Category: Salmon

The Salmon Rice Bowl That Everyone Is Talking About (& Eating)

A lot can happen in three weeks. A session of summer camp can start and end; you can effectively incorporate a new habit into your lifestyle; 21 days could simply pass, unnoticed. Or, if you’re Emily Mariko, you could be launched into the status of nat…

A lot can happen in three weeks. A session of summer camp can start and end; you can effectively incorporate a new habit into your lifestyle; 21 days could simply pass, unnoticed. Or, if you’re Emily Mariko, you could be launched into the status of national hero, TikTok darling, and everyone’s favorite putter-of-ice-cubes into a microwave.

A little over three weeks ago, Emily Mariko, who self identifies as “29 😜 bay area california 🌞 food fashion and lifestyle 🥦 long vlogs on youtube,” in her TikTok bio, uploaded a video to the platform of her making what she considers her “best lunch of the week!” She pulls some leftover cooked salmon out of the fridge, places it into a bowl and breaks it apart with the back of her fork. Next, leftover white short-grain rice is piled on top of the mashed salmon. Then she takes an ice cube, nestles it into the rice, covers the whole affair with a piece of parchment paper, and zaps it in the microwave. The ice functions to rehydrate the rice and prevent it from drying out too much in the microwave. She tops the mix with soy sauce, Kewpie mayo, and sriracha, then eats it with sliced avocado, a side of kimchi and pieces of dried seaweed, like a DIY hand roll.

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Grilled Salmon in Foil

Here’s how to make grilled salmon in foil: the easiest way to grill salmon! These tips make a perfectly moist…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

Here’s how to make grilled salmon in foil: the easiest way to grill salmon! These tips make a perfectly moist and seasoned fillet.

Grilled Salmon in Foil

Want to know the easiest, no-fail way to grill salmon? Make Grilled Salmon in Foil! We love a good crispy-on-the-outside charred fish, so we were a little skeptical at first. But this method results in one delightfully moist, perfectly seasoned fillet of salmon! It tastes completely irresistible, and the best part? It could not be easier. No nervously flipping the fish and worrying about sticking to the grill grates. Place it right in the foil and go!

How to grill salmon in foil: some tips!

All you need to know for this one: what grill temperature for salmon, and how long to grill salmon in foil? 6 minutes with the foil closed, then 1 to 5 minutes with the foil open. Here are the pointers, or jump to the recipe below for all the specifics:

  • Preheat the grill to medium high: that’s 375 to 450 degrees.
  • Place the salmon on foil. Brush it with olive oil and season it (more on that below). Close the packet and seal it up.
  • Grill 6 minutes with the foil packet closed. Then open the foil packet and grill 1 to 5 more minutes with the foil open, until the salmon is tender and pink or the internal temperature reads 125 to 130F at the thickest part.

That’s it! Spritz the salmon with lemon and serve. No flipping, no babying required.

Grilled salmon in foil

What to expect from grilled salmon in foil (vs on the grates)

Making grilled salmon in foil is by far the easiest method for grilling fish out there. There are a few tradeoffs with Classic Grilled Salmon, where you grill the fish right on the grates. Here’s what to expect:

  • Classic grilled salmon comes out with a crispy top and charred flavor. If you love a crispy top to your salmon, you’ll want to use this method instead. Cook it right on the grill grates, then flip and finish cooking.
  • Grilled salmon in foil comes out perfectly moist. The top does not crisp up here, and you won’t get as much charred grill flavor because the foil acts as a barrier. But this method is extremely easy and the fish comes out incredibly tender and delicious!

The difference is almost like the difference between a pan seared salmon and a poached salmon. Cooking in foil makes things moist instead of crispy, but it’s incredibly easy. You’ll see the same interplay between our crispy grilled potatoes vs grilled potatoes in foil, or this charred grilled corn vs grilled corn in foil.

Best ways to season grilled salmon

There are so many ways to season salmon! This recipe has a basic seasoning but it’s incredibly delicious and perfectly salted. Here are a few pointers to note about seasoning salmon:

  • Use ½ teaspoon kosher salt for every 1 pound salmon. Use a little less if you’re using a seasoning blend with added salt.
  • Garlic powder, onion powder and cumin add just a hint of complexity (see below).
  • Spritzing with lemon is a must! You can also top with fresh chopped herbs.
  • Or, try our Magic Seafood Seasoning. This Salmon Seasoning has incredible flavor, and you can mix up a big batch in advance.
Grilled Salmon in Foil

Grill the lemon wedges if you’d like

Want to step up this recipe a bit? It’s not necessary, but we also grilled the lemon wedges right along with the salmon! It doesn’t change the flavor too much, but the charred look on the lemon wedges does add a little bit of fun to the recipe.

That’s it! All you need to know about grilled salmon in foil. We hope you love it: let us know what you think in the comments below!

