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Salmon Steaks with Littleneck Clams and Saffron-Mint Broth

5.0

(1)

This recipe was created by chef Michael Kornick of MK Restaurant in Chicago. It's part of a special menu he created for Epicurious's Wine.Dine.Donate program.

Cook's note:

If you prefer, the salmon steaks can be baked instead of grilled. Bake them at 400°F on a large rimmed baking sheet until just opaque in center, about 10 minutes.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (from 2 bunches)
6 cloves garlic, finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
1 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
8 (1-inch-thick) salmon steaks, preferably sockeye or another wild variety
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 medium fennel bulb, stalks cut off and discarded, and bulb cored and thinly sliced lengthwise
1 medium sweet onion, such as Vidalia, thinly sliced
1 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 teaspoon saffron threads
32 small (less than 2 inches wide) hard-shelled clams such as littleneck*, scrubbed (about 3 1/2 pounds total)
*If littleneck clams are unavailable, Manila or brown-shelled may be substituted.

Special Equipment

charcoal or gas grill

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In large sealable plastic bag, combine chives, basil, tarragon, parsley, 2 tablespoons mint, garlic, and 3/4 cup olive oil. Add salmon and seal bag, pressing out air. Turn bag to coat salmon, then refrigerate, turning bag over occasionally, at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours. (Alternatively, marinate salmon in large glass baking dish.)

    Step 2

    Preheat grill to moderate heat.

    Step 3

    Remove fish from marinade and pat dry. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill steaks, turning once, until just opaque in center, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to platter and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

    Step 4

    In 6-quart heavy stock pot over moderate heat, heat remaining 1/2 cup olive oil until hot but not smoking. Add fennel and onion and sauté until just soft, about 2 minutes. Add wine, butter, saffron, remaining 1/2 cup mint, and clams, cover and bring to boil. Cook until clams open, about 10 minutes. Discard any clams that have not opened.

    Step 5

    Place 1 piece salmon on center of each of 8 wide shallow bowls. Spoon clams, broth, onions, and fennel around salmon and serve immediately.

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