Description
While Khmer cuisine may not be as well-known as other Southeast Asian traditions, it contains a multitude of intriguing flavors and combinations. Chef Nath’s recipe for Wild-Caught Alaskan Salmon blooms with colors and aromas. Its unexpected notes of lemongrass, lime leaves, turmeric, and more, launch you on a remarkable journey. You’ll want to linger where it takes you.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 stalks lemongrass, thinly sliced (use only the bottom 3 inches of the stalk)
- ½-inch piece galangal (blue ginger), peeled and finely chopped
- 10 kaffir lime leaves, finely sliced with the hard center ribs removed
- 4 oz turmeric, chopped
- 12 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 5 shallots, finely chopped
- Chili flakes or fresh chilies
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 spoonful palm or coconut sugar
- 4 6-oz salmon fillets, skin-on
- Sesame oil
- Sprouts
Instructions
For the marinade:
- First, pound or blend together the lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, and turmeric.
- Then, put garlic, shallots, chili flakes, salt, and sugar together and pound with pestle (can also be done with robot coupe machine) until the mixture forms a thick paste.
For the salmon:
- Marinate the salmon with lemongrass paste and sesame oil (or your preferred oil) for 30 minutes.
- Pan-fry or broil salmon until just done.
- Serve with white or brown rice, sautéed vegetables, and sprouts.