Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
365 | 18g | 3.5g | 7g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
4g | 1g | 39g | 0.5g |
Every time I prepare and savor this Baked Salmon with Pomelo Sauce recipe, it’s like taking a mouthwatering journey through my Bostonian roots, with a touch of my Irish heritage. This dish is a beautiful symphony of New England’s beloved salmon combined with the delightful tartness of pomelo – a larger, milder cousin to grapefruit. A dish steeped in nostalgia, it reminds me of the cozy family dinners – a blend of sumptuous seafood delicacies from the New England coast and hearty Irish comfort food – conjured in my grandparents’ kitchen.
The Wellness Perks Behind the Dish
As deliciously indulgent as this wonder, health benefits are just as remarkable. Salmon, being rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, contributes to heart and brain health, promoting overall wellbeing. Pomelo, on the other hand, is known for its high vitamin C content – a powerhouse nutrient that boosts your immune system and skin health.
The combination of New England salmon and exotic citrus not only gives a unique twist to the traditional baked salmon, but it also turns it into a nutrition powerhouse – all underpinned by the cook’s loving touch. Yes, that’s the best part about family-induced love for cooking, every meal embodies so much more than the sum of its components.
Complementary Flavors and Side Pairings
The Baked Salmon with Pomelo Sauce shares a closeness to Asian cuisine because of its ginger-garlic combination and a spike of red pepper flakes, providing an irresistible hint of spice. This effectively balances the subdued sweetness rendered by honey, creating a beautifully harmonized dish.
As for side dishes, the recipe pairs exceptionally well with a matchstick cucumber salad or a simple pilaf. The light, refreshing flavors of the salad or the mellow, comforting notes of the pilaf act as the perfect canvas for the salmon’s subtle flavor, accented by the tangy and slightly sweet pomelo sauce.
To experience the splendid fusion of New England and Irish cooking fostered by years of family tradition and culinary experimentation, this Baked Salmon with Pomelo Sauce is an absolute must-try. It’s more than a recipe; it’s a celebration of where I come from, enlivened with a dash of personal innovation. Here’s to good food, good health, and good memories!
Here is a traditional baked salmon recipe for a plain but heartwarming alternative. To explore more about pomelo, I recommend you dive into this article.
What You’ll Need
- 6 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 large pomelo (about 2 cups of juice)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of fresh mint, chopped
Method
Step One
Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating, season the six salmon fillets with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step Two
In a large ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the seasoned salmon fillets, skin side up. Let them cook for about 4 minutes, until the top of the salmon is lightly browned.
Step Three
Carefully flip the salmon fillets over and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the salmon for about 10 minutes, or until it is cooked to your preferred level of doneness.
Step Four
While the salmon is baking, cut the pomelo in half and squeeze out about 2 cups of juice. Set the juice aside for later.
Step Five
In a medium saucepan, combine the pomelo juice, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly so the ingredients are well combined.
Step Six
Continue cooking the sauce for about 5 minutes, or until it has thickened to your liking. Season it with additional salt and pepper if necessary, and remove the saucepan from the heat.
Step Seven
When the salmon is done baking, remove the skillet from the oven and let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving. To serve, spoon a generous amount of the pomelo sauce over each salmon fillet. Sprinkle the fresh cilantro and mint on top as a garnish. Enjoy your Baked Salmon with Pomelo Sauce while it’s hot.