| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 450 | 30g | 6g | 12g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 4g | 35g | 1.2g |
Ever stumbled upon a recipe that not only mesmerizes your taste buds but also takes you on a sweet nostalgic journey back to your roots? Well, look no further! Our recipe today, Pan-Seared Salmon with Broccolini Flowers, does just that with an interesting twist on my beloved Midwestern cuisine.
A Modern Twist on Midwestern Culinary Traditions
Born and raised in Nebraska, I have an indescribable love for all things heartland, and salmon embodies that with its rich, hearty flavors. But it’s not just your usual salmon dish; the addition of broccolini flowers introduces a delightful crunch, and a hint of sweetness that’s reminiscent of my favorite childhood memories involving wholesome family meals. The combination effortlessly carries the freshness of farm-to-table comfort food, turning a simple weeknight dinner into a rustic fine dining experience.
Nutritionally-Packed Gourmet Delight
This remarkable Pan-Seared Salmon dish isn’t just about tantalizing your taste buds though. As a bonus, it comes loaded with an underlying health benefit, thanks to its star ingredient – salmon. Renowned for its high omega-3 fatty acid content, salmon is a superfood that supports heart health, reduces inflammation, and can even boost your mood. Alongside, the broccolini, a vitamin C powerhouse, boosts immunity and promotes healthy skin. Surrounded by orange juice, olive oil, garlic, and cranberries, it contributes to a balanced nutritious meal bursting with flavor.
Perfect Pairings and Versatility
If you’re wondering what else you can pair this recipe with, I’d say it’s versatile enough to complement a variety of dishes. For instance, a warm corn casserole or a hearty beef stew would make for an excellent accompaniment, incorporating a Midwestern charm into your meal. Alternatively, it can be served over white rice or a bed of quinoa for a complete one-dish meal. Here’s a simple herbed quinoa recipe that I believe would pair beautifully with our pan-seared salmon.
In short, our much-loved Pan-Seared Salmon with Broccolini Flowers is a perfect blend of classic heartland essence with a contemporary gourmet touch. Here’s to exploring, enjoying, and celebrating our roots, one delicious meal at a time!
What You’ll Need
- 6 salmon fillets, skin-on (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 bunches broccolini (about 1 pound total), ends trimmed
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 oranges, peeled and segmented
Method
Step One
Start by seasoning the salmon fillets with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor. Set them aside.
Step Two
Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down and sear them until they’re golden brown and crispy. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Flip the fillets and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
Step Three
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Let this cook for a minute or so until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step Four
Next, add the unsalted butter to the skillet. Once the butter has melted, toss in the broccolini. Stir it around to ensure it is coated in the butter and garlic mixture.
Step Five
Pour in the chicken broth, orange juice, and honey. Stir everything together and let it cook for a couple of minutes so that the broccolini can soak up all of the flavors.
Step Six
Finally, add in the dried cranberries and segmented oranges for that extra pop of flavor and color. Stir them into the broccolini.
Step Seven
Allow everything to cook together for another 2-3 minutes before removing it from the heat.
Step Eight
Place the cooked salmon fillets on top of the broccolini mixture just before serving. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious Pan-Seared Salmon with Broccolini Flowers while it’s hot.
