Potomac Panfried Shad Roe Recipes

SHAD AND SHAD ROE WITH LEMON SHALLOT BUTTER SAUCE

Steps:

• Cut the shad fillets in half crosswise. Season the fillets and roe with salt and pepper.
• Heat 1 tablespoon oil in each of two nonstick skillets and add the fillets skin side down in one pan. In the other pan add the roe and cook both over medium heat for 3 minutes, shaking the pans. Then turn the fillets and roe and cook for 3 minutes more. (It is a good idea to cover the pan with the roe while cooking to prevent splattering.)
• Remove the fish with a slotted spatula to a warm serving plate or platter. Separate each pair of roe lengthwise. Place a half on top of each piece of shad.
• In one of the skillets, add the butter and shallots. Cook and stir until wilted.
• Add the lemon juice and the parsley. Cook briefly while stirring, and then pour the mixture over the fish and serve.

FRIED SHAD ROE

Steps:

• Place shad roe in saucepan and cover with water to which salt and vinegar have been added.
• Simmer 20 minutes; drain and cover with cold water for five minutes.
• Drain again; sprinkle with salt and pepper, dip in flour and fry in hot deep fat (375F) until golden brown.

SHAD ROE WITH BLACK BUTTER CAPER SAUCE

Steps:

• Pat the roe dry with paper towels and dredge them lightly with flour.
• Heat the oil and one tablespoon butter in a large skillet and brown the roe on both sides. Cover the pan and continue cooking for a further five to eight minutes, or until the roe are firm when pressed with your finger. Remove them to a heated platter and keep them warm.
• Wipe out the pan with a paper towel. Add the remaining butter and cook over medium heat, stirring, until it turns light brown. Add the capers and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper and pour the sauce over the roe. Garnish with lemon and parsley and serve.

SHAD ROE WITH MUSTARD

Steps:

• Heat an 8- or 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat for a minute or two, then add the butter. When it melts, gently lay the shad roe in the pan and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until the underside is lightly browned.
• Turn very gently-a large spatula is best for this-and season the cooked side. Cook for another 3 minutes or so, again until the underside is lightly browned. By this time the roe should be quite firm to the touch; if it is still soft, cover the pan and cook for another minute or two, then cut into it to check. When done, the center will be red and the area surrounding it pink.
• Transfer the roe to a warm plate. Add the mustard and 1/4 cup of water to the pan; stir. Raise the heat to high and stir the sauce with a wooden spoon until smooth and thick. Spoon over the roe, garnish if you like, and serve immediately.
• Shad Roe with Capers and Vinegar: In step 3, omit the mustard. Instead, stir in 2 tablespoons capers, 1 tablespoon vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of water. Stir until blended and the liquid is reduced by about half. Spoon over the roe, garnish, and serve.
• Shad Roe with Bacon: Omit the butter. Begin by cooking 4 thick slices good-quality bacon over medium heat until the fat is rendered and the bacon is done; remove the bacon and keep warm. Cook the shad roe in the bacon fat, exactly as directed. Serve the shad roe and bacon with lemon wedges, garnished with fresh parsley.

SHAD ROE PAN FRIED WITH BACON

Steps:

• In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt and pepper. Dredge roe in seasoned flour. In a saute pan over medium heat, heat oil until hot. Add roe to pan and cook top side (side without vein) until well browned. Reduce heat, turn roe over, and continue to cook on second side until well browned and almost firm. Cover pan slightly to avoid dangerous splattering. Remove roe and blot on paper. Return saute pan to heat. Add butter, let melt, and cook until brown. Add lemon juice, allow to sizzle, and add chopped parsley. Plate roe and drizzle lemon butter over top. Serve smoked bacon on top of roe.;