Sarah Harper, Fishmongress at Quality Seafood Market, writes a monthly article for Live Oak Pharmacy on seafood as an essential part of whole body wellness.
This week, I’d like to write about an incredibly under-appreciated fish: striped bass. It has so many things going for it. First of all, here in Texas . . . it’s local. The striped bass that we sell at Quality Seafood Market is farm-raised in Danevang, Texas by a registered Go Texan producer.
The positive impact of buying local fish is multi-faceted. For one, the fish has to travel less to get from pond to plate, and therefore, it has a lower carbon footprint than fish shipped from out-of-state or overseas. Second, because it travels less, it is inherently fresher when it reaches your local fish market. Last but not least, by buying local fish you’re supporting local Texas producers, like Silver Streak Striped Bass Co. What’s more, Texas striped bass is free of antibiotics and growth hormones and boasts zero mercury content thanks to its freshwater habitat.
In addition to all these beneficial traits, striped bass tastes delicious and is an extremely versatile fish, allowing you—whether you’re a novice cook or an aspiring chef—the freedom to experiment with flavors or enjoy simple, classic preparations. Like many Austinites, you probably strive to lead an active lifestyle. Fish is a great way to refuel after a long day or a hard workout. Striped bass packs a lot of protein without the added fat. A 4-ounce portion of the freshwater fish contains nearly 24 grams of protein and less than 3 grams of fat!
For you beginners out there, I recommend sautéing or pan-frying the skinless fillets in a non-stick skillet with the oil or butter of your choice, a little salt and pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon after you take it out of the pan. For you aspiring chefs out there…here is a recipe published in the September 2010 issue of Food & Wine Magazine. It is the brainchild of Chef Andrea Reusing of Lantern Restaurant in Chapel Hill, NC. I haven’t made it yet myself, but I’d love to read your comments and send in a picture of your dinner creation to info@LiveOakRx.com!
Steamed Wild* Striped Bass with Ginger and Scallions 
Vegetable oil, for frying
One 3-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and cut into matchsticks, plus ½ tablespoon minced ginger
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
1 teaspoon sugar
¼ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
4 scallions, cut into ½-inch lengths
Four 6-ounce wild* striped bass fillets, with skin
Salt and freshly ground white pepper
1 teaspoon Chinese fermented black beans, rinsed and minced
2 jalapeños, thinly sliced into rounds and seeded
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
*Substitute four 6-ounce Go Texan farm-raised striped bass fillets, with skin (ask your fishmonger to leave it on for you).
- In a skillet, heat ¼ inch of vegetable oil. Add the ginger matchsticks and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until golden brown, 4 minutes. Transfer the ginger to paper towels to drain, leaving the oil in the skillet.
- In a bowl, whisk the soy sauce with the rice wine, sugar and sesame oil. Set a bamboo steamer over a wok or an open steamer over a large, deep skillet. Add 2 inches of water to the wok and bring to a boil. Scatter the dark green parts of the scallions on a heatproof plate that will fit inside the steamer. Set the fish on the plate, skin side up. Using a knife, make 3 shallow slashes in the skin of each fillet. Pour the soy mixture over the fish and rub it all over. Season the fish lightly with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the black beans and minced ginger on top. Set the plate in the steamer. Cover and steam for 7 minutes, until the fish is just cooked.
- Just before the fish is done, reheat the oil in the skillet. Add the remaining scallions and the jalapeños and cook over moderate heat for about 2 minutes. Transfer the fish and its juices to shallow bowls. Top with the fried scallions, jalapeños and ginger matchsticks. Sprinkle with the cilantro and serve.
The opinions expressed by our guest bloggers do not necessary reflect the opinions of Live Oak Pharmacy. The opinions expressed by guest blogers are their own, unless otherwise stated. No financial agreement exists between guest bloggers and Live Oak Pharmacy.
Tags: Austin, Austin Compounding Pharmacy, Austin Pharmacy, austin prescription compounding, Austin Texas, austin wellness, austin wellness advice, fish, pharmacy, Sarah Harper, Wellness