What to serve with grilled salmon in foil

There are so many great sides to pair with grilled salmon in foil: and since your grill is fired up, why not use it too? Here are a few of our top grilled sides and a few more salad options for a perfect summer dinner:

More grilled fish recipes

The grill is perfect for seafood in the summer! Here are some top-rated grilled fish recipes:

This recipe is…

Gluten-free, dairy-free and pescatarian.

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Grilled salmon in foil

Grilled Salmon in Foil

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

Here’s how to make grilled salmon in foil: the easiest way to grill salmon! These tips make a perfectly moist and seasoned fillet.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds or 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, wild caught if possible
  • Olive oil, for brushing
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder, cumin
  • 8 lemon wedges
  • Fresh herbs, for garnish (oregano, chives, basil, parsley, tarragon, etc)

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (375 to 450 degrees).
  2. Place the salmon in foil: Place a large sheet of aluminum foil on a baking sheet and brush it with olive oil. Pat each piece of salmon dry and place it on the foil. Sprinkle the salmon with the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin (add a few grinds of black pepper if you like). Close the foil and seal it around the salmon.
  3. Grill: Place the packet directly on the grill grates and cook for 6 minutes. Then carefully open the packet and release the steam. Cook additional 1 to 5 minutes, depending on thickness, until just tender and pink at the center (the internal temperature should read between 125 to 130F when a food thermometer is inserted in the thickest part of the salmon).
  4. Optional: Meanwhile, grill the lemon wedges directly on the grill grates, cut side down, until blackened. (This doesn’t affect flavor too much, but gives a nice charred look to the lemons.)
  5. Serve: Generously spritz the cooked salmon with the lemon. Top with fresh herbs and serve. Leftovers keep up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  • Category: Main dish
  • Method: Grilled
  • Cuisine: Seafood

Keywords: Grilled salmon in foil, how long to grill salmon in foil, how to grill salmon in foil

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Smoked Salmon Salad

This smoked salmon salad is the ideal quick dinner: no cooking involved! It’s fresh, healthy, and full of big flavor.…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

This smoked salmon salad is the ideal quick dinner: no cooking involved! It’s fresh, healthy, and full of big flavor.

Smoked Salmon Salad

Here’s a genius trick that makes a fast dinner or healthy lunch with no cooking required. That’s right, no need to grab your pan and spatula. Try this Smoked Salmon Salad! It’s healthy, fresh, and 100% cook free. Imagine: savory smoked salmon, fresh greens, fluffy goat cheese dollops and a tangy shallot vinaigrette. It’s ideal for a summer meal al fresco or fast lunch: and it comes together in 15 minutes flat.

Components in smoked salmon salad

Somehow we tend to forget about the magic of smoked salmon for making fast meals, so we’re remedying that with this recipe. Smoked salmon salad is the type of lifesaver meal you can throw together while your kids are screaming or when you don’t have energy to think. Of course, you’ll need to have a few ingredients on hand:

  • Smoked salmon: find it in the refrigerated section near the meat counter
  • Fresh greens: we like to use mixed spring greens for color and texture contrasts
  • Goat cheese: it adds creamy, savory notes: substitute feta if you’re not a goat cheese fan
  • Homemade shallot vinaigrette: easy to mix up (see below)
  • Red onion slices: add just the right spicy bite
Smoked salmon salad

Optional ingredients to add!

This smoked salmon salad is totally customizable, based on what you have on hand in your refrigerator. Use it as a “clean out the fridge” concept and add any veggies, nuts or seeds you like. A few ideas that would go well:

  • Tomatoes
  • Cucumber
  • Radishes
  • Sesame seeds or pepitas
  • Almonds, walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts

Mix up a homemade shallot vinaigrette

The star of this smoked salmon salad, other than the salmon itself, is the dressing! This homemade vinaigrette comes together quickly and has the perfect tangy flavor. It stars shallots, small onions that have a delicate flavor. They’re one of our favorites to use in salad dressings! Here’s what to know about the dressing:

  • Whisk the olive oil in gradually to get the perfect emulsion. We like to do it about 1 tablespoon at a time. The Dijon mustard is also a key component to getting a creamy consistency.
  • Dressing stores up to 2 weeks. The dressing can solidify in the fridge because of the oil, so bring to room temperature before serving.
Shallot vinaigrette

Dressing variations for smoked salmon salad

Of course, you can use any other type of dressing you like for this smoked salmon salad. The quality greatly affects the final flavors. So if you use store-bought, make sure it’s best quality! Here we’d recommend tangy vinaigrettes starring herbs, tomatoes or fresh berries. Here are a few more delicious go-to homemade salad dressing recipes we love:

More easy salmon recipes

Salmon is a weeknight dinner hero, in our book! Smoked salmon is ever better, since you don’t have to cook it! Here are a few more recipes where this lean protein makes a delicious lunch, brunch or dinner:

This smoked salmon salad recipe is…

Pescatarian, dairy-free and gluten-free.

