Chesapeake Bay Skate Wing Recipes

CRISP SEARED SKATE WING ON SWEET PEA SHOOTS, SLIVERED ALMONDS AND LEMONGRASS VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Vinaigrette: Combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the ginger, lemongrass and shallots in a large sauce pot over medium heat, and cook, stirring until the vegetables are soft and translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. Meanwhile, combine the vegetable stock with the ginger, lemongrass and shallot trimmings in a sauce pot over medium heat (the scraps will infuse the stock with even more flavor). When the sauteed vegetables are ready, strain the stock into the pot, then add the fish sauce, hot pepper sauce, soy sauce, thyme, lime juice, balsamic vinegar and peppercorns to the pot. Bring the liquid to a very low simmer, and cook for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and whisk in the remaining olive oil. Remove the pot from the burner and set aside until cool. You may store the vinaigrette in an airtight container for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
• Skate: Preheat the oven to 275 degrees. Slice the tops and bottoms from the turnips and peel away the outer skin. Using the julienne blade on a mandolin (or a very sharp knife), julienne the turnip, slicing it into very thin, match-stick size pieces. Set aside.
• Spread the almonds on a non-stick sheet pan, and toast in the middle of the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until you can just begin to smell them toasting. Remove the pan from the oven and transfer the almonds to a plate or bowl. Set aside.
• Place a large, non-stick saute pan over medium-high heat. As it warms, brush the skate on 1 side with the softened butter. Season with salt and pepper, and add the skate to the hot pan, buttered-side down. Season again with salt and pepper. Let the skate sear without moving it, so the fish forms a crispy brown crust. When well browned, turn the skate and brown on the other side.
• While the skate is searing, warm another medium-sized saute pan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, swirl to coat the bottom, and add the turnips and snow peas to the pan. Season with salt and pepper and cook, tossing frequently so that the vegetables cook evenly until crisp-tender. After 30 seconds, add the snow pea shoots. Toss, add the almonds, and remove from heat and mound in the center of 4 warm dinner plates. Top each with 1 piece of skate. Mix the vinaigrette well and ladle over the top of the fish, scattering the dressing and seasonings over the flesh. Serve.

CHESAPEAKE BAY SKATE WING

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Season the skate with salt and pepper. Dredge both sides in the semolina. Heat a large skillet over high heat and sear both sides until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking dish.
• In a small bowl, combine the crabmeat, Aioli, and scallion. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Top the skate with the crabmeat mixture and bake for 5 minutes.
• Arrange the arugula on a plate and top with the skate. Drizzle with the Aioli and sprinkle with toasted pecans.
• In a food processor, blend the egg yolk, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, and chipotle pepper. With the motor running, drizzle the olive oil in a slow, steady stream until the mixture thickens to the consistency of mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

HOMEMADE CHESAPEAKE BAY SEASONING MIX

Steps:

• In a small mixing bowl, stir together salt, cayenne pepper, celery seed, paprika , mustard , black pepper, bay leaf, allspice , ginger , nutmeg , cardamom, and cinnamon until well combined.
• Store this seasoning mix in a tightly covered container at cool room temperature in a cool, dark place. While it is best to use this Chesapeake Bay seasoning mix within a month to retain freshness, it will keep for several months if it is stored correctly.

PAN-FRIED SKATE WINGS WITH CAPERS

Steps:

• Put the skate fillets in a dish large enough to hold them in one layer. Pour the milk over them and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Turn the fillets in the milk so they are coated on both sides.
• Scatter the flour over a large dish. Lightly dredge the fillets in the flour on both sides.
• Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot but not smoking, add the fillets. If it is necessary to do this in two batches, use the same oil. Saute on one side until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Turn and cook on the other side until golden brown, about 3 minutes more. When the fillets are done, transfer them to a warm platter or serving plate.
• Wipe out the pan with a paper towel and return the skillet to the heat. Melt the butter and add the red peppers, shaking the pan frequently until the butter turns light brown. Add the capers, cook briefly, and add the shallots, vinegar and parsley. Cook briefly; then stir and pour the sauce over each fillet evenly. Serve immediately.