| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 435 | 15g | 3g | 50g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 35g | 2g | 25g | 0.22g |
Born and raised on the West Coast, I’ve cultivated a deep love and respect for the natural bounty of my home state. One of my absolute favorite fusion dishes to prepare is the Marinated Salmon with Yerba Buena. The flavors are a beautiful marriage between my Indian origins and American upbringing. Sweet, savoury, and sky-high on the health benefits chart, this dish exemplifies all that I appreciate about cross-culinary experiences.
The Health Factor
Each ingredient contributes health benefits that go beyond just appeasing your appetite. Salmon, for instance, is an excellent source of lean protein and Omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats may reduce the risk of heart disease and are associated with improved cognitive function. The fruits used – pineapple and mango – are loaded with fiber, vit C, and potent antioxidants. Here you can read more about the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon.
Meanwhile, the Yerba Buena or fresh mint leaves lend not just a refreshing twist to the dish but also offer digestive benefits. How could I resist including it when we talk about a healthy lifestyle blended with gastronomical pleasure?
Inspiration Behind The Dish
The Marinated Salmon with Yerba Buena came as a brainchild of my lifelong love for fusion food. Think India’s love for tangy, zesty flavors meets the West Coast’s penchant for fresh, fruity notes. Reminiscent of my Bombay Chicken and Mango, this dish has a vibrancy that combines well with the robust flavor of the salmon.
This recipe also works as a star attraction in your holiday spread. Pair it with a fresh wild greens salad or a granola and Greek yogurt dessert, and you have a sumptuous, healthy, and memorable meal.
In the chaos of modern life, dishes like our Marinated Salmon with Yerba Buena offer a treasured opportunity to slow down and savor the abundance. The fusion of flavors and the experience of creating it never fails to bring me joy, and I hope it delights you and your loved ones too.
What You’ll Need
- 2 1/2 lbs boneless salmon fillet
- 1 cup of Yerba Buena leaves (fresh mint)
- 3/4 cup of honey
- 1 cup of orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup of lime juice
- Zest of 2 limes
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 large cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 cup of fresh mango chunks
Method
Step One
Prepare the salmon by checking it for any small bones and removing them if necessary. If the skin is still attached, remove it with a sharp knife. Set the salmon aside.
Step Two
Create the marinade by combining the Yerba Buena leaves, honey, orange juice, orange zest, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, salt, black pepper and minced garlic in a large bowl. Mix everything well so that the ingredients are fully blended.
Step Three
Place the salmon in the marinade, making sure that it’s completely submerged. Cover the bowl and let the salmon marinate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
Step Four
Once the salmon has marinated, preheat your grill to medium heat. If you don’t have a grill, you can also use a grill pan on the stove. Grilling will give the salmon a delicious smoky flavor, but you can also bake it if you prefer.
Step Five
Remove the salmon from the marinade and place it on the preheated grill. Cook for approximately 4 to 6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your salmon. The salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork.
Step Six
While the salmon is grilling, take the remaining marinade and mix it with the fresh pineapple and mango chunks in a saucepan. Cook this over medium heat until it starts to bubble and thicken slightly. This will be used as a sauce to go over the finished salmon.
Step Seven
Once the salmon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle the hot fruit sauce over the salmon just before serving. Enjoy your delicious Marinated Salmon with Yerba Buena.
