Nothing says Pacific Northwest like salmon, and it’s that time of year again when this rich, delicious local gem is readily available. Bring on the summer sun, its salmon-cooking season!
D’lish Salmon!
(Photo courtesy of Alaska Seafood Marketing)
There are several varieties of salmon available locally that can fit any budget and taste, from sockeye to King. Salmon’s natural oil and fat content help keep it moist and tender, even when grilling, but you can help it stay that way with a flavorful brine.
Brining possibilities are endless: white wine and savory spices, brown sugar and soy, or simply sugar and salt brine – just dunk your pieces for 15 minutes or so before cooking.
Salmon makes the perfect platform for glazes, marinades and other tasty toppings. How does roasted king salmon with a Chipotle Honey Glaze or an Orange Ginger Butter sound? Or contrast salmon’s rich meatiness with a fresh and zesty Zesty Lemon Basil Vinaigrette. Makes me want to fire up the BBQ right now!
So whether you’re smoking, grilling, or oven-roasting it, get your wild salmon on while it’s in season.
–Kathy
Chipotle Honey Glaze
Make a generous 1/2 cup
1/2 cup local honey
3 Tbsp. puréed chipotle peppers in adobo sauce*
Stir together in a small bowl until well combined. Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
*To make chipotle purée: Purée a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with a hand blender, blender or food processor until smooth. Freeze any remaining purée for another use.
Recipe created for Alaska Seafood Marketing by Kathy Casey Food Studios®
Orange Ginger Butter
Switch this basic recipe up with different combinations of citrus and herbs. Change out the ginger for garlic and try using a different mustard as well. Roll up different variations into logs in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 4 months. Just slice off a few pieces for a salmon topping anytime.
Makes 1 cup
8 Tbsp. (1 stick) salted butter, softened, cut into chunks
1 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
3 Tbsp. orange juice concentrate
1 Tbsp. finely minced orange zest
1 Tbsp. finely minced ginger
1/4 tsp. salt
2 green onions, very thinly sliced
Place all ingredients except the green onion in a food processor. Process until smooth and emulsified, scraping down the sides of the work bowl often. (If the butter doesn’t come together right away, be patient and continue processing.) When the mixture is well blended, add the green onion and pulse until mixed. Keep refrigerated, tightly covered, for up to 7 days.
Recipe created for Alaska Seafood Marketing by Kathy Casey Food Studios®
Zesty Lemon Basil Vinaigrette
This quick and easy homemade dressing is delicious drizzled over salmon. You can switch up this basic vinaigrette recipe by changing out the basil for cilantro and the lemon for lime, and/or adding a dash of hot sauce for some zing. You can also double the recipe and add all the ingredients at once to a blender to make a more creamy dressing.
Makes 1 cup
2 cups fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp. local honey
2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. finely minced fresh garlic
1/2 cup olive oil
2 Tbsp. minced fresh basil
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
Fresh-ground black pepper
Place the lemon juice, honey, mustard and garlic in a small bowl. Whisk to combine. Continue whisking and drizzle in the oil to incorporate. Then stir in the basil, salt and pepper. Store refrigerated for up to 10 days.
Recipe created for Alaska Seafood Marketing by Kathy Casey Food Studios®
