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Cabbage Patch Halibut

4 made it | 2 reviews | 2 photos

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Recipe by: Chef John

"Don't worry; this recipe has nothing to do with those creepy dolls. This is one of easiest and most delicious ways you can cook fish. The leaf not only keeps the halibut moist, but also holds all your assorted garnishes and seasonings tight against the meat, which creates an even more intensely flavored result. The lovely aroma of cabbage will mask those fishy smells that usually linger in the kitchen. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves."

Directions

Cut out the core of the cabbage, leaving a 2- to 3-inch hollow in the base. Place head, stem-side up, in a large stockpot; pour in 1 to 2 inches of water. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Steam until leaves come off easily, about 3 minutes. Peel off 2 leaves large enough to wrap your fillets; let cool.
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Grease a baking dish with butter.
Season halibut with salt and cayenne on both sides. Lay cooled leaves flat on your work surface. Center fillets over each leaf. Divide ginger, Fresno chile, and green onions over fish. Spoon soy sauce on top; sprinkle with sesame oil and seeds.
Fold the stem side over each fillet. Fold in the sides and wrap the leafy end on top. Tie fish with string if desired. Transfer to the prepared baking dish, seam-side up.
Bake in the preheated oven until fish flakes easily with a fork, about 15 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes.
Mix 2 tablespoons butter and miso together. Snip off the string and transfer fish to a shallow bowl. Spoon pan juices on top, unwrap cabbage, and top with miso butter.

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Footnotes

Chef's Notes:
This technique should work no matter what fish and ingredients are used, but you may have to adjust the cooking time. Just make sure you cut your other ingredients nice and thin, so they're able to cook during the relatively short roasting time.
Be sure to save the rest of the head, since once chilled, and sliced thin, it makes for a very interesting salad. Or simply slice it thickly, and fry it up with a few sausages.
Editor's Note:
Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of cabbage. The actual amount of cabbage consumed will vary.