Monkfish Scampi Lime Tartare Food

BACON-WRAPPED MONKFISH

Steps:

• Lay 1 monkfish tail fillet on a board, sprinkle with thyme leaves and season. Lay the other fillet on top with tapering tip in the opposite direction, so each end has one thick and one thin end butted together.
• Lay the bacon on a board, slightly overlapping and put the monkfish in the centre. Wrap the fish in the rashers so that it holds together quite firmly.
• Heat the grill for 3-5 mins. Line the grill pan, lay the monkfish on it, with the bacon joins underneath.
• Grill for about 7-10 mins until the bacon starts to crisp, then carefully turn over and cook for another 7-10 mins. At the same time, grill the tomato halves. As soon as the monkfish feels firm when pressed on top, remove and leave to stand for 5 mins. Save any pan juices from the paper and drizzle into the vinaigrette. Cut the monkfish into medallions, slightly on the diagonal. Dress the watercress salad with the vinaigrette and juices and divide between four plates. Place monkfish on top, season with pepper and serve tomatoes alongside. Nice with baby new potatoes.

MONKFISH WITH LEMON DRESSING

Steps:

• Place the monkfish in a bowl with the lemongrass, lime leaves, lemon thyme and olive oil. Cover and chill for 6 hrs to marinate.
• Meanwhile, make the lemon dressing. Chop the strips of lemon zest into small dice and tip into a pan of boiling water. Bring back to the boil, then drain. In a small saucepan, cook the blanched lemon zest with the sugar in 140ml water for about 5 mins. Drain the lemon zest and mix together with the remaining ingredients and 2 tbsp water. Taste and season, if you like.
• About 20 mins before you're ready to eat, remove the monkfish from the marinade and lightly season. Heat some olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat and fry the monkfish medallions for 4 mins on each side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and allow to rest in a warm place for 4 mins. To serve, gently warm the dressing, adding more water if needed. Spoon it over the monkfish and around the plate, then scatter with rocket leaves.

SCAMPI WITH TARTARE SAUCE

Steps:

• To prepare the langoustines, pull off the head and pincers. Lay the tail flat on a chopping board and use a sharp pair of scissors to cut a line straight down the back of the shell. Carefully peel the langoustine, score down the back, then remove the grit sac.
• Get the oil heating in a large saucepan or wok - you will need enough to come 2-3in up the side of the pan. For the tartare sauce, mix all ingredients in a bowl and season.
• Place the flours in a bowl with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Add the beer and sparkling water, and whisk to a smooth batter.
• To test if the oil is hot enough, put a drop of batter into the pan - it should crisp and brown within 30 secs. Dip each langoustine or prawn tail into the batter, then carefully drop it into the oil. Drizzle a little extra batter over each one while they are cooking - this will give you a really crispy coating. Cook them in batches, making sure you don't overcrowd the pan. When golden and floating to the surface, scoop out and drain well on kitchen paper. Sprinkle the scampi with salt and serve with the tartare sauce, lemon wedges and chips.