Finally, the fishwich grows up
I vividly remember eating “fish” sandwiches as a child when the frozen square patties showed up in our local supermarket. I asked my older brother (who, of course, knew everything) what kind of fish was shaped like a square patty. He replied with all the authority of an 8-year-old older brother: “That's what they look like when they grow up from being fish sticks.”
And I believed him.
Needless to say, the fish sandwich and I did not get off to a good start. But now, as I see a “modern take” on the fish sandwich in restaurants across the nation, I'm growing to appreciate them. Because sandwiches are so easy to prepare and are kid-friendly (no matter the age of the kid), I can see why my mom used to turn to the ease of the frozen square patties.
We are so fortunate that our grocery stores now have an array of fish that didn't grow up from sticks! Today's recipe for Modern Fish Sandwiches is a celebration of that. Choose halibut, snapper, grouper — or really any fish that you enjoy. Of course, you'll also want to consider price and pick what's on special. (I would never put a $15 fillet between two pieces of bread!) A gentle dusting of flour and a quick saute, and dinner is done. Top it off with our Special Seafood Sauce — a delightful combination of tartar sauce and the traditional ketchup/horseradish mix — and you're set to go.
Do you remember the early 1970s frozen-food trends? If not, join us in chowing down on a Modern Fish Sandwich and celebrate the wonders of supermarket evolution and our abundance of seafood. By the way, if you still crave frozen popcorn shrimp for that deep-fried flavor without the fuss (we do!), check out our easy interpretation of Shrimp Po' Boys at kitchenscoop.com.
Suggested menu: Modern Fish Sandwich with baby field greens with blue cheese and vinaigrette.
Ÿ Beverly Mills and Alicia Ross are co-authors of “Desperation Dinners!”. Write them at Desperation Dinners, c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016, or tellus@kitchenscoop.com. More at the Desperation Dinners website, kitchenscoop.com.