Skate is a flat seawater fish lives in cold and temperate waters on the bottom of the see where its coloring – a gray or brown back with lighter spots and black dots – camouflages it on the sea bed. Skates lay eggs in rectangular cases with “tassels” in each corner, with when washed up on the beach are known as “mermaids’ purses”. When alive, skates contain little ammonia, but after death they produce a lot more. The smell of ammonia should disappear when the skate is cooked; if it doesn’t, the skate is not fresh.
Skate wing is a fairly inexpensive fish. It may be hard to find as it is not very popular. Try local Farmers market or Fish market. It is a delicious flat fish you may only see in French restaurants.
The Skate have a simple bone structure, so even people nervous of bones can cope with them. The best way of eating most flat fish is pan-fried with a little lemon, parsley and browned butter – stronger flavors will overpower the delicate flavor of these fish. Good rich sauces for this fish include hollandaise, parsley, and lobster sauce.
This is a first time I am cooking the skate. Simple recipe but heavenly delicious! These skate wings are baked with butter. When you bake them watch the edges as they tent to burn. Cover them with foil and the skate will cook quite quickly. I served my skate wings with roasted tomatoes, capers and mustard sauce.
Unusually delicious!
Total Preparation Time: Less than 15 minutes
Actual Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Number of Servings: 2 (only because it’s so good)
Ingredients:
- 2 Skate wings from Madara's Seafood
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 4 Tbsp butter, melted
- 2 Tbsp bread crumbs
- salt and fresh ground pepper, paprika
- dill, parsley, tarragon (and any kind of herbs of your choice)
- 1 pound of small tomatoes on vine
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Toss the tomatoes with 1 teaspoon olive oil, season with salt and pepper and arrange in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake the tomatoes for 20 minutes or until lightly roasted.
Place the skate wings in an oven dish and sprinkle with lemon juice, pepper, salt and the chopped herbs. Drizzle with melted butter. Sprinkle with bread crumbs. Cook it in the oven at the same time as tomatoes for 20 minutes.
