Welcome to a culinary adventure where vibrant flavors meet exceptional nutrition. Our **Strawberry Glazed Salmon** recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, transforming a simple salmon fillet into an elegant, mouthwatering dish that’s both healthy and truly scrumptious. Forget the ordinary; this dish masterfully blends the sweet allure of fresh strawberries with savory undertones, creating a glaze that perfectly complements the rich, flaky texture of baked salmon. It’s remarkably easy to prepare, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, yet sophisticated enough to impress at any gathering.
Why Strawberry Glazed Salmon is a Must-Try Dish
There’s something inherently special about cooking with seasonal produce, and when those bright, beautiful, and fragrant strawberries make their appearance, inspiration strikes. For many, the season for these delicious, ripe winter berries—like the renowned Florida strawberries—runs from December through April, offering a burst of freshness when other fresh fruits might be scarce. This recipe celebrates that seasonality, bringing a taste of sunshine to your table even on the coldest days.
What makes this particular salmon recipe stand out?
- **A Celebration of Seasonal Flavor**: The availability of beautiful, ripe winter strawberries was the primary inspiration for crafting this healthy oven-roasted salmon. Utilizing these fresh berries ensures a glaze bursting with natural sweetness and a subtle tang that no artificial flavoring can replicate.
- **The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory**: While other strawberry-based dishes, like strawberry salsa-topped salmon, might feel too summery, this recipe offers a unique twist. We’ve infused the vibrant berry flavor with earthy, savory ingredients, creating a complex and balanced profile. Shallots provide a delicate oniony sweetness, garlic adds aromatic depth, brown sugar offers caramel notes, balsamic vinegar introduces a tangy richness, and Dijon mustard contributes a subtle peppery kick. This multifaceted combination enhances the salmon without overwhelming its natural taste.
- **Effortless Elegance**: Despite its gourmet appeal, the preparation is surprisingly straightforward. The strawberry mixture is simmered until it thickens into a quick, luscious glaze that’s brushed onto the salmon during roasting and served alongside. It’s an easy recipe that delivers sophisticated results, proving that impressive meals don’t have to be complicated.
- **Unrivaled Nutritional Benefits**: Salmon is a powerhouse of nutrition, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for heart health and brain function. Pair that with the abundance of Vitamin C and antioxidants in fresh strawberries, and you have a meal that not only tastes incredible but also fuels your body.
Mastering the Art of Easy, Elegant Roasted Salmon
This Strawberry Glazed Salmon has a track record of winning over even the toughest critics. It was an instant hit, with its tangy strawberry glaze pairing exquisitely with the sweet, rich flavor of wild salmon. This heavenly match makes it a dish worthy of any occasion. While this glaze would also be wonderful on other proteins like chicken or pork, its synergy with salmon is truly unparalleled.
Achieving perfectly roasted salmon is simpler than you might think. The key is precise temperature control and careful timing to ensure the fish is cooked through yet remains tender and moist. Roasting at a slightly higher temperature, like 425 degrees Fahrenheit, helps create a beautifully crisp exterior while keeping the inside succulent. Typically, salmon fillets cook for about 10 minutes per inch of thickness. Using non-stick foil on your baking sheet ensures easy cleanup and prevents the fish from sticking.
Choosing Your Salmon
The type of salmon you choose can significantly impact the final dish. Wild-caught salmon, such as Sockeye or Coho, often has a leaner texture and a more pronounced “salmon” flavor, while farmed Atlantic salmon tends to be fattier and milder. For this recipe, either will work beautifully, but a wild-caught variety can truly shine against the bright strawberry glaze. Look for fillets that are vibrant in color, firm to the touch, and free from any strong fishy odor. Whether you opt for skin-on or skin-off is a personal preference; skin-on fillets often stay moister and become deliciously crispy when roasted.
If you’re a fan of diverse salmon preparations, you might also enjoy classic Oven Roasted Salmon with Mustard and Mayonnaise, or perhaps exploring other seafood options like Grilled Swordfish with Garlic Soy Marinade for a different weekday supper.
The Sweet Science and Art of Strawberries
The quest for truly flavorful strawberries can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt. When you finally spot those beautiful, fragrant berries at the market, often from regions like Plant City, Florida, you know you’ve hit the jackpot. These delightful berries are typically in season from December through April, making them a winter culinary delight.
Beyond their incredible taste and aroma, strawberries are nutritional powerhouses. Here are some compelling reasons to incorporate them into your diet:
- **Nutritional Superstars**: Did you know that just 8 strawberries boast more Vitamin C than a single orange? These berries are naturally fat-free and are highly rated on nutritional indexes, providing a significant amount of vitamins and minerals for very few calories. They are a genuinely healthy addition to any meal.
- **Smart Shopping Tips**: When selecting strawberries, look for firm, plump berries with a bright, glossy red appearance. A strong, sweet fragrance is an excellent indicator of ripeness and flavor. Always check the stem end for bright green, fresh leaves, which signify quality and freshness. Avoid berries that are dull, soft, or have mold.
- **Optimal Storage for Maximum Freshness**: Once you bring your delicious berries home, store them unwashed in their original plastic clamshell container in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer. This method helps maintain their freshness for up to a week, depending on how ripe they were at the time of purchase. Crucially, do not wash the strawberries until you are ready to cook with them or serve them. Excess moisture encourages mold growth and can significantly shorten their shelf life.
- **Beyond the Glaze**: While perfect for this salmon, fresh strawberries are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them in salads, smoothies, desserts, or simply as a refreshing snack.
Serving Suggestions for Your Glazed Salmon
This Strawberry Glazed Salmon pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a complete and balanced meal, consider serving it with fluffy brown rice or quinoa, which can absorb the delicious extra glaze. Roasted asparagus, green beans, or broccoli make excellent vegetable accompaniments, adding vibrant color and texture. A light, fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette can also cut through the richness of the salmon and glaze, offering a refreshing contrast.
Explore More Delicious Seafood Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and flavor of this Strawberry Glazed Salmon, you’ll surely enjoy exploring other seafood options. Here are a few more recipes to inspire your next meal:
- Easy Salmon Loaf
- Smoked Salmon Reuben
- Easy Glazed Salmon
- Delicious Seafood Recipes
Strawberry Glazed Salmon Recipe
10 minutes
25 minutes
35 minutes
4
Perfectly roasted, this Strawberry Glazed Salmon is healthy and scrumptious!
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons minced shallots
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- ¾ cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, cored and sliced
- 4 6-ounce salmon fillets, skin on
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté shallots in olive oil, and when they start to get soft, add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Remove the pan from heat.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, and strawberries. Add the shallots and garlic.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally, then reduce and simmer until thickens, about 15 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with non-stick foil and place salmon fillets a couple of inches apart. Generously season with salt and pepper.
- Roast the salmon for about 10 minutes per inch of thickness.
- When almost fully cooked, remove from the oven and brush some of the strawberry glaze over the salmon.
- Turn on the broiler and brown for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully, until the glaze starts to bubble and brown.
- Remove from oven. Serve with the remaining strawberry sauce.
Notes
Glaze can be made earlier in the day to streamline the process at dinnertime.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 465Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 107mgSodium: 260mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 2gSugar: 20gProtein: 39g
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