| 2 lb Salmon fillet | 1 tablespoon Olive oil | Salt, to taste | Pepper, to taste |
| 3 Shallots, finely chopped | 2 cups Fresh grapefruit juice | 2 tablespoons Sugar | 1 tablespoon Fresh dill, chopped |
| 2 tablespoons Butter | 1 tablespoons Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons Water |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 450 | 28g | 5g | 12g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 0.5g | 40g | 1g |
Replete with a harmonious symphony of flavors, my “Baked Salmon with Shallot Grapefruit Sauce” holds a very special place in my heart. Inspired by my Louisiana roots, this centerpiece dish embodies the rich Creole tradition of fresh, vibrant ingredients, while the elegant sauce adds a touch of French sophistication.
A Culinary Bridge to My Roots
Whenever I plate up my Baked Salmon with Shallot Grapefruit Sauce, I’m momentarily transported back to my childhood, sitting at my mother’s rustic wooden table surrounded by family. Our dinners were always vibrant gatherings, brimming with laughter and love, and this dish embodies that warmth for me. It’s like serving up a piece of my history, deeply tied to my French ancestry and Louisiana upbringing.
Not Just Taste, But Health Too
Aside from its depth of flavour, this delightful salmon recipe is packed full of health benefits. Salmon, as we know, is rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids, proteins, and B vitamins, promoting heart health and proving essential for brain functionality. Furthermore, grapefruit juice lends a colorful burst of tangy flavor, packed with a hefty dose of vitamin C, antioxidants and hydration benefits. Embedding these nutrient-dense ingredients in your regular diet contributes towards a balanced and healthful lifestyle.
The zesty grapefruit sauce complements the rich, tender salmon, while shallots’ subtle sweetness balances the grapefruit’s robust tang – a yin and yang that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. Similar to many traditional Creole seafood dishes, the sweetness of shallots and the acidity of citrus work together to enhance the salmon’s natural flavors rather than overshadow them.
Accompaniment Recommendations
This baked salmon would pair excellently with a simple tossed green salad and a glass of chilled white wine, perhaps a Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Chablis. If you’re after a heartier side, a creamy risotto or some roasted new potatoes would also complement the salmon beautifully. Also, given its fairly subtle flavor profile, it would also be a wonderful teammate to a spicy jambalaya or a hearty gumbo for a full-on Creole feast!
Be it a quiet family dinner or a dinner party to dazzle your friends, my Baked Salmon with Shallot Grapefruit Sauce is sure to become a regular feature of your culinary repertoire. Take it from a Louisiana home cook with a discerning palate; this is a recipe worth trying.
Here you can find more about the health benefits of salmon and here about the benefits of grapefruit.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lb Salmon fillet
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 3 Shallots, finely chopped
- 2 cups Fresh grapefruit juice
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 tablespoons Cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons Water
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Meanwhile, prepare the salmon fillet by brushing it evenly with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
Step Two
Place the seasoned salmon fillet onto a baking sheet and bake it in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and easily flakes with a fork. Be careful not to overcook.
Step Three
While the salmon is cooking, start making the shallot grapefruit sauce. In a medium saucepan, add the finely chopped shallots and sauté with butter until they turn golden and fragrant.
Step Four
Add the fresh grapefruit juice to the saucepan with the shallots. Stir in the sugar, then bring the mixture to a simmer and leave it to cook for about 5 minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Step Five
In a small bowl, mix together the water and cornstarch to create a slurry. Stir this into the grapefruit-shallot mixture and keep the sauce over the heat until it starts to thicken up.
Step Six
Once the sauce thickens, remove it from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh dill. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step Seven
Now, take the baked salmon out of the oven and evenly pour the shallot grapefruit sauce over the top. Serve the dish while it’s warm, garnish with some fresh dill if desired and enjoy your Baked Salmon with Shallot Grapefruit Sauce!
