Test Kitchen Approved

Pan-Seared Arctic Char with Olives and Potatoes

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Arctic char is a fast-reproducing fish that is a good, sustainable alternative to Atlantic salmon, which it resembles in flavor and texture.Serves four.

Quick

4 small red potatoes (about 3/4 lb.), sliced 1/4 inch thick
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 skin-on arctic char fillets (about 5 oz. each), scaled
3 Tbs. olive oil
2 sprigs fresh rosemary, each about 3 inches long
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
3 Tbs. roughly chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
4 lemon wedges

In a medium saucepan over high heat, bring the potatoes to a boil in enough salted water to cover them by 1 inch. Reduce the heat to a brisk simmer and cook until tender but not falling apart, about 5 minutes. Drain. Set aside.

Pat the fish dry and season with 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Heat 1-1/2 Tbs. of the olive oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering hot. Arrange the fish skin side down in the pan so the fillets fit without touching. Cook undisturbed for 3 minutes. Flip the fillets and cook until the fish is cooked through, an additional 2 to 3 minutes. With a slotted spatula, transfer the fish to a serving platter or plates.

Add the remaining 1-1/2 Tbs. oil to the pan and heat until shimmering. Add the potatoes and rosemary and cook, flipping occasionally, until the potatoes are tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the olives, parsley, balsamic, and a pinch of salt and pepper and stir gently to heat. Arrange the potato mixture around the fish. Serve garnished with the lemon wedges.

nutrition information (per serving):
Calories (kcal): 390; Fat (kcal): 21; Fat Calories (g): 190; Saturated Fat (g): 2; Protein (g): 33; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 11; Carbohydrates (g): 17; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 1.5; Sodium (mg): 540; Cholesterol (mg): 0; Fiber (g): 2;
photo: Scott Phillips
From Fine Cooking 101, pp. 70
September 3, 2009


user reviews

Star Star Star Star Star This dish is outstanding. I have to quadruple the amount of potatoes, because my family can't seem to get enough of them.
Star Star Star Star Star I also subbed salmon, but I will definitely try this again with arctic char. So easy and delicious.
Star Star Star Star Star Excellent, of course how could it not be with the olives and rosemary. Couldn't find char, so used salmon. Yum.

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