| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 387 | 13g | 3g | 27g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 23g | 1g | 35g | 0.65g |
As a Pacific Northwest native with Japanese roots, my gastronomic journey has consistently straddled two distinct culinary worlds. Today, I’d love to share a dish that manifests this unique intersection beautifully – Spikenard and Honey Glazed Salmon. This elegant recipe is a fusion of Western flavors, with its rich, earthy sweetness, and the clean, bright notes typical of my Eastern heritage. It’s also an echo of my deep affection for a region that generously yields two of my favorite things – succulent salmon and multifaceted honey.
Nourishment from the Sea and the Hive
Rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein, salmon is an excellent foundation for any delicious and nutritious dish. The intrinsic luxurious texture and taste of this fish benefits from the honey’s gentle, natural sweetness. Honey isn’t just any sweetener, beyond its caramel-like richness, it is also known to be rife with antioxidants, offering potential health benefits. The spikenard extract, on the other hand, adds an intriguing layer of flavor while being recognized in Ayurvedic medicine for its potential digestive and calming properties. An additional zesty kick comes in the form of citrus, packed with Vitamin C, which is known to strengthen the immune system.
Essence of East meets West
In Japan, we often revere salmon for its ability to pair well with a multitude of ingredients. This Spikenard and Honey Glazed Salmon borrows this ethos, amalgamating an assortment of harmonious tastes and textures. The marinade, primarily composed of honey, spikenard extract, citrus juices, and an aromatic duo of garlic and ginger, presents a balanced palate of sweet, tangy, and savory. This concoction reminds me of Teriyaki, a classic Japanese preparation, known for its magical blend of soy, sugar, and mirin. The spikenard, a less familiar item for some, is a culinary nod to my creative approach in the kitchen, embodying the adventurous spirit of gastronomical exploration.
The finished salmon dish, richly glazed and exuding a mouthwatering aroma, ideally pairs with a side of jasmine rice, lemon-garlic roasted vegetables, or even a light and fresh cucumber and wakame salad. Whichever accompaniments you choose, remember that cooking is primarily about joy and sharing. So gather your loved ones around the table, and prepare to delight in every bite of this honey and spikenard-infused culinary masterpiece.
What You’ll Need
- 6 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 2 tablespoons of spikenard extract
- 1/2 cup of orange juice
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- Zest of one lemon
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger, grated
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Method
Step One
First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Meanwhile, pat dry your salmon fillets using a towel and season each piece with salt and black pepper.
Step Two
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the honey, spikenard extract, orange juice, lemon juice, zest of one lemon, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This will form your glaze.
Step Three
Warm up a large, oven-safe pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil to it. Once heated, place your salmon fillets in the pan, skin side down. Sear the salmon for about 3 minutes until you have a nice, golden crust.
Step Four
Brush each salmon fillet with your prepared glaze, ensuring all the pieces are generously covered. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.
Step Five
Once the salmon is done, allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the top for extra flavor. Enjoy your Spikenard and Honey Glazed Salmon while hot.
