Sesame Arctic Char Donabe

Ingredients for Sesame Arctic Char Donabe

• 2 (5x4") pieces kombu

• 170g dried soba noodles

• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil, plus more for drizzling

• 30g bonito flakes (about 950ml )

• 1 bunch spring onions

• 80ml mirin (sweet Japanese rice wine)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• Kosher salt

• 1 (1-lb.) skinless arctic char fillet

• 2 small turnips, trimmed, scrubbed, thinly sliced

• 1 small daikon, peeled, thinly sliced

• 170g enoki mushrooms, trimmed

• Toasted sesame seeds (for serving)

How to make Sesame Arctic Char Donabe

Combine kombu and 1075ml cold water in a medium saucepan. Let sit until kombu is pliable, 25–30 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Shake off excess water and toss noodles in a medium bowl with 2 teaspoons oil. Divide among serving bowls and set aside.

Bring kombu mixture to a boil over medium heat, then immediately remove pan from heat. Lift out kombu from broth with tongs and discard. Add bonito flakes to broth and stir once to moisten. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium, then reduce heat and simmer very gently 5 minutes. Let sit off heat 15 minutes. Strain dashi through a fine-mesh sieve into a large heatproof measuring glass or a medium bowl; discard solids. (You should have about 950ml .)

While the dashi is infusing, remove the dark green tops of the spring onions from the white bulbs. Thinly slice tops and set aside for serving. Slice bulbs on a diagonal into 1/2" pieces; set aside.

Pour dashi into a large donabe or skillet and add mirin and soy sauce; season with salt. Place fish in the centre of the skillet and arrange turnips, daikon, mushrooms, and reserved spring onion bulbs around fish. Heat over low until liquid is steaming but not bubbling (simmering will make the liquid cloudy; reduce the heat if needed). Cook until fish looks opaque all across the surface, 10–15 minutes. Remove donabe from heat and let rest 5 minutes.

To serve, sprinkle sesame seeds and reserved spring onion tops over fish and vegetables and drizzle with more oil. Break fish into smaller pieces and divide among reserved noodle bowls. Ladle vegetables and dashi over.

Dashi can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.