Best 3 Merluza A La Vasca Hake Basque Style Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Basque Country, where flavors dance in harmony to create a dish that will tantalize your taste buds. Merluza a la vasca, also known as hake basque style, is a traditional Spanish dish that reflects the region's rich culinary heritage. This delectable dish combines the delicate flesh of hake with a symphony of savory ingredients, resulting in a symphony of flavors that will transport you to the vibrant streets of San Sebastian.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

MERLUZA EN SALSA VERDE (HAKE IN A GREEN SAUCE)



Merluza en Salsa Verde (Hake in a Green Sauce) image

Provided by Food Network

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 1/4 pounds hake fillets, skin on
Salt
1/3 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped
1 tablespoon flour
1/2 cup clam broth or natural clam juice
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Carefully clean, rinse and pat dry the hake. Sprinkle the fillets lightly with salt.
  • Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large, heavy skillet. Add the garlic and cook until the garlic just begins to color, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over and mix thoroughly, 1 to 2 minutes. Add 1 cup of water, the clam broth or juice, wine, parsley and salt to taste. Decrease the heat to medium and cook the sauce, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly thick or just barely coats the back of a wooden spoon, about 5 minutes. You can add more cold water to loosen up the sauce if necessary.
  • Add the hake to the pan, skin-side up, in a single layer. Cook the hake fillets in the sauce for 2 minutes, swirling the pan constantly and sliding the pan on and off the fire until the hake fillets give off some of their gelatin and emulsify with the rest of the sauce. Flip the hake fillets once and cook until the fish is opaque but not overcooked, another 2 to 3 minutes on the other side. The sauce should be very light green and slightly thick but still loose and light. Serve immediately.

HAKE IN WHITE WINE (MERLUZA A LA VASCA)



Hake in White Wine (Merluza a La Vasca) image

This is a popular recipe from the Basque region. Hake has a cod-like texture and either cod, haddock or flounder may be substituted. The dish can be jazzed up by adding clams and shrimp or with asparagus tips, green beans, and peas. Posted for Spain - ZWT #5.

Provided by Kim127

Categories     Spanish

Time 25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 hake fillets (about 5 oz each)
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup dry white wine (white Rioja suggested)
2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
6 scallions, finely sliced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
salt
pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  • Season the flour generously with salt and pepper (depending on the size of your fillets, you may need extra seasoned flour).
  • Dredge the skin side of the hake fillets in the seasoned flour, shake off the excess, and set aside.
  • Heat a shallow flameproof casserole over high heat until you can feel the rising heat. Add the oil and heat until hot, about 30 seconds.
  • Add the hake fillets, skin side down, and cook for about 3 minutes until the skin is golden brown.
  • Turn the fish over and season with salt and pepper (to taste).
  • Pour in the wine and add the garlic, scallions, and parsely.
  • Transfer the casserole to oven and bake, uncovered, for 5 minutes or until the fish flakes easily.

MERLUZA A LA VASCA - HAKE, BASQUE STYLE RECIPE



Merluza A La Vasca - Hake, Basque Style Recipe image

Provided by á-170456

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
8 garlic cloves thinly sliced
24 clams
4 hake steaks, 1" thick (may be substituted with cod)
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup finely-chopped Italian parsley

Steps:

  • Place olive oil in 12-inch cazuela and place over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until golden brown. Add clams, hake and white wine and continue cooking, shaking often, over medium heat. At 8 to 10 minutes, fish will exude a white and creamy substance. Add parsley and continue shaking cazuela to emulsify sauce. Season with salt and pepper and serve with cool hard cider or chacoli. This recipe yields 4 servings as antipasto.

Tips:

  • When choosing hake, look for firm, white flesh with a mild, sweet flavor. Avoid fish that has a slimy texture or a strong fishy smell.
  • To ensure even cooking, use a large skillet or sauté pan that is big enough to accommodate the hake fillets in a single layer.
  • If you don't have pimentón de la Vera, you can substitute smoked paprika. However, pimentón de la Vera has a unique flavor that is worth seeking out.
  • Be careful not to overcook the hake, as it can become tough and dry. Cook it just until it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  • Serve the hake immediately with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Conclusion:

Merluza a la Vasca is a classic Basque dish that is easy to make and bursting with flavor. The combination of hake, clams, and piquillo peppers is simply irresistible. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. So next time you're looking for a delicious and satisfying seafood dish, give Merluza a la Vasca a try.

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