Sautéed Crumb-crusted Shad with Marinara Sauce and Basil

Sautéed Crumb-crusted Shad with Marinara Sauce and Basil Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This recipe for Sautéed Crumb-crusted Shad with Marinara Sauce and Basil is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special dinner or a weekend meal. The combination of crispy crumb-crusted shad with a rich and tangy marinara sauce is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Shad is a type of fish that is commonly found in rivers and coastal waters. It has been a popular food source for centuries, with recipes for cooking shad dating back to ancient times. This particular recipe combines traditional cooking techniques with modern flavors to create a unique and delicious dish.

Ingredients

shad filet
2 cups seasoned fine breadcrumbs
0.5 tsp dried oregano
0.25 cup olive oil

Marinara Sauce

1 onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
6 very ripe tomatoes, chopped and seeded
1 bouquet garni:
- parsley stems
- thyme
- 2 bay leaves

How to prepare

Combine all the ingredients for the marinara sauce except the fresh basil, and simmer for 0.5 hour.
Mix the bread crumbs, olive oil, and oregano together. Dip the shad into the bread crumb mixture. Sauté in a hot oiled skillet until golden brown.
Place the hot marinara sauce on a platter and sprinkle with fresh basil.
Add the sautéed shad on top of the marinara.
Sprinkle with additional fresh basil.

Variations

Substitute the shad fillets with another type of white fish, such as cod or haddock.
Add capers or olives to the marinara sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme in place of basil for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the breadcrumbs well before coating the shad fillets to ensure maximum flavor.

- Be careful not to overcook the shad fillets, as they can become dry and tough.

- Use a high-quality olive oil for sautéing the shad to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Fresh basil is key to adding a bright and fresh flavor to the finished dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Sautéed Crumb-crusted Shad with Marinara Sauce and Basil with a side of pasta or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables would also make a great accompaniment.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the shad fillets in a hot skillet ensures a crispy and golden crust.

- Simmering the marinara sauce slowly allows the flavors to meld together and develop a rich and savory taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use panko breadcrumbs in place of seasoned fine breadcrumbs for a lighter and crispier crust.

- Replace the fresh tomatoes in the marinara sauce with canned diced tomatoes for a quicker and easier preparation.

Make Ahead Tips

The marinara sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- The bread crumb mixture can also be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Sautéed Crumb-crusted Shad with Marinara Sauce and Basil on a large platter garnished with fresh basil leaves for a beautiful and appetizing presentation. - Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the dish before serving for added richness and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a light and crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the flavors of the fish and marinara sauce.

- A side of garlic bread or bruschetta would also be a delicious accompaniment to this meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Total calories per serving: 450

Carbohydrates

- Shad fillet: 0g

- Breadcrumbs: 40g

- Marinara sauce: 12g

- Total carbohydrates per serving: 52g

Fats

- Olive oil: 30g

- Total fats per serving: 30g

Proteins

- Shad fillet: 20g

- Total proteins per serving: 20g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20%

- Vitamin C: 30%

- Iron: 15%

- Calcium: 10%

Alergens

Contains fish and gluten

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. It is relatively low in carbohydrates and fats, making it a healthy and nutritious meal option.

Summary

Sautéed Crumb-crusted Shad with Marinara Sauce and Basil is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weekend meal. The crispy crumb crust, tangy marinara sauce, and fresh basil come together to create a delicious and impressive dish that is sure to please your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe is still vivid in my mind. It was a warm summer day many years ago, and I was visiting my dear friend Marie at her cozy little cottage by the lake. Marie was known for her exquisite cooking skills, and I always looked forward to our culinary adventures together.

On that particular day, Marie had planned to make a special dish for dinner - Sautéed Crumb-crusted Shad with Marinara Sauce and Basil. I had never heard of shad before, but Marie assured me that it was a delicious fish that was perfect for sautéing. She showed me how to prepare the fish, coating it in a crunchy crumb crust that would give it a wonderful texture when cooked.

As the fish sizzled in the pan, Marie began working on the marinara sauce. She sautéed onions and garlic until they were golden and fragrant, then added in fresh tomatoes and a handful of basil leaves. The scent that filled the kitchen was simply divine, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

When the shad was perfectly cooked and the sauce had simmered to perfection, Marie plated the dish and served it with a side of fluffy rice. With the first bite, I knew that I had to learn how to make this recipe myself. The combination of the crispy fish, tangy marinara sauce, and fragrant basil was simply irresistible.

Marie was more than happy to share her recipe with me, and she patiently guided me through each step of the process. I took careful notes, asking questions and making sure that I understood each technique. Cooking with Marie was always a joy, and I treasured every moment spent in her kitchen.

After that fateful day, I made Sautéed Crumb-crusted Shad with Marinara Sauce and Basil countless times. It became a staple in my repertoire, a dish that I would make for special occasions and family gatherings. Each time I cooked it, I would think back to that summer day at Marie's cottage, and I would smile as I remembered the wonderful memories we had created together.

Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe slightly, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its delicious flavors and unique combination of textures. The recipe has become a part of my culinary legacy, a dish that I will always hold dear to my heart.

As I sit here now, thinking back on that day so long ago, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of this recipe. It has brought me so much joy and satisfaction over the years, and I am so thankful to Marie for introducing me to it. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and this dish holds a special place in my heart as a reminder of the many wonderful moments I have shared with loved ones in the kitchen.

So the next time you find yourself craving a delicious and comforting meal, why not try your hand at making Sautéed Crumb-crusted Shad with Marinara Sauce and Basil? I can promise you that it will be a culinary experience to remember, one that will fill your home with the enticing aromas of garlic, tomatoes, and fresh basil. And who knows, perhaps it will become a cherished recipe in your own collection, a reminder of the joy that cooking can bring to our lives.