So, before the cook-off, we went to NTUC to get our ingredients together before heading back home to get ready what we need for our individual recipes.
With a 1-hour time limit, the cook-off began and we got busy. But since my preparations were simpler as compared to boyfriend's, I finished preparing my ingredients sooner. So I managed to vlog a little and snap some photos of him before continuing.
When we were done with our cooking and snapping of the final end product, it was time for the taste test! Just nice, mom came home from her grocery shopping so, naturally, she became our judge.
Okay, I have to say this first... As much as mine looks aesthetically nicer (I think) and that mine got a higher vote on Instagram, I have to admit that boyfriend's Herb Crusted Baked Salmon does taste nicer. As mom explained it - Because salmon is a creamy fatty meat, by pairing it with a cheese cream sauce would make one feel "jelat"(sick of eating) after having too much of it. Although, the sauce would be very ideal for pasta!
So, I would have to say that this round of cook-off, although I won the Instagram vote, I really have to give it to boyfriend's Herb Crusted Baked Salmon. Even mom says so too!
(Boyfriend's) Herb Crusted Baked Salmon Recipe
INGREDIENTS
* 1 Salmon Fillet (fattier the better)
* 1 Shallot
* 2 tablespoon Parsley
* 2 tablespoon Basil
* 1 tablespoon Dried Dill
* 1 tablespoon Lemon Skin
* 1 pinch Sea Salt
* Olive Oil
COOKING DIRECTIONS:
#1: Leave Salmon Fillet at room temperature.
#2: Pre-heat oven at 150 degrees with water.
#3: Finely chop the Shallot, Parsley and Basil, and put them in a bowl.
#4: Moist the bowl of finely chopped Shallot, Parsely and Basil with Olive Oil.
#5: Add finely zested Lemon Skin and a pinch of Sea Salt into the bowl, mix evenly, and set aside.
#6: Place a piece of baking paper on top of the baking tin and brushed it with Olive Oil.
#7: Place the Salmon Fillet on the baking tin and brush the top of the fillet with Olive Oil.
#8: Season the Salmon Fillet with the bowl of herb mixture.
#9: Bake the seasoned Salmon Fillet in the oven for 25 - 30 minutes at 150 degrees.
There, you have it - Boyfriend's Herb Crusted Baked Salmon! I really love it. Every bite is fully packed with herby goodness and it gets you wanting for more.
(Mine) Creamy Cheese Salmon Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
* 1 Salmon Fillet
* 1 White Onion
* 6 cloves of Garlic
* 3 tablespoon Butter (Unsalted)
* 200ml Cooking Cream
* 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
* 1 pinch of Black Pepper
* 1 pinch of Salt
COOKING DIRECTIONS:
#1: Leave Salmon Fillet at room temperature.
#2: Finely chop the Garlic and White Onion, and leave it aside.
#3: Pat the Salmon Fillet dry and season both sides with Salt and Black Pepper.
#4: Heat up the pan and coat the pan with 1 tablespoon of the Unsalted Butter.
#5: Place the Salmon Fillet into the pan and start cooking with the skin side down first before flipping it over to cook the other side.
#6: Remove the Salmon Fillet from the pan once it is cooked and place it aside.
#7: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of Unsalted Butter in the pan over medium heat.
#8: Add the finely chopped Garlic and White Onion.
#9: Add the Cooking Cream and stir continually until slightly thickened.
#10: Add Parmesan Cheese and stir until melted.
Once the sauce is done, it is ready to be served on top of the Salmon Fillet! As said, the best part is that the Creamy Cheese Sauce can double up as a base for pasta too!
Though I made a mistake by getting the Parmesan Cheese flakes instead of the shredded ones - the flakes made the sauce a little grainy. To have a really smooth sauce, shredded cheese would be a better choice.
This marks the end of our very first cook-off and the start of EDxSONG's Cook-Off Journey! Teehees. Maybe we will have a panel of judges for the next round to taste test? Hahaha.