Plaice: 5 Recipes For Your Culinary Arsenal

Plaice, a flatfish found in the waters of Europe and parts of Asia, is a delightful addition to any seafood lover’s recipe book. Known for its delicate, sweet flavour and tender texture, plaice can be cooked in a variety of ways, from simple fillets to intricate pasta dishes. In this post, we will explore some delicious plaice recipes, discuss the average price of this fish, and delve into cooking tips from renowned chefs like Jamie Oliver.

1. Classic Pan-Fried Plaice with Lemon Butter

Ingredients:

• 4 plaice fillets
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Flour, for dusting
• 50g unsalted butter
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment:

• Frying pan
• Tongs
• Fish spatula
• Shallow dish for flour

Method:

1. Season the plaice fillets with salt and pepper, then lightly dust them with flour.
2. Heat half of the butter in a frying pan over medium heat.
3. Once the butter is sizzling, add the plaice fillets. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
4. Remove the fillets and set aside on a warm plate.
5. In the same pan, add the remaining butter, lemon zest, and juice. Cook for a minute, then pour over the cooked plaice.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Cooking Tips:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
• Use a fish spatula to gently flip the fillets to prevent them from breaking.

2. Baked Plaice with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives

Ingredients:

• 4 plaice fillets
• 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 50g black olives, pitted and halved
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil leaves

Equipment:

• Baking dish
• Aluminium foil

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
2. Place the plaice fillets in a baking dish. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Scatter the cherry tomatoes, olives, and garlic slices around the fish. Drizzle everything with olive oil.
4. Cover the dish with aluminium foil and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes.
5. Remove the foil and bake for a further 5 minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Cooking Tips:

• Covering with foil helps to steam the fish, keeping it moist.
• You can add a splash of white wine for extra flavour.

3. Plaice Fillets in a Creamy Mustard Sauce

Ingredients:

• 4 plaice fillets
• Salt and pepper
• 50g butter
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 150ml double cream
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

Equipment:

• Frying pan
• Whisk

Method:

1. Season the plaice fillets with salt and pepper.
2. In a frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat and cook the fillets for 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the mustard and cream. Whisk together and simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
4. Return the fillets to the pan and coat with the sauce. Heat through.
5. Sprinkle with dill and serve.

Cooking Tips:

• Ensure the sauce is not too hot when adding the cream to prevent it from curdling.
• Adjust mustard to taste for more or less intensity.

4. Asian-Style Steamed Plaice with Ginger and Spring Onions

Ingredients:

• 4 plaice fillets
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1-inch piece of ginger, finely julienned
• 3 spring onions, sliced
• 1 red chilli, thinly sliced (optional)

Equipment:

• Steamer
• Heatproof dish that fits in the steamer

Method:

1. Place the plaice fillets in the heatproof dish.
2. Mix soy sauce and sesame oil, and drizzle over the fish.
3. Top with ginger, spring onions, and chilli.
4. Place the dish in the steamer and steam for about 8-10 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional spring onions.

Cooking Tips:

• Ensure the water in the steamer doesn’t touch the dish.
• Adjust the steaming time based on the thickness of the fillets.

These four plaice recipes offer a range of flavours, from classic to contemporary, and are perfect for any occasion. With the right cooking techniques and fresh ingredients, plaice can be transformed into a delicious meal that will impress your guests.

2. Fish Price: Shopping for Plaice

The price of plaice can vary based on location, season, and quality. On average, plaice is an affordable option compared to other types of fish. When shopping, look for fresh plaice with bright, clear eyes and a slight sea aroma. Avoid fish that smells overly fishy or has dull eyes, as this is a sign of age.

3. Plaice Pasta: A Delicate Delight

Incorporating plaice into pasta dishes is a fantastic way to enjoy this fish. A simple recipe includes cooking plaice fillets, then flaking them into a sauce of cherry tomatoes, garlic, and white wine, tossed with your favourite pasta. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a light, satisfying meal.

4. Cooking the Perfect Plaice Fillet

The key to a perfect plaice fillet is not to overcook it. Plaice is best cooked quickly, either by grilling, frying, or baking. Seasoning should be minimal to allow the delicate flavour of the fish to shine.

5. Baked Plaice: A Healthy Option

Baking plaice is a healthy and effortless way to prepare this fish. You can bake it whole or as fillets. Adding a splash of white wine, lemon slices, and a few pats of butter before baking creates a simple yet delicious dish. Baked plaice pairs well with roasted potatoes and steamed greens.

6. Jamie Oliver’s Take on Plaice

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver often advocates for the use of sustainable and underrated fish like plaice. His recipes usually focus on bringing out the natural flavours of the fish with simple ingredients like lemon, herbs, and olive oil.

Jamie Oliver’s Crispy Plaice with Lemon Butter Sauce

Jamie Oliver, known for his approachable and flavourful recipes, offers a delightful way to prepare plaice. His recipe for Crispy Plaice with Lemon Butter Sauce is both simple and exquisite, bringing out the natural sweetness of the fish with a tangy, rich sauce.

Ingredients:

• 4 plaice fillets
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Flour, for dusting
• Olive oil
• A few knobs of unsalted butter
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• A handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped

Equipment:

• Large frying pan
• Tongs
• Shallow dish for flour
• Grater/zester

Method:

1. Season the plaice fillets with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Lightly dust them with flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Heat a splash of olive oil and a knob of butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. When the butter starts foaming, add the plaice fillets.
3. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden brown and crispy. Be gentle when flipping the fillets to avoid breaking them.
4. Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the pan and place it on a serving dish. In the same pan, add another knob of butter.
5. Add the lemon zest and juice to the pan, letting it bubble for a moment. Stir in the chopped parsley.
6. Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the crispy plaice fillets.
7. Serve immediately, perhaps with a side of new potatoes or a fresh green salad.

Cooking Tips:

• Ensure the pan is hot before adding the fish, but not smoking, to avoid burning the butter.
• Adjust the lemon juice and zest to your taste; some prefer a more pronounced lemon flavour than others.
• Fresh parsley is key to this recipe, as it adds a burst of freshness that complements the fish beautifully.

Jamie Oliver’s Crispy Plaice with Lemon Butter Sauce is a testament to his philosophy of using simple, high-quality ingredients to create dishes that are both easy to make and delightful to taste. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, showcasing the best of what simple seafood cooking can be.ç

7. Plaice in Soup: An Unconventional Choice

Plaice can be used in soups and stews for a unique flavour twist. A light fish soup with plaice, vegetables, and a clear broth can be a comforting and healthy meal, especially during colder months.

Plaice is a delightful fish that offers versatility, affordability, and a delicate flavour profile that appeals to many palates. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a special meal, plaice provides a multitude of options from baked and grilled to being the star ingredient in pasta dishes and soups. Experimenting with recipes from chefs like Jamie Oliver can also bring new life to this underappreciated fish. So next time you’re at the fish counter, don’t hesitate to pick up some plaice and explore the many delicious ways to prepare it.