| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 330 | 20g | 3g | 2g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 1g | 1g | 34g | 1.2g |
My Connection to Nori Wrapped Salmon
Growing up in Boston with Irish grandparents, I was fortunate to savor a diverse array of culinary traditions. But amidst the clam chowders and shepherd’s pies, one dish that always stands out for me is Nori Wrapped Salmon. This recipe is a beautiful marriage of my love for New England seafood and the vibrant, healthful qualities of Japanese cuisine. Intricately wrapped in nori and infused with a mix of soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, this dish offers a complex tapestry of flavors that is both satisfying and nourishing.
As someone who loves sharing family recipes, I’ve found that Nori Wrapped Salmon has quickly become a favorite in my household. Laura and I always enjoy preparing it together—it feels like a mini culinary adventure that we can’t wait to share with our son someday.
The Health Benefits
In addition to its fantastic flavor, Nori Wrapped Salmon is packed with health benefits. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are excellent for heart health and brain function. Meanwhile, nori (aka seaweed) is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, including iodine, which supports thyroid function. The use of soy sauce, mirin, and rice vinegar not only adds a delightful tang but also keeps the dish light and low in calories—perfect for a balanced diet.
What’s great about this recipe is that it’s relatively simple to prepare but looks and tastes gourmet, making it an impressive dish for dinner parties or a cozy family night in. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, as long as you use a gluten-free soy sauce, which is always a bonus.
Ideal Pairings and Similar Dishes
Looking for accompanying dishes? Nori Wrapped Salmon pairs exquisitely with a bowl of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa salad. For a complete meal, you might also consider serving it alongside miso soup or a fresh seaweed salad. If you’re a fan of this recipe, you might also enjoy trying other seafood favorites like Grilled Swordfish with Herb Butter or even a classic New England Lobster Roll.
For those interested in delving deeper into the wonders of seaweed, consider checking out this article on the health benefits of sea vegetables [here](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/seaweed-benefits). And if you’re curious about other ways to cook salmon, there are countless other delicious ways to prepare it, such as these methods discussed [here](https://www.bonappetit.com/story/how-to-cook-salmon).
Nori Wrapped Salmon has quickly carved out a special place in my heart and my kitchen. It’s a healthy, delectable dish that brings the best of land and sea straight to your table. Give it a try, and I’m confident it will become a staple in your recipe rotation as well.
What You’ll Need
- 6 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 6 sheets of nori (seaweed)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 pinch of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
- Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step Two
In a small mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Mix well to create a marinade.
Step Three
Season the salmon fillets with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Place the fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let the salmon marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
Step Four
Take a sheet of nori and place it on a clean surface with the shiny side down. Place one marinated salmon fillet at one end of the nori sheet and roll it up tightly, making sure the nori wraps around the salmon completely. Repeat this process for all six salmon fillets.
Step Five
Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the nori-wrapped salmon fillets in the skillet, seam side down. Sear each side for about 1-2 minutes until the nori is crispy.
Step Six
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the salmon for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Step Seven
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the salmon rest for a few minutes. Serve the nori-wrapped salmon fillets with lemon wedges on the side, if desired.