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Smoked Salmon Salad

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 salads
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

This smoked salmon salad is the ideal quick dinner: no cooking involved! It’s fresh, healthy, and full of big flavor.

Ingredients

For the salad

  • 10 ounces greens (2 to 3 cups per plate)
  • 8 ounces smoked salmon
  • 4 to 6 large sprigs fresh dill, torn into pieces
  • 4 ounces soft goat cheese
  • ¼ cup red onion slices
  • Sesame seeds, for the garnish

For the vinaigrette dressing

  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Fresh ground black pepper
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons finely minced shallot (1/2 medium shallot)

Instructions

  1. Make the vinaigrette dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper. Whisk in the olive oil 1 tablespoon at a time until a creamy emulsion forms. Store refrigerated and bring to room temperature before serving (keeps at least 2 weeks).
  2. Make the smoked salmon salad: Place the greens on a plate. Add pieces of smoked salmon, torn dill, goat cheese dollops, and sliced red onions. Drizzle with dressing and serve.
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Smoked salmon salad

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Summer Salmon Tacos with Grilled Corn and Poblano Peppers.

These summer salmon tacos are smoky and sweet and topped with a grilled corn poblano pepper salsa. So flavorful, crisp and refreshing! Perfect on a warm summer evening with an icy margarita. Summer salmon tacos are here for a refreshing dinner tonight!  There is nothing I love more than a perfect summer dinner. We eat […]

The post Summer Salmon Tacos with Grilled Corn and Poblano Peppers. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

These summer salmon tacos are smoky and sweet and topped with a grilled corn poblano pepper salsa. So flavorful, crisp and refreshing! Perfect on a warm summer evening with an icy margarita.

Summer salmon tacos are here for a refreshing dinner tonight! 

summer salmon tacos with grilled corn poblano salsa

There is nothing I love more than a perfect summer dinner. We eat very seasonally in our house, and I love having some incredible meals in rotation each season that are special – just for that specific season. 

summer salmon taco ingredients

While I could make salmon tacos all year round, this combo tastes especially SUMMERY and special. When I think of this dish, I think of us sitting on the patio and eating it as the sun goes down – a slight breeze is blowing and maybe even some chilled white wine or a margarita is involved. 

This meal is so fresh and light and incredibly satisfying at the same time. 

Summer salmon tacos here we come! 

flaky salmon for tacos

I use the same seasonings here as I do for my cedar plank salmon – because that recipe is out of this world. The spices give it a smoky, sweet and savory flavor that is just absolutely incredible. We really love it, and I knew using it for tacos would be fabulous.

Once your salmon is seasoned, you can truly cook this in the way that is easiest for you. Roasting it is probably the way I tend to cook it the most, but now that it’s a billion degrees outside, I’ve been throwing it on the grill. 

You can also just sear it in the skillet! 

grilled corn poblano avocado salsa

The secret is to never overcook the salmon – it’s the best when it’s buttery and flaky and almost melts in your mouth. 

summer salmon tacos with grilled corn poblano salsa

What takes this dish over the top for me is the salsa. I love to use a mix of grilled or fresh corn (even sliced right off the cob, uncooked, it’s so crisp and sweet!), roasted or grilled poblano peppers and avocado. Again, we have that savory and sweet combo, with a refreshing crunch that just screams summer. It’s perfect! 

It also adds a great bite – a little crunch – to the otherwise buttery salmon. 

summer salmon tacos with grilled corn poblano salsa

Then! I also add some pickled onions. If I could throw pickled onions on everything, I would. Sure, because anything hot pink is amazing but also because they add the perfect tangy bite to all things – salads, tacos, pizza, chicken – everything. 

Finally, a heavy handed sprinkle of cotija cheese. This absolutely MAKES tacos for me. It’s creamy and tangy and a little bit goes a long way.  (more…)

The post Summer Salmon Tacos with Grilled Corn and Poblano Peppers. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

A Saucy, Lemony One-Pan Salmon to Remind You Spring Is Here

We’ve partnered with Imagery Wine Collection—a portfolio of unique, artistically inspired wines—to share the salmon dish Adrianna Guevara Adarme (aka A Cozy Kitchen) will be making all spring long: a flavor-packed, pan-seared number that doubles as a s…

We’ve partnered with Imagery Wine Collection—a portfolio of unique, artistically inspired wines—to share the salmon dish Adrianna Guevara Adarme (aka A Cozy Kitchen) will be making all spring long: a flavor-packed, pan-seared number that doubles as a showstopping dinner and refreshing next-day meal.

With winter in the rearview mirror (see ya in November, hearty soups and filling stews) and spring in full bloom, there is a bounty of bright and fresh ingredients that I’m excited to be savoring again. Pea pesto pasta, portobello burgers, and produce-packed spinach enchiladas have all made appearances in my kitchen so far this season, but my latest go-to is this one-pan salmon dish with a lemony olive and cherry tomato sauce.

