Hawaiian Tiradito
Our Hawaiian Tiradito incorporates my childhood memories of both Polynesian and Chinese cuisine. This refreshing and honest homage to my home state of Hawaii makes for the perfect beginning to a summer dinner or even passed as an hors d'œuvre. The cuisines of Hawaii, Peru and even Baja (fish tacos) have been profoundly influenced by Japanese emigration. Tiradito is a soft cross of a traditional Latin ceviche with Japanese sashimi preparation.
Pair with: Jordan Chardonnay
Bring a small seasoned pot of water to a boil. Add the peas and cook for 1 minute (Do not cook any longer; the peas should still have bite). Chill the peas in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and set aside. Repeat same procedure for the corn. (This can be done up to an hour in advance).
Combine the aji amarillos, passion fruit seeds, cilantro, parsley, shin shoga, Chinese black beans and macadamia nuts in a bowl. Stir in the corn and peas to complete the salsa. Set aside.
Place the fish on a flat surface, and using a very sharp knife, carefully remove the skin and discard it. Cut the fish into thin slices. Arrange it in a single layer in a non-reactive dish. Pour the lime juice over the fish and marinate for 10 minutes. Do not marinate longer.
Divide and arrange the fish among four chilled plates. Top each with equal amounts of salsa and sprinkle with a little salt. Serve immediately.
For a light entrée, serve with a side of steamed Forbidden Rice. Enjoy with Jordan Chardonnay. Also pairs nicely with a pisco sour.
Ingredient sourcing suggestions:
- Supersweet corn: Hawaiian or mainland Supersweet corn can be found at most supermarkets. Use corn immediately after purchase to ensure it retains its sweetness.
- Silver Queen corn: Can be purchased online at http://www.wammocks.com/.
- Passion fruit seeds: Ripe passion fruit, which looks wrinkled and is available at most local market or Whole Foods, is recommended to ensure optimal flavors of seeds.
- Green ginger: Available at Asian markets during spring. Requires no peeling.
- Alaea sea salt: Can be purchased online at http://www.amazon.com/ or http://www.hawaiisalt.com/.
Featured in Wine Enthusiast, August 2011
