| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 423 | 22g | 5g | 34g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 27g | 1g | 29g | 0.1g |
Why I Love Polish Pan-Fried Salmon Fillets with Cranberry Sauce
Standing on the front porch of our home in Montana, I came across this extraordinary Polish dish known as Pan-Fried Salmon Fillets with Cranberry Sauce. The harmonious blend of succulent salmon with the tanginess of fresh cranberries immediately roused my culinary creativity. This delectable dish is a testament to the beauty of simplicity, intertwining contrasting flavors in an enticing allure.
The Inspiration Behind the Dish
While my culinary perception is mainly influenced by Montana’s ranches and the rich Native American traditions, every once in a while, I let global cuisine inspire me. For the Pan-Fried Salmon Fillets with Cranberry Sauce, I was deeply influenced by the famous Polish chef, Magda Gessler. Known mostly for her artistic take on traditional Polish cuisine, Gessler’s usage of bold flavors pulled me toward this particular recipe. The way she balances the simplicity of an ingredient, like a salmon fillet, with the contrasting tartness of cranberries is a clear reflection of her signature style.
Tasting the Unique Combination
The real beauty of this Polish treasure lies not in just the salmon or the cranberries on their own, but it’s their symphony that creates the dance of flavors. One cannot appreciate the delicate, buttery salmon without accentuating its taste with the tangy cranberry sauce. And the subtle hint of orange zest sparks a citrusy freshness that invigorates your palate and perfectly rounds off the dish.
As a fellow lover of hearty meats, this recipe reminds me of my beloved bison burgers; both dishes offering the comforting satisfaction that only well-prepared meat can provide. If you are also fond of grilled or pan-fried meats, the Pan-Fried Salmon Fillets with Cranberry Sauce would make a great companion to Grilled Herb Shrimp or perhaps a classic Pork Chop with Apple Sauce.
The most crucial element about enjoying this recipe, or any recipe, is to liberate your taste buds. Allow them to explore and savor the journey through different cuisines and flavors – a journey I am thrilled to guide you through.
What You’ll Need
- 6 salmon fillets
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Method
Step One
Strart by seasoning the salmon fillets with salt and pepper to your taste.
Step Two
Heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s heated, add the salmon fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Once done, remove the fillets from the pan and set them aside temporarily.
Step Three
In the same pan, add the cranberries, 1 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of orange juice. Stir well and let it simmer over medium heat until the cranberries begin to burst and the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step Four
While the cranberries are simmering, grate 1 tablespoon of orange zest and add it to the pan. Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
Step Five
In a small separate bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until it forms a smooth mixture. Then, stir this into the cranberry sauce, allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until it thickens.
Step Six
Once the cranberry sauce has thickened, return the salmon fillets to the pan. Coat them well with the cranberry sauce and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Step Seven
Serve the pan-fried salmon fillets hot, generously topped with the cranberry sauce. Enjoy your perfectly cooked Pan-Fried Salmon Fillets with Cranberry Sauce meal!
