Il Cucinologo
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Pasta with Shrimp and Mullet Fillets

17/11/2023

Here is a recipe that blends the sea with the land in a dish celebrating Mediterranean flavors. Pasta with shrimp and mullet fillets is an elegant dish that could easily feature on a fish restaurant menu, yet with the right guidance it can also be prepared at home.

Ingredients

  • 320 g pasta (linguine or spaghetti work well)
  • 200 g shrimp, already peeled and cleaned
  • 200 g mullet fillets
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 bunch parsley, chopped
  • 250 ml dry white wine
  • 400 g cherry tomatoes
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Begin by cleaning the mullet fillets if you have not already done so. Remove any bones with tweezers and pat them dry.

  2. Prepare the shrimp by peeling them and removing the intestinal vein. Rinse well under cold running water.

  3. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. When boiling, cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.

  4. Meanwhile, heat a wide skillet, add a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and the peeled garlic cloves. Let them turn golden, then remove them.

  5. Add the mullet fillets to the skillet and sear briefly for a few minutes per side, then remove the fillets and set aside.

  6. In the same skillet, add the shrimp and sauté until they turn pink. At this point, deglaze with the white wine and allow the alcohol to evaporate.

  7. Add the cherry tomatoes, previously washed and halved, and cook for 5-7 minutes over medium heat until the tomatoes begin to break down. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  8. Return the mullet fillets to the skillet with the shrimp and tomatoes and let the flavors meld for a few minutes.

  9. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the seafood sauce. Toss well to absorb the flavors.

  10. Add the chopped parsley and toss again.

  11. Plate and, if desired, finish with a drizzle of raw olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Serve the pasta immediately while hot, pairing the dish with a glass of chilled white wine, perhaps a Fiano or Vermentino, which complement the fish beautifully.

Trivia

Mullet fillets are especially prized in Mediterranean cuisine for their delicate yet distinctive flavor. In Italian cooking, mullet often stars in classic regional dishes, and shrimp add a touch of refinement and sea flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of this fish.