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Pecan Crusted Salmon

This pecan crusted salmon is fast and easy, with a deliciously crunchy topping! Make it to impress on weeknights or for dinner guests. Here’s a meal that consistently makes everyone who takes a bite say Wow. Try this Pecan Crusted Salmon! It has an air of restaurant-style fancy, but it’s quick and easy to whip up on a weeknight. It takes basic salmon to the next level, coating it in a crunchy topping of nuts, seasoned breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. The flavors are elevated enough for dinner guests, but also tasty enough for kids to shovel in bites. Pull it out for dinner guests or an easy weeknight meal…you choose! (And keep reading for a custom side dish that pairs beautifully.) What you’ll need for pecan crusted salmon Aside from the fish, all the other ingredients in this pecan crusted salmon are pantry ingredients! That makes this preparation great for if you’re looking for a great way to cook salmon but don’t want to think too hard. Once you’ve bought the Italian panko, you can keep it on hand for months. Here’s what you’ll need: Salmon (wild caught if possible, see below) Dijon mustard Honey Pecans Italian panko (see more below) Grated […]

A Couple Cooks – Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

This pecan crusted salmon is fast and easy, with a deliciously crunchy topping! Make it to impress on weeknights or for dinner guests.

Pecan Crusted Salmon

Here’s a meal that consistently makes everyone who takes a bite say Wow. Try this Pecan Crusted Salmon! It has an air of restaurant-style fancy, but it’s quick and easy to whip up on a weeknight. It takes basic salmon to the next level, coating it in a crunchy topping of nuts, seasoned breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. The flavors are elevated enough for dinner guests, but also tasty enough for kids to shovel in bites. Pull it out for dinner guests or an easy weeknight meal…you choose! (And keep reading for a custom side dish that pairs beautifully.)

What you’ll need for pecan crusted salmon

Aside from the fish, all the other ingredients in this pecan crusted salmon are pantry ingredients! That makes this preparation great for if you’re looking for a great way to cook salmon but don’t want to think too hard. Once you’ve bought the Italian panko, you can keep it on hand for months. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Salmon (wild caught if possible, see below)
  • Dijon mustard
  • Honey
  • Pecans
  • Italian panko (see more below)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (that’s the kind that’s the texture of sand, not shredded)
  • Salt and pepper
Pecan crusted salmon

What salmon to look for

The number one most important part of a salmon recipe? The quality of the salmon. Try to find the best quality salmon you can afford. Here are a few tips on locating a great piece of salmon:

  • Buy wild caught salmon. Wild caught is the way to go! It’s most sustainable and has the best flavor.
  • Fresh salmon is best. You can find decent frozen salmon. But for the very best salmon, buy it fresh from your local seafood counter.
  • Coho is a good choice. We tend to like Coho salmon for its mild flavor: it’s a good middle of the road option in terms of price. Try to avoid Atlantic salmon as it is typically farmed salmon.

Italian style Panko, and a substitute

A key to this recipe? Italian-style Panko. Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb mixture that is airier and lighter than traditional breadcrumbs. Italian panko is panko with herbs and salt added. You can also use breadcrumbs or Italian breadcrumbs here, but we like how panko give it just the right crunch. You should be able to find panko easily at your local grocery store. If you can’t find the Italian-style panko, you can do the following:

  • Use regular panko and add salt and Italian seasonings. Mix the 2 tablespoons panko with 1 pinch kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or 1/4 teaspoon each dried oregano and dried basil)
  • Or look for Italian or plain breadcrumbs instead, or make your own breadcrumbs! For plain breadcrumbs, use the seasoning recommendations for panko above.
Pecan crusted salmon

Make it gluten-free

Panko is made from bread, so how to make this recipe gluten-free? Look for gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs in stores or online to make this a gluten free recipe. You can also omit the breadcrumbs, but keep in mind the topping will be less delightfully crunchy (but still delicious).

How to store pecans

Another key to this recipe: the pecans! The nuts are great for adding a bit of protein and crunch to the top of the salmon. We like to buy a nice big bag of pecans…but did you know it’s not best to store them in your pantry? Here’s how to keep them fresh longer:

  • Store pecans in the refrigerator for up to 6 months! Most people think of storing nuts in their pantry. But pecans stay freshest in your refrigerator! We place them in our cheese drawer.
  • Store pecans frozen for up to 2 years. Did you know you can freeze pecans? This extends the life for years. They thaw quickly when you remove them!
Arugula Goat Cheese Salad

A great side dish to pair with pecan crusted salmon!

For this pecan crusted salmon, we decided to create a custom side dish to go alongside! Readers often tell us it’s hard to find side dishes that are easy enough to make, fit with the vibe, and fill in the needed nutrients. Here’s one we developed to fit with this recipe: Arugula Goat Cheese Salad! Here’s more about it:

  • Start with a few handfuls baby arugula, fluffy leafy greens. Make sure to buy baby, not standard arugula (which is very bitter). You can also substitute spinach or mixed greens.
  • Drizzle it with this Creamy Balsamic Dressing, which has the best tangy sweet flavor.
  • Top with goat cheese crumbles, sliced shallot, apples, and pecans. It’s simple, but the flavors are tight and it tastes incredible.

