The beginning of the year is a busy time for everyone, and with work picking back up and the kids back at school, we wouldn’t blame you if you’d forgotten to plan something special for Valentine’s Day.
Never fear - if you can get down to a fishmonger today, or even just to the seafood counter of your local supermarket, you can pull off a quick and delicious meal for this evening, without skimping on the romance.
Don’t forget to pick up some flowers too!
Need a present?
Sydney Seafood School's cooking experiences are a lovely way to reconnect with your special someone. Book into a Pasta Workshop or a Malaysian Laksa class to add some laughter and cameraderie to a basic date night.
Not sure when you’ll be able to get a babysitter? Grab a gift certificate instead! They’re valid for three years, so you can come along to a class whenever it’s convenient for you.
Book Here
Sole Meuniere
Recipe Here
There’s nothing more romantic than French cuisine, and this classic sauce is a very popular way to serve flat fish.
Something cooked à la meunière, literally ‘in the style of the miller’s wife’, is dredged in flour before being fried … as the miller’s wife always had plenty of flour on hand.
The trick to making brown butter is to make it really brown, without burning it – so be brave and push it just past the point where you think it’s done, then quickly stop the cooking with a squeeze of lemon juice. Some fresh, crusty bread is a great way to soak up all the delicious nutty butter.
Flathead Fillets with Roasted Baby Beetroots & Walnuts
Recipe Here
Flathead is a delicious and often overlooked fish, that is readily available at most local seafood counters and supermarkets. The sweet, soft beetroot, crunchy walnuts, and spicy watercress in this quick and easy dish provide a great contrast of textures and flavours.
Cobia Baked with Asparagus & Parsley Pine Nut Topping
Recipe Here
Any white fish with a mild flavour and firm flesh would suit this recipe; try it with whatever you can find at the fish counter. Asparagus is an easy accompaniment requiring minimal preparation, which adds to the speed and simplicity of this dish without skimping on the romance factor.
Steamed Whole Bream with Green Chilli & Coriander
Recipe Here
You may be thinking, “A whole fish! Quick? You’re kidding!”, but if you have a steamer basket, this recipe is actually extremely simple. Your special someone doesn’t have to know that, though!
The only challenge here is that you will likely have to go to a proper fishmonger to get a correctly prepared whole fish, (Harris Farm is a great option, if you have one nearby). Ask them to scale, gill, gut and clean your chosen fish, and it’ll be ready to go.
Easy Prawn Ravioli with Citrus Dressing
Recipe Here
While certainly not traditional, egg wonton wrappers can be used to make a quick ravioli when you don’t have the time or inclination to make your own fresh pasta.
Prawns are readily available at every grocery store (frozen prawns are perfectly okay, as long as they’re Australian), making this a truly perfect last minute creation that looks far more impressive than the effort it requires!
