Imagine savoring a dish that perfectly balances the sweet and spicy notes of honey and black pepper, all while enjoying the rich, flaky texture of freshly cured salmon. Our Honey Pepper Cured Salmon with Charred Vegetable Relish is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that will impress your family and friends. This recipe combines the freshness of seafood with the smoky flavors of charred vegetables, creating a vibrant plate that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a gourmet dish right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 2 hrs
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: Seafood
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Salmon fillet
- Honey
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Zucchini, diced
- Bell peppers, diced
- Red onion, diced
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the honey pepper cure for the salmon. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of freshly cracked black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of salt. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Place the salmon fillet in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the honey pepper mixture over the salmon, ensuring that it is evenly coated on all sides. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the fish.
- While the salmon is curing, prepare the charred vegetable relish. Start by dicing the zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion into small, uniform pieces. Aim for about 1 cup of each vegetable.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and develop a slight char.
- Once the vegetables are charred and tender, remove them from the heat and transfer them to a mixing bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and toss to combine. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- After the salmon has cured for 2 hours, preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C).
- Remove the salmon from the refrigerator and rinse off the honey pepper cure under cold water. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- If using a grill, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the salmon on the grill, skin-side down, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. If using the oven, place the salmon on a lined baking sheet and bake for the same amount of time.
- Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help retain its moisture.
- To serve, cut the salmon into portions and place them on a plate. Spoon the charred vegetable relish over the top of the salmon, allowing the vibrant colors and flavors to shine. Enjoy your Honey Pepper Cured Salmon with Charred Vegetable Relish!
Tips
- Cure Time is Key: Don’t rush the curing process! Allow the salmon to marinate in the honey pepper mixture for at least 2 hours to fully absorb the flavors. For an even deeper taste, consider curing it overnight.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh salmon and seasonal vegetables. Fresh ingredients will enhance the overall flavor and presentation of your dish.
- Preheat Your Grill or Oven: Make sure your grill or oven is properly preheated before cooking the salmon. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect flaky texture.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Salmon can quickly go from perfectly cooked to overdone. Keep an eye on it while it cooks—15-20 minutes should do the trick, but check for doneness by gently flaking with a fork.
- Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to mix up the charred vegetable relish! Try adding asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or even corn for a different flavor profile and texture.
- Presentation Matters: When serving, arrange the salmon on a plate and generously spoon the colorful vegetable relish over the top. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can also add a lovely finishing touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 65mg