Other side dishes to pair

Just a salad and pecan crusted salmon might need a little filling out as a full meal. So here are a few other quick side dishes to consider!

This pecan crusted salmon recipe is…

Pescatarian and gluten-free (with gluten-free panko).

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Pecan Crusted Salmon

Pecan Crusted Salmon

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (5 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

This pecan crusted salmon is fast and easy, with a deliciously crunchy topping! Make it to impress on weeknights or for dinner guests.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound salmon fillet or fillets, skin on (wild caught if possible)
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 2 tablespoons Italian panko (or Italian breadcrumbs; gluten-free if desired)*
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  2. Bring the salmon to room temperature and pat it dry. Season the salmon with the salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix the Dijon mustard and honey, then brush it on to the fish in an even layer. 
  3. In another small bowl, mix together the finely chopped pecans, Italian panko, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the pistachio mixture on top of the fish.
  4. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the salmon flakes with a fork; the internal temperature should be between 125 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit in the center. Serve immediately. 

Notes

*We recommend Italian panko or Italian breadcrumbs because they’re already seasoned. Panko is best since it’s the lightest and crunchiest. If all you can find is regular panko, mix 2 tablespoons panko with 1 pinch kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or 1/4 teaspoon each dried oregano and dried basil). 

  • Category: Main dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Seafood

Keywords: Pecan crusted salmon

A Couple Cooks - Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

Smoky Sweet Cedar Plank Salmon with Sesame Asparagus.

This cedar plank salmon is grilled with the most wonderful smoky sweet flavor! Pair with sesame asparagus on the side for the best meal ever. This cedar plank salmon is easily our new favorite dinner! Oh.my.word.  This might just be the best salmon recipe I’ve ever made. And, well, I cook salmon quite a bit […]

The post Smoky Sweet Cedar Plank Salmon with Sesame Asparagus. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

This cedar plank salmon is grilled with the most wonderful smoky sweet flavor! Pair with sesame asparagus on the side for the best meal ever.

This cedar plank salmon is easily our new favorite dinner!

smoky cedar plank salmon with sesame asparagus

Oh.my.word. 

This might just be the best salmon recipe I’ve ever made. And, well, I cook salmon quite a bit in this house. But this one… there are barely words!

Don’t worry. I’m sure I’ll find at least 500 of them. At least. 

fresh salmon on cedar planks

We’re grilling the salmon on cedar planks which is something I love to do.

You can find the cedar planks pretty easily these days – I know that my local grocery store carries them, as do a few other stores around us. You can totally order them on amazon too though, which is what I often do. I like to get a six pack so I have them on hand. This is such an easy and delicious meal that you won’t regret having a few on hand when you want something simple!

soaking the cedar planks

The only caveat to the cedar planks is that you want to soak them for a bit before grilling, so that can take some time. Especially if you haven’t prepared for it. I soak them for about 30 to 60 minutes and find that it works well. You definitely HAVE to soak it so the plank does not catch on fire on the grill. I’ve heard of some people soaking them overnight, but I find that 30 to 60 minutes does the trick.

It works every time! 

grilled sesame asparagus

For the salmon, I love to brush it with a layer of dijon mustard (such a mustard freak, I could eat it off a spoon) and then combine it with my favorite bbq-ish smoky spice mix. If you’ve been reading the blog for awhile, you’ve probably seen me use this combo for over a decade. I like to mix smoked paprika, garlic powder and brown sugar for a smoky/sweet combo. And of course, add in some salt and pepper. 

This is easily my favorite spice mix and I find it works on an array of meats and seafood. Can’t be beat! 

smoky cedar plank salmon

So we have the tangy mustard, the smoky sweet spices and then the cedar plank. TALK ABOUT FLAVOR.

Seriously, you cannot go wrong here. There is so much delicious flavor that works together. The salmon comes out flakey and buttery and wonderful. The spices on top kind of melt into the salmon and create somewhat of a soft crust. The flavor is wild! 

I top it off with some fresh chives and serve this salmon a million ways. It’s great as the main dish or on a salad. It’s great to prep ahead of time because it tastes so good. I love it warm or cold. I will say, when it’s warm right off the grill? It practically melts in your mouth.

Incredible.

grilled sesame asparagus

One of my favorite things to serve it with is this grilled sesame asparagus. It’s no secret how much I love grilled asparagus. It might be my favorite grilled vegetable. 

A bit of toasted sesame oil, salt, pepper and garlic go a long way here. Once you grill those spears until charred and toasty, sprinkle them with sesame seeds. They barely make it to my plate! I love this side dish so so much that I can’t ever get enough. It’s one we make often and one that everyone loves.  (more…)

The post Smoky Sweet Cedar Plank Salmon with Sesame Asparagus. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

Easy Salmon Patties (aka Salmon Cakes!)

