This is a simple dish that is packed with flavour. The roasted sesame seeds really give a nice crunchy texture and nutty taste to the fish. Sesame seeds are packed with nutrients. Gone are the days where sesame seeds were viewed as garnish for hamburger buns.

You could purchase the sesame seeds pre-roasted, however roasting them is really simple. If you need just a few cups to get through service, I would recommend roasting them in a sauté pan on the stove top. That way you can keep an eye on them and get them to the perfect golden brown. The other way is to use the oven, but no matter how many timers I set, I always manage to burn a batch.

I’m working with our 5oz Pacific Cod Loin. Whether you use Atlantic or Pacific Cod, the method is the same. Simply apply some honey to the presentation side of the Haddock and season both sides. Be generous with the honey as you want a bit of sweetness to shine through. This sweetness will be balanced by the lemon in the salad dressing. Mix the sesame and fresh chopped thyme together, spread it out on a tray so you can physically see the particulates of thyme. It is important that the thyme is evenly disbursed, as this is a very powerful flavour. Too much thyme concentrated in one spot will make the finished dish unpleasant.

If you want, the Cod can be crusted before heading into service. That way when an order is placed, all the line cook has to do is place it in the oven. I’ve paired it with a baby spinach and red quinoa salad with lemon herb dressing. Garnish this with some pomegranate seeds and we have another satisfied customer!Without the lemon-dressed salad, a citrus inspired sauce would work just fine. As always, when saucing a crusted fish, place the sauce on the plate first and then nestle the fish on top.

Until next time….stay hungry my friends!