PAN SEARED BRANZINO WITH HERB SALSA

PAN SEARED BRANZINO WITH HERB SALSA image

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

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4 anchovy fillets, rinsed
1 tablespoon drained capers
1 clove garlic, smashed
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Kosher salt
1 cup loosely packed fresh parsley
1/2 cup loosely packed torn fresh mint
1 tablespoon fresh marjoram or oregano
2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fennel seeds
2 teaspoons herbes de Provence
12 skin-on branzino fillets (4 to 5 ounces each), pin bones removed
Juice of 1 lemon, plus wedges for serving
1 small green bell pepper, diced
2 medium cucumbers, peeled, seeded and diced

Steps:

Mince the anchovies, capers, garlic and red pepper flakes together on a cutting board, then sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and mash into a paste using the flat side of a chef's knife. Transfer to a food processor along with the parsley, mint and marjoram. With the motor running, drizzle in the olive oil and process until smooth; transfer to a medium bowl. Toast the fennel seeds in a skillet over medium heat, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and crush with the bottom of a small skillet. Combine with 1/4 cup of the herb mixture and the herbes de Provence in a small bowl. Put the fish fillets in a shallow dish and brush with the fennel seed-herb mixture. Cover and refrigerate 2 to 4 hours. Meanwhile, add the lemon juice, bell pepper and cucumbers to the remaining herb mixture. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Heat 2 large nonstick skillets over medium-high heat. Brush the excess marinade off the fish. Working in batches, add the fish to the skillets, skin-side up, and cook until browned on the bottom, about 4 minutes. Flip the fillets, pressing with a spatula to sear the skin, and cook 2 more minutes. Serve with the herb salsa and lemon wedges.