Here’s how to make the BEST salmon patties recipe, aka salmon cakes! Canned salmon makes them fast and easy. Serve with tartar dipping sauce. Here’s a delicious lunch or dinner idea that’s worked its way into our regular rotation: Salmon Patties! Otherwise known as Salmon Cakes, these babies are just like crab cakes but they use canned salmon instead. Using canned makes them fast and easy to make — and cheaper than using fresh salmon (like our Salmon Burgers). Pair them with tartar sauce or remoulade sauce, and the contrast of the crisp, herb-scented patties against the creamy dipping sauce is unreal. This was a huge hit in our house, especially with our 4 year old. Who knew salmon cakes are perfect kid food? Ingredients for this salmon patties recipe, aka salmon cakes What are salmon patties? Also called salmon cakes, they’re similar to crab cakes but made with canned salmon. Ingredients typically include breadcrumbs or sometimes egg as a binder, and herbs and spices for flavor. The mixture is then formed into patties and pan fried until crisp. How is this different from salmon burgers? Salmon burgers often are made with fresh salmon: they’re larger and served on a […]

A Couple Cooks – Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

Here’s how to make the BEST salmon patties recipe, aka salmon cakes! Canned salmon makes them fast and easy. Serve with tartar dipping sauce.

Salmon Patties

Here’s a delicious lunch or dinner idea that’s worked its way into our regular rotation: Salmon Patties! Otherwise known as Salmon Cakes, these babies are just like crab cakes but they use canned salmon instead. Using canned makes them fast and easy to make — and cheaper than using fresh salmon (like our Salmon Burgers). Pair them with tartar sauce or remoulade sauce, and the contrast of the crisp, herb-scented patties against the creamy dipping sauce is unreal. This was a huge hit in our house, especially with our 4 year old. Who knew salmon cakes are perfect kid food?

Ingredients for this salmon patties recipe, aka salmon cakes

What are salmon patties? Also called salmon cakes, they’re similar to crab cakes but made with canned salmon. Ingredients typically include breadcrumbs or sometimes egg as a binder, and herbs and spices for flavor. The mixture is then formed into patties and pan fried until crisp. How is this different from salmon burgers? Salmon burgers often are made with fresh salmon: they’re larger and served on a bun. (But you could certainly make these into 4 large burgers as well!) Here’s what you’ll need to make this salmon patties recipe:

  • Canned salmon (boneless skinless)
  • Fresh parsley
  • Capers
  • Old Bay, onion powder, and salt
  • Dijon mustard
  • Mayonnaise
  • Olive oil, for pan frying

Can you use leftover salmon for salmon cakes? Yes! Simply use flaked cooked leftover salmon in place of the canned salmon.

Salmon patties recipe

More about canned salmon

What’s canned salmon? This is a fairly new product to us, versus canned tuna which is a pantry staple. But canned salmon is absolutely worth stocking in your pantry too! Here are a few things to note:

  • Canned salmon is much cheaper than fresh! Buying canned is a great way to have a shelf-stable seafood protein that’s much more economical than a fresh salmon fillet.
  • Look for boneless skinless canned salmon. Unlike tuna, you can easily find canned salmon that has edible skin and bones. Try to find a brand that’s boneless skinless for best results here.
  • Substitute it for tuna to make salmon salad. Canned salmon is great for salmon salad: substitute it in this Classic Tuna Salad recipe! Or try it in this Tuna Pasta Salad.

How to make salmon patties

Salmon patties are simple to make: the only part that requires a little technique is flipping them! Here are the main steps for how to make salmon cakes (or see the recipe below for specifics):

  • Mix: Drain the salmon and shred it with a fork. Mix it with the other ingredients (parsley, capers, spices, panko, Dijon mustard and mayonnaise).
  • Form and refrigerate: Form the dough into 8 patties that are about 1/2 inch thick. Refrigerate 15 minutes to firm up the texture. At this point, you can also refrigerate for about 1 day before cooking them.
  • Pan fry: Heat the olive oil in skillet over medium high heat. Add the patties and cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side until lightly browned on both sides. Make sure to flip them very gently.
Salmon Patties

Panko vs breadcrumbs, and how to make them gluten free

The panko or breadcrumbs are an important component to salmon patties. It gives them just the right texture so they’ll form into cakes (otherwise they easily fall apart). We like using panko since it’s easy to have on hand and very shelf stable. But here are a few more options — and some gluten free ideas:

  • Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb mixture that is airier and lighter than traditional breadcrumbs. It’s easy to keep on hand and great in many recipes (like Pistachio Crusted Salmon or Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms).
  • Coarse breadcrumbs also work! Make sure to look for coarse since normal store-bought breadcrumbs are very fine (almost like the texture of sand). Or use homemade breadcrumbs.
  • Try gluten-free panko or homemade. For gluten-free, it’s easy to find gluten-free panko these days online or at your grocery. Or use gluten-free bread or crackers to make homemade breadcrumbs.

