There are so many wonderful kinds of rice available in many markets.  I love the nuttiness of the black rice, also known as forbidden rice — it is so healthy and flavorful and holds up well to many flavors.  I think it is an ideal accompaniment to fish, especially fish prepared with the miso marinade.  This simple marinade gives the fish great flavor and is so easy to prepare.  If you are a fan of asian flavors, you will love this recipe.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

for fish and miso marinade:

  • 4 6 ounce portions of Cod (sea bass, halibut or any thicker flesh white fish would also work)
  • 1/2 cup mirin
  • 1/2 cup white miso
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons chili garlic paste (optional)
  • black sesame seeds, for garnish

for black rice:

  • 2 cups  steamed black rice
  • 1 tablespoons finely chopped ginger
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 11⁄2 cup thawed shelled edamame
  • 1 cup diced red, yellow or orange bell pepper
  • 3 scallions, thinly sliced on the bias
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • soy sauce and freshly cracked pepper

Directions:

For Fish:

Bring mirin and sugar to a simmer over medium heat. When sugar is dissolved, turn heat down to low and add miso paste, sesame oil and chili paste if using. Stir to combine and cool to room temperature. Reserve 2-3 tablespoons of marinade. Rub the fish filets generously all over with the Miso marinade, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes and up to several hours. Preheat oven to 375°, remove filets from marinade and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake until the surface of fish turns golden (about 12 -15 minutes, this will depend a bit on the thickness of your fish). Top each filet with an additional tablespoon of marinade and return to oven on broiler setting until top is evenly browned (about 1 minute). Remove and sprinkle with black sesame seeds.

for black rice:

In a medium sauté pan, heat sesame oil  to medium heat and add ginger, garlic and bell peppers. Remove from heat and toss in remaining edamame and scallions.  Adjust seasonings to taste with soy sauce and freshly cracked pepper.

Serving Suggestion: Place each portion of fish on a bed of rice and garnish with sliced scallion if desire. Enjoy immediately with roasted asparagus or another vegetable of your choice