Ep 25. Ocean Options
- March 31, 2012
- 25 min
In the season one finale of Essential Pepin, Jacques Pépin explores the diverse and delectable options available from the ocean.
The episode begins with Jacques visiting a fishmonger to pick up some fresh seafood. He selects some oysters, clams, trout, and shrimp to feature in his dishes.
First up, Jacques prepares a simple yet delicious shrimp scampi with garlic and butter. He emphasizes the importance of not overcooking the shrimp, as they can become tough and chewy. Using white wine and lemon juice in the sauce adds a bright acidity to balance out the richness of the butter.
Next, Jacques demonstrates how to make paupiettes of trout stuffed with spinach and mushrooms. He carefully fillets the trout and stuffs it with the spinach and mushroom mixture before rolling it up and securing it with a toothpick. The paupiettes are then poached in a flavorful court bouillon, which infuses the fish with even more flavor.
Moving on to shellfish, Jacques prepares a classic seafood stew called bouillabaisse. He starts by sautéing onions, garlic, and tomatoes before adding in fish stock, saffron, and a variety of seafood including mussels, clams, scallops, and fish fillets. The dish is then finished with a rouille, a garlic and bread-based sauce similar to aioli.
Finally, Jacques showcases a luxury ingredient: oysters. He demonstrates how to shuck oysters properly and prepares a simple mignonette sauce to accompany them. The mignonette is made with shallots, black pepper, and red wine vinegar, which provides a tangy and acidic counterpoint to the briny oysters.
Throughout the episode, Jacques emphasizes the importance of respecting the ingredients and not overcomplicating them. He showcases simple techniques that allow the natural flavors of the seafood to shine through.
As the season one finale, Ocean Options serves as a fitting tribute to Jacques Pépin's culinary expertise and love of classic French cuisine. The episode showcases the versatility and depth of flavor inherent in seafood, and demonstrates that with a few simple steps, anyone can prepare a delicious and impressive seafood feast.