Old Bay seasoning and why it’s necessary!

Old Bay seasoning is the perfect seasoning for seafood like salmon patties! Here’s what to know about using it:

  • Old Bay is an American seasoning blend invented in Maryland that’s used to season shrimp, crab, clam chowder, and other seafood dishes. The main ingredients in Old Bay are paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Where to find Old Bay? In the US, you can find Old Bay in your grocery store in the spices aisle. Or, you can buy Old Bay online or make homemade Old Bay!

Serve salmon cakes with tartar sauce or remoulade!

The best part of salmon cakes? Dipping them! The best seafood sauces are tartar sauce and remoulade sauce. What’s the difference? Here’s what they are, and a few other options to try as well:

  • Remoulade is a cold mayonnaise-based sauce that originated in France in the 17th century and is popular in US Cajun and Creole cuisine. Try this Easy Remoulade Sauce.
  • Tartar sauce is similar to remoulade; it’s a mayo-based seafood sauce made with pickles, capers and herbs that’s popular in the US, UK, Australia, South Africa and more. Try our Easy Tartar Sauce.
  • Chipotle ranch dressing is another fun option; it packs a little heat with adobo sauce.
  • Creamy cilantro sauce is a great sauce without mayo: it’s dairy-free and made with blended cashews!
  • Yogurt dill sauce is delicious and has a Mediterranean flair
Tartar sauce

What to serve with salmon patties

How to make salmon patties into a meal? We served this as an easy lunch to Alex’s mom and our 4 year old recently, and they gobbled it up! It’s also a great healthy dinner idea, served over greens with quinoa or rice. Here are some ideas for how to serve salmon patties or salmon cakes:

This salmon patties / salmon cakes recipe is…

Pescatarian, dairy free, and gluten-free with gluten-free panko.

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Salmon patties

Easy Salmon Patties (aka Salmon Cakes!)

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (5 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 patties
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

Here’s how to make the BEST salmon patties recipe, aka salmon cakes! Canned salmon makes them fast and easy. Serve with tartar dipping sauce.

Ingredients

  • 18 ounces canned salmon (boneless skinless)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced
  • 1 tablespoon capers, drained and minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon each Old Bay seasoning and onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup plain panko or coarse breadcrumbs (or gluten free breadcrumbs*)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, for cooking
  • For serving: Tartar Sauce or Remoulade Sauce (required!)

Instructions

  1. Drain salmon and shred it with a fork. In a medium bowl, mix it with the parsley, capers, Old Bay, onion powder, kosher salt, panko, Dijon mustard and mayonnaise. 
  2. Form the dough into 8 patties that are about 1/2 inch thick. Refrigerate 15 minutes to firm up the texture (or up to 24 hours).
  3. Meanwhile, make the tartar sauce or remoulade sauce.
  4. When ready to cook, heat the olive oil in skillet over medium high heat. Add the patties and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until lightly browned, then gently flip them with a spatula and cook about 3 to 5 minutes more until lightly browned on the other side. Serve with the sauce. 
  • Category: Appetizer or Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Seafood

Keywords: Salmon patties, salmon patties recipe, how to make salmon patties, canned salmon patties, salmon cakes, salmon cakes recipe, how to make salmon cakes, salmon cakes with canned salmon

A Couple Cooks - Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

Salmon and Asparagus Sheet Pan Meal

This baked salmon and asparagus recipe is the definition of easy dinner! Throw it all on a sheet pan with lemon, and the flavor is unreal. We’ve got a new solution to an easy dinner that pleases everyone: this baked salmon and asparagus recipe! It’s simple, it’s elegant, but it tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant. Roasting it up on a sheet pan with lemon slices and fresh herbs adds effortless flavor that feels fresh yet refined. Somehow in all our years of home cooking we’d never made a sheet pan meal exactly like this…and now it’s solidly in our repertoire! Alex and I made it for a healthy weeknight dinner on the patio with a wedge salad and it was perfection. Important: thin asparagus is key! Here’s a tip for working with asparagus: buy thin asparagus if you can find it! Thin, young asparagus spears are much more tender and tastier than large stalks, which can be very tough. When you roast thin asparagus, it comes out sweet and beautifully cooked! We were able to find some very thin bunches at our local grocery store, and after this recipe we decided to always look for thin asparagus. […]

A Couple Cooks – Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

This baked salmon and asparagus recipe is the definition of easy dinner! Throw it all on a sheet pan with lemon, and the flavor is unreal.

Salmon and asparagus

We’ve got a new solution to an easy dinner that pleases everyone: this baked salmon and asparagus recipe! It’s simple, it’s elegant, but it tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant. Roasting it up on a sheet pan with lemon slices and fresh herbs adds effortless flavor that feels fresh yet refined. Somehow in all our years of home cooking we’d never made a sheet pan meal exactly like this…and now it’s solidly in our repertoire! Alex and I made it for a healthy weeknight dinner on the patio with a wedge salad and it was perfection.

