Smoked Fish and Duck Egg Salad

This **smoked fish and duck egg salad** is a delightful and hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of smoked fish with the creamy texture of duck eggs. The freshness of cucumbers brings a refreshing crunch, while a dollop of sour cream adds a tangy finish. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish, this salad is a nutritious and satisfying choice. It’s a great way to use freshly caught fish and makes for a unique presentation at your dining table. Ideal for entertaining guest with its vibrant presentation, the salad can be prepared ahead of time, giving more flexibility to your meal planning. The blend of smoky, creamy, and crisp flavors is sure to tantalize your taste buds. This dish is simple to prepare but offers a complex flavor profile that is sure to impress. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook looking for a new dish, this salad will be a standout addition to your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 3 hot-smoked fish (such as Vēja fish)
• 4 duck eggs
• 4 small cucumbers
• 4 tablespoons sour cream

Spices:

• Black pepper to taste

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 3 hours
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 2 hours

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Begin by cleaning the smoked fish, removing any outer scales or debris, and then gently gutting them to eliminate any interior contents.
2. For an optimum smoked flavor, smoke the fish at a high temperature for two hours. Ensure the smoke is distributed evenly for a well-rounded taste.
3. While the fish rests, prepare the duck eggs by boiling them until they're hard boiled. This may take about 10 minutes.
4. Once the eggs are cooked, allow them to cool, then peel and slice them into quarters.
5. Wash and slice the cucumbers into thin rounds. This will add a delightful crunch to your salad.
6. Remove the fish from the smoker and let it cool down slightly before handling.
7. Carefully separate the smoked fish meat from the bones. Deadly precision will help in avoiding any unwanted bits in the salad.
8. In a large mixing bowl, combine the fish meat, boiled duck egg quarters, and cucumber slices.
9. Add four tablespoons of sour cream to the mixture, stirring gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
10. Season the salad with black pepper to taste, and give it one final mix to make sure the seasoning is well distributed.
11. Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
12. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more black pepper to intensify the flavor.
13. Arrange the mixture beautifully on a serving plate for an inviting presentation.
14. Garnish with extra cucumber slices or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs if desired.
15. Serve cold, accompanied with slices of crusty bread to scoop up all the delightful flavors.
16. Enjoy the unique taste of this salad that balances smokiness with creaminess and crunch.
17. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings like dill or parsley to suit your personal tastes.
18. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
19. For a variation, try serving it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps for a convenient and tasty meal option.

Tips

• Substitute short cucumbers with regular ones if unavailable, adjusting the quantity accordingly.
• If duck eggs aren't accessible, chicken eggs can work as a substitute, though their flavor is more subtle.
• Consider using store-bought smoked fish if you're short on time, reducing the preparation duration significantly.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
• Protein: 28g
• Fats: 22g
• Carbs: 10g

Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit fish and add grilled vegetables or legumes.
• Use yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a refreshing combination.
• Serve with a side of buttered toast or warm naan for an enhanced meal experience.

Best Places

• FishButchery - Known for their culinary innovation involving seafood and impeccable preparation. Location: 388 Oxford St, Paddington, Australia.
• Le Bernardin - An upscale French restaurant that excels in preparing fish dishes with finesse. Location: 155 W 51st St, New York, USA.
• The Fish Market - Offers fresh seafood dishes with a menu that changes based on the catch of the day. Location: 750 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, USA.
• Rick Stein’s Fish - Celebrated for their exquisite seafood dishes and charming dining venue. Location: Sandbanks, Poole, England.
• Sushi Zo - A bustling Tokyo spot famous for its innovative take on fish and seafood. Location: 7-1-5 Minami Aoyama, Minato City, Japan.
• St. Peter - Known for their contemporary seafood dishes and use of whole fish. Location: 362 Oxford St, Paddington, Australia.
• The Fish House - Combines local ingredients with fresh fish for distinctive flavors. Location: 435 Williams St, Broken Hill, Australia.
• Hutong Cuisine - Excels in modern Chinese-Eastern cuisine, employing fish and seafood in new ways. Location: 4377 Hongmei Rd, Gubei, China.
• Chez Panisse - A celebrated spot focused on sustainable fish and exceptional flavors. Location: 1517 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, USA.
• Blue Hill at Stone Barns - Known for their farm-to-table philosophy and creative fish dishes. Location: 630 Bedford Rd, Tarrytown, USA.