SERVES4
ACTIVE TIME:10 MIN START TO FINISH:25 MIN
GOURMET.COM: JUNE 2007
Delicate, sophisticated flavors come together almost effortlessly with the help of miso, a Japanese staple.
2 tablespoons white miso (fermented soybean paste; not sweet or labeled "saikyo")
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon water
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 lb medium asparagus, trimmed
2 teaspoons olive oil
4 (5- to 6-oz) sea bass fillets with skin (1 inch thick)
GARNISH: lemon wedges
Preheat broiler. Lightly oil a 17- by 12-inch shallow baking pan.
Whisk together miso, sugar, lemon juice, water, and pepper in a bowl.
Toss together asparagus, oil, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl.
Arrange fish, skin sides down, in baking pan and spread miso mixture evenly on top. Arrange asparagus in 1 layer around fish and broil 5 to 6 inches from heat until fish is just cooked through and asparagus is crisp-tender, 8 to 12 minutes.