Sichuan Fiddlehead and Trout Salad

Sichuan Fiddlehead and Trout Salad

This Sichuan fiddlehead and trout salad contains ingredients that were found together on a spring-time trout fishing trip!

  • Prep Time20 min
  • Cook Time10 min
  • Total Time30 min
  • Yield2 large servings, or 4 as a side

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless trout fillets
  • 2 big handfuls of fiddleheads, washed
  • Kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) Chinkiang black vinegar OR balsamic vinegar
  • 1-2 tablespoons (15-30ml) chili oil, depending on spice tolerance
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) light soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon (12g) white sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1g) ground Sichuan peppercorn
  • 1 red chili, sliced thinly
  • 4 scallions, sliced thinly

Preparation

1

Steam the trout fillets in a steamer basket for about 2 minutes, or until just cooked through. Set aside to cool. 

Feel free to bake, roast, grill, or pan fry the fillets instead of steam, though I love the silky simplicity of steamed fish in this dish. 

2

Bring a pot of water to boil and add a big pinch of salt. 

Have a big bowl of ice water standing nearby.

Add the fiddleheads and boil for 5 minutes, then drain and add the fiddleheads to the ice water to stop them from cooking. 

Many sources recommend boiling the fiddleheads for 15 minutes for safety reasons. I think this is overkill and ruins the fiddleheads, but do your own research about it and make your own decision. 

3

Add the vinegar, chili oil, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorn to a small bowl and whisk until combined. 

4

Add the fiddleheads, chilies, and scallions to a large bowl. 

Break up the fish fillets into large bitesized chunks. Add the sauce and toss to coat. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Sichuan Fiddlehead and Trout Salad

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