Ingredients

• 8 smoked shrimp, chopped, and shells reserved
• Pinch salt
• 1 red onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, slivered
• 1 chile, minced
• 2 tablespoons grated ginger
• 1 stalk lemongrass, minced
• 2 to 3 tablespoons butter, plus 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1 cup chopped okra
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 bunch cilantro, leaves chopped, plus additional sprigs for garnish
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1/2 cup crushed cashews
• Oil, for searing
• 4 (5-ounce) barramundi fillets, skin on (may substitute sea bass or halibut)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
2. Toast the shrimp shells in a dry saucepan over medium-low heat until fragrant and color has developed. Cover the shells with water, add a pinch of salt, and simmer for 45 minutes over low heat, to form a stock. Strain the stock through a sieve and set aside.
3. In a large pot over low heat, sweat the onion, garlic, chile, ginger, and lemongrass in 2 to 3 tablespoons butter for 2 minutes. Add the red pepper and sweat for 1 minute more. Add the okra and shrimp stock. Simmer the mixture for 30 minutes, adjusting the seasoning as desired. Fold in the tomatoes, chopped cilantro, remaining 2 tablespoons butter, lime juice, and cashews. Remove from heat and reserve.
4. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to thinly coat the bottom of the skillet, and let oil heat. Add the fish, skin side down, and sear for 3 minutes. Then place the skillet in the oven and roast the fish for several minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
5. Divide the reserved stew mixture among 4 bowls, and top each with 1 fish fillet, skin side up. Garnish with cilantro sprigs.