.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4 to 6
2 tbsp (30 ml) honey
¼ cup (60 ml) walnuts
¼ cup (60 ml) Japanese mayonnaise
3 tbsp (45 ml) sweetened condensed milk
2 tsp (10 ml) fresh lemon juice
¾ tsp (4 ml) salt, divided
¼ cup (60 ml) all-purpose flour
2 tbsp (30 ml) cornstarch
½ cup (125 ml) water, plus more as needed
1 egg
1 lb (450 g) peeled and deveined prawns
vegetable oil, for deep-frying
1 tsp (5 ml) toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt honey. Add walnuts and mix well. Transfer walnuts to lined baking sheet and bake for 5 to 10 minutes, just until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool. Once cool, break walnut pieces apart and set aside.
  3. To make sauce, in a medium bowl, mix mayonnaise, condensed milk, lemon juice and ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt. Set aside.
  4. To make batter for prawns, in a separate medium bowl, combine ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt, flour, cornstarch, water and egg. Mix until smooth and consistency of heavy cream; add more water if necessary. Set aside.
  5. Rinse prawns in cold water, drain and pat dry with paper towel. Season with remaining ¼ tsp (1 ml) salt.
  6. In a wok or heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat, heat 4-in (10 cm) oil to 350 F (175 C) on a deep-frying thermometer.
  7. Dip prawns in batter and deep-fry until lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from oil and drain on a paper-towel-lined plate.
  8. Turn up heat and heat oil to 375 F (190 C). Fry prawns a second time for 60 to 90 seconds. Remove from heat and drain on paper-towel-lined plate.
  9. Toss prawns in sauce. Place on a serving platter and garnish with candied walnuts, sesame seeds and green onions.
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Drink Pairings

Fried Sweet & Sour Fish

A whole fish is traditional for Lunar New Year for good luck. In Mandarin, the word for “fish” sounds like “surplus,” so serving a whole fish will mean abundance year after year. We used red sea bream, but you can substitute any similar-sized fish. It is fried until crisp, then covered with a tangy sweet and sour sauce. Enjoy this dish with Wild Goose Pinot Gris.
Ingredients Instructions

Ingredients

Serves 4 to 6
1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil, plus more for shallow frying
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1-in (2.5 cm) slice fresh ginger
½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
½ yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
½ yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 tsp (10 ml) Pagoda 8-Year-Old Shaoxing Rice Wine
¼ cup (60 ml) ketchup
¼ cup (60 ml) white vinegar
¼ cup (60 ml) rice wine vinegar
½ cup (125 ml) pineapple juice
¼ cup + 2 tbsp (90 ml) water, divided
1 tsp (5 ml) salt, plus more to season fish
2 tsp (10 ml) soy sauce
2 tbsp (30 ml) granulated sugar
2 tbsp (30 ml) cornstarch, plus more for dusting fish
3 to 4 lbs (1.4 to 1.8 kg) whole red sea bream, gutted and scales removed
pepper, to taste
2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat 1 tbsp (30 ml) oil. Add garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Add peppers and onions and stir-fry just until cooked, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove peppers and onions and set aside. Keep garlic and ginger in saucepan and add cooking wine, ketchup, white and rice vinegars, pineapple juice, ¼ cup (60 ml) water, salt, soy sauce and sugar. Bring to a boil, then turn heat down to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp (30 ml) cornstarch and remaining 2 tbsp (30 ml) water. Pour cornstarch slurry into sauce, stirring constantly. Bring sauce back to a boil, stirring occasionally. Turn off heat, mix in vegetables and keep warm until ready to use.
  3. Dry fish inside and out with paper towel. Using a sharp knife, slit fish down to bone, spacing slits 1-in (2.5 cm) apart from head to tail. Season fish inside and out with salt and pepper, rubbing it into slits.
  4. Place a large, heavy-bottomed, high-sided saucepan or wok over medium-high heat, making sure pan is large enough to fit fish. Heat 2-in (5 cm) oil to 375 F (190 C) on a deep-frying thermometer.
  5. Dry fish again well with paper towel. Coat fish on either side with cornstarch, working it into cuts, then dust off any excess.
  6. Lay fish in hot oil away from you. Fry until golden brown, about 5 to 8 minutes. Do not move fish during this time; check colour only after 5 minutes. Using 2 spatulas, carefully flip fish and cook on other side for 5 to 8 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through; fish should easily flake with a fork.
  7. Remove fish from oil and drain for 1 minute on a rack. Transfer to a serving platter and cover with vegetables and sauce. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
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Drink Pairings

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