The term buttercream and fish rarely go together. One might think of buttercream as the frosting one typically use on a cake, and while that is also true, it is not the case for this specific dish.
In this case, the buttercream refers to the creamy, silky sauce made with butter and other ingredients to accompany the delicate fish meat. Those who have had the luxury to try this dish before would agree that it’s a dish that melts in your mouth, and it is one you will always come back for more.
What is Buttercream Fish
Imagine a delicate white fish baked at just the right temperature and then topped with a creamy white sauce made with butter, cream, some fresh lemon juice and just the right amount of spices, with a side of sautéed seasonal veggies, or some roasted potatoes – that’s what a Buttercream Fish is.
If done right, the meat will fall off your fork and melts in your mouth – just like butter. It’s fresh, it’s light, and it is a healthy dish perfect for any occasion. Hence, you don’t have to feel guilty after you’ve finished a plate of it.
The History of Butter Sauce with Fish Dishes
Butter sauce is known to be one of the most common pairings that go so well with fish fillets, especially fishes with white meat like Dory. However, different cultures and different countries have their way of preparing the buttercream sauce that goes with the fish fillet.
In European cuisine, French specifically, buttercream sauce is often prepared using light cream, a touch of lemon, butter and fresh herbs like dill. Asian cuisine, on the other hand, often uses butter, milk, a thickening agent like cornflour along with chilli and curry leaves.
In Creole cuisine, butter and fish in cooking is said to be a cooking method passed on from one generation to another. Creole often uses the Muniere cooking technique, which is a method of preparing the fish by seasoning the fish fillet with seasoned flour and cooking it in a hot pan using clarified butter.
The preparation method might differ but if there’s one thing the world agrees on is that butter and fish go together just like butter and bread.
Health Benefits of Buttercream Fish
Depending on the type of fish, there is a lot of health benefits that come from consuming fish. Fish, in general, is rich with Omega-3 fatty acids, the good kind of fats that helps optimise your body function and aid in the development of vision and nerves for a foetus. Certain fish like wild salmon and sardines contains higher Omega-3 compared to others. Omega-3 is also found to help decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Fish is also a great source of iron which is needed to maintain vital functions and to regulate body temperature. People who lack iron will often face issues such as Anaemia and shortness of breath.
Where to get Buttercream Fish in Malaysia
Are you already craving for the taste of the creamy and soft Buttercream Fish? Few places serve the dish in Malaysia. Hojushe in Cyberjaya, for example, offers a hearty combo of Curry Butter Cream Fish with a bowl of rice for only RM11, while GAIA Restaurant closer in the KL region serves their Butter Cream Fish Fillet for RM22.
The best part is, they are both available on the foodpanda app so you can enjoy your meal right at the comfort of your own home.