Supper Club: Nori-crusted salmon with soba noodles

Ingredients

For the crusted salmon

• 4 nori sheets, torn into pieces
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp chilli flakes
• 2 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 red onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed or finely chopped
• 1 tsp finely grated ginger
• 200g broccolini, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 carrots, grated or finely julienned
• 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
• 200g snow peas, trimmed and thinly sliced
• 4 x 100g skinless salmon fillets (see note)
• 180g soba noodles
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp black sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• pinch of salt flakes

For the ginger and sesame dressing

• 2 tsp finely grated ginger
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (preferably light flavour)
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp brown rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp tamari

Method

1. Put the nori sheets, salt, black pepper, chilli flakes, paprika and half of both the sesame seeds in a food processor or Vitamix and pulse until grainy (be careful not to over-process).
2. Heat 2 tsp of the extra virgin olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and ginger and gently sauté for a few minutes until the onion is soft but not browned. Add the nori sesame mix and stir to combine over the heat for 1 minute to marry the flavours. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
3. Heat the remaining oil in the pan, add the salmon and gently fry for 2-3 minutes on each side. Place the fillets in a baking dish and top with the nori mixture. (At this stage, you can place them in the fridge until you are ready to cook if you want to prepare them ahead of time.)
4. Preheat the oven to fan-forced 200ºC/gas mark 6. Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil. Place the broccolini in a steamer and place over the boiling water to cook for 1-2 minutes or until tender. Remove and run under cold water to stop the cooking process and maintain the gorgeous bright green colour.
5. Add the soba noodles to the boiling water. Boil rapidly for 4 minutes or until al dente, drain into a colander and run the noodles under cold water twice. Place into a mixing bowl and combine with the carrot, spring onion, snow peas, broccolini and the remaining sesame seeds.
6. Put all the dressing ingredients in a jar and shake to combine. Pour over the soba noodle salad and toss to combine.
7. Put the salmon in the oven and bake for 5 minutes to cook through and crisp the top. Divide the soba noodle salad among four plates and top with the baked salmon. Enjoy hot or cold.