Important: thin asparagus is key!

Here’s a tip for working with asparagus: buy thin asparagus if you can find it! Thin, young asparagus spears are much more tender and tastier than large stalks, which can be very tough. When you roast thin asparagus, it comes out sweet and beautifully cooked! We were able to find some very thin bunches at our local grocery store, and after this recipe we decided to always look for thin asparagus. It tastes so much better!

Another tip for working with asparagus: always trim off the tough, woody bottoms of the stalks. Here’s how to trim asparagus…fast!

Salmon and asparagus recipe

What to look for when buying salmon

The other important part of this salmon and asparagus recipe is the quality of the salmon! There’s a wide variety of salmon quality at the store (vs shrimp, which has less variation). Here’s what to look for when shopping for this sheet pan meal:

  • Fresh salmon is best. You can find decent frozen salmon. But for the very best salmon, buy it fresh from your local seafood counter.
  • Buy wild caught salmon. Wild caught is the way to go! It’s most sustainable and has the best flavor.
  • Coho is a good choice. We tend to like Coho salmon for its mild flavor: it’s a good middle of the road option in terms of price. Of course, King salmon is incredible but more of a splurge. Atlantic salmon is typically farmed salmon, so it’s a less desirable choice.

How to tell when salmon is done

The only difficult part about cooking salmon? How to tell when it’s done! For this salmon and asparagus recipe you’ll be cooking both at the same time. The asparagus should cook in about the same time as the salmon here, but you should base the timing on the salmon itself. Here’s what to know about how tell to know when salmon is done:

  • Use a food thermometer to measure 125 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit, making sure to measure at the thickest part of the fish. This is the most accurate way to assess doneness and results in medium salmon.
  • Or, cook until the salmon just starts to flake when pricked with a fork.
  • Be careful not to overcook. We prefer our salmon cooked to medium: to us, there’s nothing worse than a dry piece of fish. Keep an eye on it and don’t overdo it!
Baked salmon and asparagus

Top with lemon and herbs

The fun part about this salmon and asparagus is the seasoning! Fresh lemon and fresh herbs is simple, but classic. Here’s what to know about adding these seasonings to your sheet pan meal:

  • Place lemon slices on the asparagus, not the salmon! Don’t place the lemon on top of the salmon because it makes the top gooey, not crispy! But it’s perfect right on the asparagus: it infuses the perfect lemon flavor.
  • Use fresh herbs like chives, thyme, mint, basil, or whatever you have on hand! It’s just for a garnish, so you don’t have to measure. But it adds great flavor! We used chives and thyme from our garden.

Sides to serve with salmon and asparagus

How to make this tasty baked salmon and asparagus recipe into a healthy meal? Add a salad and you’re golden! Or add a whole grain to make it filling and satisfying. Here are some easy sides we’d pair with it:

Salmon and asparagus

More sheet pan meals

Everyone loves meals on a sheet pan! Here are a few more we love to make on regular rotation:

This salmon and asparagus recipe is…

Gluten-free, dairy-free, and pescatarian.

Print
Salmon and asparagus

Salmon and Asparagus (Sheet Pan Meal!)

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (5 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

This baked salmon and asparagus recipe is the definition of easy dinner! Throw it all on a sheet pan with lemon, and the flavor is unreal.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound thin asparagus
  • 1 pound salmon, wild caught if possible
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
  • Lemon
  • Minced fresh herbs (like chives, mint or thyme), for garnish

Instructions

  1. Allow salmon to come to room temperature.
  2. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with foil.
  3. Trim the asparagus. Place it on the baking sheet and toss it with 2 tablespoon olive oil (this also oils the foil). Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper.
  4. Pat the salmon dry and place it on the foil. Drizzle it with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Sprinkle the salmon with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper. Place asparagus around the salmon. Slice the lemon into wheels and place them on top of the asparagus (but not the salmon). Squeeze juice from the two ends of the lemon onto the tray. Then add the chopped fresh herbs on top of everything. 
  5. Bake 9 to 12 minutes until the salmon is just tender and pink at the center (the internal temperature should be between 125 to 130F in the center for done, or 10 degrees less if you’re broiling). 
  • Category: Main dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Seafood

Keywords: Salmon and asparagus

A Couple Cooks - Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

Pistachio Crusted Baked Salmon

If you are looking for a healthy and delicious dinner that can be on the dinner table in under 30 minutes, you have to make this Pistachio Crusted Baked Salmon. It is light, fresh, and has so much flavor. The salmon has a lemon Dijon sauce that has a t…

If you are looking for a healthy and delicious dinner that can be on the dinner table in under 30 minutes, you have to make this Pistachio Crusted Baked Salmon. It is light, fresh, and has so much flavor. The salmon has a lemon Dijon sauce that has a touch of garlic and is sweetened…

The post Pistachio Crusted Baked Salmon appeared first on Two Peas & Their Pod.