Sesame Ginger Couscous Food

SESAME CRUSTED RED SNAPPER WITH GINGER DRESSED SNAPPY VEGGIES AND CURRY COUSCOUS WITH ALMONDS

Steps:

• In a salad bowl, combine the ginger, jalapeno, vinegar, salt and pepper. In a slow steady steam, whisk in 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add the radish, cucumber, yellow pepper and toss to coat. Let the veggies sit and marinate at room temperature while you prepare the sesame crusted snapper.
• Place a medium saucepan on the stove. Add the sliced almonds and toast over moderate heat then remove from pan and reserve. Return pan to stove top and add the chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil -- just eyeball it, curry powder and cinnamon. Raise heat and bring broth up to a boil. When it boils, add couscous to the pot and stir to combine. Cover the pot and turn off the heat and let the couscous stand until ready to serve.
• With a sharp paring knife, score the skin side of the snapper fillets by slashing 3, 1/8- inch thick cuts across the width of the fish. Season both sides of the fish with salt and pepper. Sprinkle and then gently press the sesame seeds onto both sides of the fish. Heat a nonstick large skillet over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 2 turns of the pan. Once the pan is hot, add the seasoned fish to the skillet skin side down. Saute the snapper for 4 minutes and if you find that the fillets bubble up in the center section, carefully press each fillet down with a fish spatula. Flip the fillets and continue to cook on the second side for 3 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and opaque. While the fish is cooking on the second side, finish off the ginger dressed snappy veggies and prepare the couscous.
• To the marinating vegetables, add the watercress and basil. Toss to combine.
• Remove the lid on the couscous. Add scallions and toasted almonds and fluff couscous with a fork.
• To serve, distribute the snappy veggies between 4 plates and top with the sesame crusted snapper; serve the couscous alongside.

TOMATO-GINGER COUSCOUS

Steps:

• Puree 2 tomatoes, 2 tablespoons each tomato paste and water, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, a 2-inch piece of peeled ginger, 1 garlic clove, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; add the puree and cook, stirring, until thickened to a paste, 12 minutes. Add 1 cup water and bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat and stir in 1 cup couscous; cover and let sit 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork, season with salt and top with chopped cilantro.

ONE-POT GINGER CHICKEN, BOK CHOY AND COUSCOUS

Steps:

• In a shallow baking dish, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and ginger; stir in the 2-inch scallion pieces and the star anise, if using. Season the chicken with salt and add to the marinade, turning to coat. Let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Line a footed metal colander with 2 layers of damp cheesecloth, allowing 2 inches of overhang. Place in a pot and add enough water to just reach the colander bottom. Bring to a simmer; have a small pot of boiling water on the side.
• Pour the couscous into the colander. Place the chicken thighs on top in a single layer, pressing up the sides of the colander, if necessary; reserve the marinade. Cover and steam, adding more hot water as needed until the chicken is cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, simmer the reserved marinade until thickened, about 4 minutes; strain.
• When the chicken is almost done, scatter the bok choy on top, season with salt and steam for 3 minutes. Transfer the bok choy and chicken to a platter, drizzle with the marinade and top with half of the sliced scallions. Stir the remaining scallions into the couscous, season with salt and serve with the chicken.

SESAME-GINGER SAUCE

Steps:

• In a blender or mini food processor, blend sesame seeds, ginger, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and 2 teaspoons water until well combined. With motor running, add oil in a slow stream until combined.
• Sauce can be used right away or refrigerated in an airtight container up to 3 days.