Sea bass in salt crust

Salt-Crusted Scad

This classic and refined dish, salt-crusted scad, is an excellent choice for a special dinner or occasion. Originating from the culinary traditions of several cultures, cooking fish in a salt crust retains its juiciness and natural flavors, transforming every meal into an unforgettable experience. With a delicate taste and impressive presentation, this dish is sure to impress all your loved ones.

Ingredients:
- 1 kg of scad (or another medium-sized white fish)
- 1.5 kg of coarse sea salt
- 2 lemons
- A bunch of fresh parsley
- A few fresh basil leaves
- 1 egg
- Olive oil

Preparation time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4

Preparation:

1. Preparing the fish:
Start by scaling and gutting the scad. It’s important to ensure the fish is well cleaned and washed. Once done, let it dry on a paper towel to remove excess water.

2. Flavoring:
Slice one lemon thinly, and zest the other lemon. In a separate bowl, finely chop the parsley and basil. These herbs will impart a special flavor to the fish.

3. Preparing the egg mixture:
Beat the egg well in another bowl. Add the lemon zest, salt (about 200 g), and a little water. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous paste. This will help form the salt crust.

4. Preheating the oven:
Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius. It is essential for the temperature to be high to achieve a crispy crust.

5. Filling the fish:
Stuff the cavity of the fish with the lemon slices and chopped herbs. These will infuse the fish with delicious flavors during baking.

6. Preparing the salt bed:
In a large baking tray, place a layer of about 1 cm of salt. This will act as a bed for the fish, ensuring it cooks evenly.

7. Placing and covering the fish:
Place the scad on the salt bed, then pour the remaining salt over it. Firmly press the salt to form a solid crust.

8. Baking:
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. It is important not to open the oven during baking, as this could affect the temperature.

9. Cooling and serving:
After 40 minutes, remove the tray from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Use a kitchen hammer or a similar tool to break the salt crust. Carefully remove the fish and serve immediately.

Serving suggestions:
This dish can be served simply, accompanied by a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables. A bottle of dry white wine or fresh lemonade will pair perfectly with the flavors of this delicious fish.

Nutritional benefits:
Scad is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy choice for the heart. It also contains vitamins B and D, essential for a healthy metabolism.

Practical tips:
- Make sure to use coarse sea salt, as it is better for forming a solid crust.
- If you want a spicier version, you can add a few thin slices of chili pepper to the fish filling.
- If you don’t have lemons on hand, you can also use oranges for a sweeter flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of fish?
Of course! You can replace scad with another medium-sized white fish, such as sea bream or perch.

- Is it necessary to clean the fish?
Yes, cleaning the fish is essential for a tasty and healthy dish.

- Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Unfortunately, no, as it is a fish-based dish. You can look for vegan alternatives that use vegetables or tofu in a salt crust.

This recipe for salt-crusted scad is not only a delicious way to prepare fish but also a culinary experience in itself. The next time you want to impress your guests, don’t forget about this elegant and simple dish!