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View Full Version : Cedar Plank Redfish Basil Pesto and a Balsamic Vinegar Reduction



Shankapotomus
07-13-2010, 06:25 PM
Cedar Plank Redfish dish with Basil Pesto, Creole Tomato's, and a balsamic vinegar reduction:

I don't really have a recipe because I sort of made it from memory. I used to work at Ruffino's and they make it there sometimes. So those of you that know Chef Peter Sclafani this one comes from him.

It is really awesome. I have made it several times lately.

Here it goes:

Go to Hareware store and buy a cedar fence board (make sure it is cedar and not treated something else).

Cut into 12" to 14" lengths (depends on how long your fillets are) and soak in a 5 gallon bucket of water for a few hours (if possible).

Turn gas grill on high and close lid.

Season Redfish fillet with Creole Seasoning on both sides.

Place fillet on cedar plank.

Slice Creole Tomato from St. Bernard or Plaqumines Parish into 1/4 inch rounds and lay 3 or 4 on top of fish.

Spread a few spoons full of Basil Pesto liberally over the top of the tomatoes (don't use store bought, if you have a blender or food processor make it yourself. It is so much better. I used a Giada recipe that I found on Foodnetwork.com)

Lower grill temp to medium.

Place board on grill (you can do as many as you can fit but i would not do more that 3 or 4 at a time) and close the lid.

**If this is you first time trying this method stay close to the grill and watch for flame ups**

The goal is to burn the board on the bottom so that the cedar smoke fills air inside the grill and infuses its flavor in the fish. You don't want the board to burn out of control. If you get large flames just use a wet cloth to put them out. (If you let the cedar soak long enough you should not have a problem).

Let it cook for about ten minutes (cooking time may vary widely depending on how hot your grill is). If it is not cooked you can alway throw it back on. I have found it pretty hard to overcook your fish using this method because the wood helps to retain moisture in the fish.

Pull of the Grill and drizzle with Balsamic Vinegar Reduction(*)

Eat off the board and then throw the board away or use is for firewood.




*Balsamic Vinegar Reduction - Pour a cup or two of the cheapest balsamic vinegar you can find into a pot and boil it on high for about 30 minutes or until the consistency is to the point where when you put a spoon in it stick to the under side of the spoon.


I am a way better cook than writer so please PM or post any questions that you have.

Enjoy!

theoldcaster
07-13-2010, 06:40 PM
Would you like to come over and cook it again where you can get the recipe right?????????????

Shankapotomus
07-13-2010, 06:43 PM
Anytime!

Yak-a-Lou
07-13-2010, 11:53 PM
Ate cedar plank ???fish at Ruffino's in Baton Rouge last year. It was damn fine food!!!

Shankapotomus
07-14-2010, 07:56 AM
Ate cedar plank ???fish at Ruffino's in Baton Rouge last year. It was damn fine food!!!

Yea, they do a good job. Ruffino's is still my favorite restuarant and i have live in N.O. for past eight years.

yak-aholic
07-14-2010, 08:52 PM
Yeah, Father-in-law had it a few months ago when we ate there. He raved about it. I've been meaning to try my hand at something like this. Just didn't know what kind of cedar planks to use. Thanks for posting this recipe.

Cajun_Caster
07-15-2010, 12:56 AM
Pesto sauce freezes very well. Easy to make a large batch and freeze into portions.

bigredbobber
07-15-2010, 07:20 AM
In the kitchen at commander's palace, we were taught to use 12 year or older Balsamic vinegar. We reduced it by simmering for a couple hours.

Never tried it your way. Does the flavor change at all since the vinegar boils?

I bet it tastes nearly identical. Show some pics next time you make it.

Shankapotomus
07-15-2010, 07:35 AM
In the kitchen at commander's palace, we were taught to use 12 year or older Balsamic vinegar. We reduced it by simmering for a couple hours.

Never tried it your way. Does the flavor change at all since the vinegar boils?

I bet it tastes nearly identical. Show some pics next time you make it.


I have done it both ways. Your way is the correct way, however I alway like to speed things up when possible so I use small measurements and increasing the heat. Also, I find that when the vinegar reduces I can no longer taste the differnce between a high end and a low end Balsamic. A more refined pallet may be able to notice, but I sure cant.

I will post some pictures the next time to make it.

damianb
07-19-2010, 01:45 PM
Is this the pesto recipe?

Pesto:
2 packed cups fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (see Cook's Note)
1 clove garlic
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning
2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (1 1/2 ounces) grated Parmesan

For the pesto: In a blender or food processor, pulse the basil, pine nuts, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until finely chopped. With the machine running, gradually add the oil until the mixture is smooth and thick. Add the cheese and pulse until just incorporated. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.

Shankapotomus
07-19-2010, 02:54 PM
Not sure if that is the exact one, but that sound correct.

If you have never toasted pine nuts before, be very careful because they burn easily. They taste so much better when they are toasted, just dont go very far after you put them in the pan.

I bet that is what the "(see Cook's Note)" tells you also.

Let me know how it turns out if you are trying it.

Musicdoc
07-19-2010, 04:29 PM
In the kitchen at commander's palace, we were taught to use 12 year or older Balsamic vinegar. We reduced it by simmering for a couple hours.
Bigredbobber, When did you work at Commander's? I was a waiter there when I was in college. 1977-78. Quit when they wanted us to work during Spring Break.
By the way, we coonasses have been using this recipe for years to cook our choupique...only after it was done, we would toss the choupique and eat the plank.:lol::lol::lol:

Gumboboy
07-19-2010, 05:50 PM
Thanks for the recipe. I'll make a practice run with it first.

damianb
07-21-2010, 08:29 PM
From plank to plate. I probably hit is a little hard with the baslamic vinegar reduction, but it was still good. It's served with sun dried tomatoe risotto.

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv59/damianburdette/platter.jpg
Plank

http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv59/damianburdette/plate.jpg
Plate

Branch_Office
07-21-2010, 09:18 PM
Darn, I just ate at Carrabas and that make me hungry ..... looks awesome!

Reel Rebel
07-21-2010, 09:56 PM
:hide:I'd like to see Giada's tomatoes!

damianb
07-22-2010, 07:28 AM
I'm sure they're nice tomatoes.

Shankapotomus
07-22-2010, 12:19 PM
Yea you have to go easy on the balsamic reduction. Looks perfect though. My boards usually come out a little more burnt around the edges. I must cook it at a little bit higher temp.

Nice job!