Tea-Smoked Sea Bass

• 1 1/2 pounds skinless sea bass fillets
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 1 English cucumber (seedless)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons tea leaves
• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1/4 cup uncooked rice

1. Cut the sea bass into 4 to 5 pieces and wipe dry with paper towels.
2. To prepare the marinade, in a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon salt, the ginger, vegetable oil, pepper, and soy sauce.
3. Rub the marinade on all sides of the fish and marinate for 30 minutes or longer in the refrigerator.
4. Preheat the oven to 500 F.
5. Slice the cucumber very thinly.
6. In a medium bowl, blend the vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.
7. Add the cucumber and toss.
8. Let soak for 10 minutes.
9. Discard the excess dressing and place the cucumber slices in an overlapping pattern around the edge of a serving platter.
10. Line the inside surface of a large covered Dutch oven or wok completely with heavy foil.
11. In the foil-lined pan (see Notes), mix together the tea leaves, brown sugar, and rice.
12. Spread out evenly.
13. Place a metal steam rack on the tea leaves, which stands at least 1 inch above.
14. Place the marinated fish on the rack.
15. Cover the pan tightly.
16. (The tea leaves and brown sugar will smoke the fish, so be sure the pan is tightly covered.
17. If the cover doesnt fit tight enough, place foil around the outside of the cover and pan.)
18. Place in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
19. Remove from the oven and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
20. Carefully open the lid.
21. Using a spatula, carefully transfer the fish to the platter.

bass fillets, salt, fresh ginger, vegetable oil, white pepper, soy sauce, cucumber, white vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, tea leaves, brown sugar, rice

Taken from www.cookstr.com/recipes/tea-smoked-sea-bass (may not work)