Arctic Char with an Asian-Inspired Glaze and Tangy Spinach

When we were in Iceland, one of the things that we ate that hadn’t tried before was arctic char. It is a fish that is similar to salmon or trout, but it has a slightly different texture and taste. Because it is the type of fish that can stand up to bold flavors, we decided to create a soy, sesame, citrus marinade to glaze the char. Ensuring that the skin gets nice and crispy adds to the flavor as well as provides a different textural component to the fish. We served it with fresh baby spinach that we pan-seared in oil and seasoned with crushed red pepper flakes. It was a perfect accompaniment to the glazed arctic char.

Sautéed Spinach with Red Pepper Flakes

INGREDIENTS

  • 1lb Arctic Char – cut into two filets
  • 4 tbsp Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
  • 4 tsp Honey
  • 1/2 tsp Sesame Oil
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Orange Juice
  • 1 lb Fresh Baby Spinach – stems removed
  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes – more if you’d like more heat
  • 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
Soy, Sesame, Citrus Marinade

INSTRUCTIONS

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and orange juice until the honey is fully dissolved and the sauce is thoroughly mixed. Season both sides of the fish with salt and pepper and place them, skin-side up, in a baking dish and pour the marinade over the fish and let sit for 20 to 30 minutes in order to let the fish absorb the flavors. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the baby spinach. Cook the spinach until fully wilted, about 5 minutes, and stir in the red pepper flakes and season generously with salt. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to a cast-iron skillet and heat to medium-high heat. Place the fish in the skillet, skin-side up, and cook for about 4 minutes and it releases easily and the flesh is slightly browned. Flip the fish to skin side down and add the marinade over the fish. Cook the fish for another 5 to 6 minutes and the skin is crisp while continuously basting with the marinade in the skillet using a spoon. To serve, plate the spinach and the place a filet of arctic char on top of the spinach.

Pan-Seared Arctic Char
The Plated Arctic Char with Tangy Spinach

2 thoughts on “Arctic Char with an Asian-Inspired Glaze and Tangy Spinach

  1. Melissa Marie Brown

    This was really, really delicious – a perfect introduction to arctic char. It was fast and easy, too – just loved it, and will make again.

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