Salmon belly, a prized delicacy, has long been revered for its rich, buttery texture and delicate flavor. Today, we embark on a culinary journey that transcends borders, blending the finest elements of Japanese, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisines to create a dish that is both familiar and extraordinary.
Score the skin of the salmon belly diagonally, creating a diamond pattern. This will help the skin to crisp up during cooking.
Season the salmon belly with salt and pepper.
2. Create the Marinade:
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, black pepper, lemon juice, ginger, and garlic. Whisk until well combined.
3. Marinate the Salmon:
Place the salmon belly in a baking dish and pour the marinade over it.
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
4. Roast the Salmon:
Remove the salmon belly from the marinade and place it, skin-side down, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Discard the remaining marinade.
Roast the salmon in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the flesh is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the parsley, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, and kalamata olives.
6. Serve:
Place a generous portion of roasted salmon belly on a plate.
Top with the parsley mixture.
Serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
A Global Culinary Fusion
This dish is a testament to the power of culinary fusion, drawing inspiration from various cultures. The Japanese influence is evident in the use of soy sauce, mirin, and sake, while the Mediterranean flavors of lemon, olive oil, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, and kalamata olives add a vibrant and tangy dimension.
The result is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is both comforting and sophisticated. As we savor each bite, we embark on a culinary journey that transcends borders and celebrates the diversity of global cuisine.
