Conch Sashimi with Barbecued Black Tea Seasonings

Ingredients:

• 6g barbecued black tea seasonings
• 1 lb fresh conch (sea snail), cleaned and sliced paper-thin
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin (Japanese cooking wine)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon wasabi paste (optional)
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges (for serving)
• Fresh cilantro sprigs or microgreens (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Conch:

• Clean and Slice the Conch: Clean the conch thoroughly under running water. Using a very sharp knife, slice the conch into paper-thin rounds. The thinner the slices, the more tender the texture will be. Arrange the slices on a chilled serving plate.

Season the Conch:

• Season the Slices: Lightly season the conch slices with salt, pepper, and a small amount of barbecued black tea seasonings. This will add a subtle smoky flavor to the dish.

Prepare the Dressing:

• Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, wasabi paste (if using), grated ginger, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro. Mix well to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Serve the Sashimi:

• Drizzle and Garnish: Lightly drizzle the dressing over the conch slices. Garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs or microgreens for added color and freshness. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Tips for Success:

• Seasoning: The barbecued black tea seasonings add a unique, smoky flavor that complements the mild taste of the conch. Use a light hand when seasoning the slices to avoid overpowering the delicate flavor.
• Slicing: Thinly slicing the conch is crucial for achieving a tender texture. If you are not confident in your slicing skills, consider using a mandoline or asking your fishmonger to slice it for you.
• Dressing: The combination of soy sauce, mirin, vinegar, and wasabi creates a balanced, zesty dressing. Adjust the wasabi and vinegar to your taste preferences.
• Garnish: Fresh cilantro or microgreens add a bright, aromatic touch, while lime wedges provide a refreshing finish.

Enjoy Your Conch Sashimi with Barbecued Black Tea Seasonings!

• This dish combines the delicate, tender texture of thinly sliced conch with a zesty dressing and the unique aroma of barbecued black tea seasonings. It’s a perfect choice for a light and sophisticated appetizer, ideal for seafood lovers and those looking to explore new culinary experiences.