Popcorn Fish

I've never been a real fan of fish. For years, the only kind I would eat was the deep-fried perch that you can get at most restaurants on a Friday night in Wisconsin. Originally, of course, this tradition had something to do with the Polish Catholic population in the state, but eventually it just became a means of delivering grease to the general populace. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Anyhow, these fish are not deep-friend, and not "popcorn" in the sense that they're small finger food, a la Kentucky Fried's popcorn chicken barrel. Rather, I call it popcorn fish because that's what it tastes like: buttery, salted popcorn. The kids love it.

This recipe originally comes from Gary Rhodes' Great Fast Food. This is a good book, despite the cheesy picture of Rhodes on the cover with a doofy, late-90's only in England would a person get this kind of haircut, haircut (says a man who used to have a mullet). Indeed, at first the recipes were so easy that I kept thinking I must be cheating. It's also the kind of book where, everytime I flip through it, including this morning, I find an appealing recipe I hadn't noticed before.

This recipe is rich, so you don't have too make too much. And it goes great with a simple green salad and, as Rhodes recommends, boiled baby yukon potatoes.

Popcorn Fish

4 six-ounce cod fillets, skin removed

1 ounce butter, softened

4 ounces unsalted butter, chilled and diced

2 Tablespoons lemon juice

2 Tablespoons chicken or vegetable broth

Salt and pepper

1. Turn on the broiler.
2. Season the cod on both sides with salt and pepper and brush with softened butter.
3. Place on a baking or broiling tray and grill for eight minutes. Do not turn over.
4. While the fish is cooking, place the unsalted butter, the lemon juice, and the stock in a small pan. Simmer over low heat, stirring constantly. Do NOT let the sauce boil. If it curdles, you'll have to start over again.
5. Place the fillets on plates and cover with sauce. Serve.

Family Ratings

Will, who loves, of all things, fish: 10

Lucy, who hates fish but loves popcorn: 10

Jamie, who's pretty sure he's eating chicken: 8

Ellen, who worries about eating too much fish, what with the environment and all: 9

Paul, who's starting to rethink this whole "hating fish" thing: 10