Baked Lightly Smoked Salmon with Asian Black Bean Sauce

Baked Lightly Smoked Salmon has luscious and savory flavors, is easy to prepare, and has become one of my go-to recipes.

I was privileged to grow up in New York City, a haven of culinary delights. I was fortunate I could indulge in many ethnic cuisines, Asian cuisine being one of my favorites. I began to recreate the many Asian dishes I enjoyed. I purchased a wok, steamer and stocked my pantry with Asian sauces and spices. One dish I particularly loved was salmon in black bean sauce and I knew I had to recreate my version of the dish.

BLACK BEAN SAUCE

Chinese fermented black soybeans, known as douchi, are whole soybeans salted and fermented until they turn inky, wrinkled, and intensely savory. They bring a punch of salinity, gentle bitterness, and deep umami that wakes up everything from seafood to tofu. Black bean sauce is a condiment made from those beans with additional seasonings.

If a recipe specifies sauce but you only have whole fermented black beans, for each tablespoon of prepared sauce needed, combine about 1 teaspoon mashed beans plus 1 teaspoon soy sauce and ½ teaspoon sugar; taste and adjust as needed.

FLAVORS AND TEXTURES

The beauty of this dish is in the contrasts of flavors, textures, and colors. Black beans and flecks of green enhance the vibrant color of the salmon, the gloss of the sauce gives a hint of the smooth texture of the fish beneath.

HOW TO SERVE

Equally stunning served on a platter or individual plates, this recipe serves 2, but is easily multiplied for a dinner party or buffet. Save some fresh sliced scallions to sprinkle on top just before serving.

1. 1. Preheat oven to 191 degrees C (375 degrees F).

2. For the Black Bean Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the fermented black beans with the Shaoxing wine. Let it rest for 5 minutes to soften the black beans. Once softened, use the back of a spoon to gently smash the beans, leaving some partially whole for texture. Mix in the garlic, ginger, and sugar, and set aside.

3. For the salmon: Place the salmon skin side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pour the black bean sauce over the salmon. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle the scallions over the salmon.

4. Bake until the salmon flakes easily with a fork, about 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a platter or individual plates, and garnish with fresh sliced scallions.