Pan-Seared Opakapaka, Lemon Caper Sauce, Quinoa and Garlic Green Beans

Ingredients

• 6 tbsp Unsalted Butter (Cold and cut into 6 pieces)
• 2 cloves Garlic (Finely minced)
• 0.5 cup Dry White Wine (Such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth.)
• 3 tbsp Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed)
• 2 tbsp Capers (Drained. Rinse for a less salty sauce.)
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (Finely chopped)
• 0.5 tsp Salt (Or to taste)
• 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)

Instructions

1. 1

   Sauté Aromatics

   • In a small saucepan or skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds, being careful not to let it brown.
2. 2

   Deglaze and Reduce

   • Pour in the white wine or broth to deglaze the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
   • Bring the liquid to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, or until it has reduced by about half. This concentrates the flavor.
3. 3

   Emulsify the Sauce

   • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the fresh lemon juice and drained capers.
   • Remove the pan from the heat completely. This is a crucial step to prevent the butter from separating.
   • Add the remaining 5 tablespoons of cold butter, one piece at a time, whisking constantly and vigorously until each piece is fully melted and incorporated before adding the next. The sauce should become creamy and slightly thickened.
4. 4

   Finish and Serve

   • Once all the butter is emulsified, stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
   • Season with salt and black pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
   • Serve immediately over your choice of protein like chicken or fish, or toss with pasta.

Ingredients

• 1 cup White Quinoa (Any color of quinoa will work)
• 2 cup Water (Or use vegetable/chicken broth for more flavor)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil (Optional, for toasting)
• 0.5 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste)

Instructions

1. 1

   Measure the quinoa and place it in a fine-mesh sieve. Rinse thoroughly under cold running water for at least 1 minute, rubbing the grains with your fingers. This crucial step removes the natural bitter coating called saponin. Drain well.

2. 2

   Optional step for enhanced flavor: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed and drained quinoa. Toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the grains are dry, slightly golden, and smell nutty.

3. 3

   Carefully pour the water (or broth) into the saucepan with the quinoa. Add the salt and give it one quick stir to combine.

4. 4

   Increase the heat to high and bring the liquid to a rolling boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

5. 5

   After 15 minutes, all the liquid should be absorbed. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 5-10 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time; this allows the quinoa to steam and become fluffy.

6. 6

   Remove the lid and gently fluff the quinoa with a fork, separating the grains. Serve warm as a side dish or let it cool to use in salads and other recipes.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb fresh green beans (ends trimmed)
• 8 cup water (for boiling)
• 1 tbsp salt (for blanching water)
• 2 cup ice cubes (for ice bath)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 pcs garlic cloves (finely minced)
• 0.5 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 0.25 cup sliced almonds (toasted, for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare for Blanching: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt. While the water heats, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes. Set it aside.

2. 2

   Blanch and Shock the Green Beans: Add the trimmed green beans to the boiling water. Cook for 2-4 minutes, until they turn bright green and are crisp-tender. Immediately use a slotted spoon to transfer the beans to the prepared ice bath. Let them cool completely for 2 minutes to stop the cooking process, then drain thoroughly in a colander.

3. 3

   Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet or pan, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly. Be careful not to let the garlic brown or burn.

4. 4

   Combine and Finish: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the drained green beans to the skillet. Toss well to coat in the garlic butter and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the beans are heated through. Remove the skillet from the heat.

5. 5

   Season and Serve: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss to combine. Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with toasted sliced almonds, and serve immediately.