Very few dishes can claim the perfect balance of simplicity and luxury like Nobu’s Miso Butterfish. This recipe brings the iconic restaurant dish into your kitchen with ease, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s surprisingly straightforward to achieve. Let’s dive into the magic behind this beloved recipe.
Why This Recipe Works
- The marinade’s sweetness and umami depth transform the butterfish into a flavor-packed delight.
- Marinating overnight ensures every bite is infused with the miso’s rich, complex flavors.
- Broiling creates a beautifully caramelized crust while keeping the inside tender and moist.
- Using butterfish, known for its high fat content, guarantees a succulent texture that’s hard to resist.
- This dish is a testament to how minimal ingredients can yield maximum flavor when prepared with care.
Ingredients
- 4 butterfish fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup white miso paste
- 1/2 cup mirin
- 1/2 cup sake
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for greasing)
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking dish
- Broiler or oven
- Brush (for applying oil)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the white miso paste, mirin, sake, and granulated sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved. This creates a smooth, glossy marinade that will coat the fish beautifully. Tip: If the sugar is stubborn, gently warming the mixture can help it dissolve faster, but let it cool before adding the fish.
Step 2: Marinate the Fish
Place the butterfish fillets in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. This slow marination is key to achieving the deep, nuanced flavors Nobu’s dish is famous for.
Step 3: Preheat the Broiler
About 30 minutes before cooking, remove the fish from the refrigerator to come to room temperature. Preheat your broiler on high and position the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source. Lightly grease a broiler pan with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Broil the Fish
Remove the fillets from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and place them on the prepared broiler pan. Broil for about 7-10 minutes, watching closely, until the surface is caramelized and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Tip: Keep the oven door slightly ajar to monitor the fish and prevent overcooking.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Transfer the broiled butterfish to plates and serve hot. The contrast between the crispy, sweet exterior and the tender, flavorful interior is best enjoyed right away. Pair with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips and Tricks
For those looking to elevate their Nobu Miso Butterfish even further, consider these advanced tips. First, sourcing high-quality, fresh butterfish is crucial; its natural fat content is what makes the dish. Second, experimenting with the marination time can adjust the intensity of the flavor—24 hours is ideal, but even 12 can work in a pinch. Third, if you don’t have a broiler, a very hot oven (500°F) can achieve a similar effect, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Lastly, garnishing with thinly sliced scallions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds can add a fresh, visual appeal to the dish.
Recipe Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute the butterfish with black cod or salmon, adjusting cooking times as needed.
- Add a spicy kick by incorporating a teaspoon of chili paste into the marinade.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the mirin and sake are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain additives.
- Vegetarians can try this marinade with thick slices of eggplant or tofu, broiling until caramelized.
- Incorporating a splash of orange juice into the marinade can add a subtle citrus note that complements the miso beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use red miso instead of white miso?
Yes, red miso can be used for a deeper, more robust flavor profile. However, it’s saltier and more intense than white miso, so you might want to adjust the quantity or balance it with a bit more sugar to achieve the desired sweetness.
How do I know when the fish is perfectly cooked?
The fish should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 145°F when measured with a meat thermometer. The exterior should be caramelized and slightly crispy, while the inside remains moist and tender.
Can I marinate the fish for longer than 24 hours?
While 24 hours is ideal, marinating for up to 48 hours can intensify the flavors further. Just be cautious, as the saltiness of the miso can start to overpower the delicate taste of the fish if left too long.
Summary
This Nobu Miso Butterfish recipe is a stunning blend of simplicity and sophistication, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home. With its rich flavors and tender texture, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite.