Description
Sunset-inspired salmon with roasted fennel and pomelo creates Mediterranean magic on dinner plates. Fresh ingredients and simple techniques promise delicious results you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 salmon fillets (fresh)
- 1 fennel bulb, large (about 14 oz or 400 g)
- 2 pomelos, large, Corsican (or 1 if very large)
- 2 tbsps olive oil (for fennel)
- 1 tsp honey (for fennel)
- 0.25 lemon
- salt
- pepper
- thyme, fresh
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp mustard (strong)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 356°F (180°C) in traditional heating mode, setting the stage for a dynamic culinary experience.
- Fennel Preparation: Trim fennel’s base and upper stalks, slicing vertically into thin 0.2-inch (0.5 cm) pieces and arranging on a baking sheet with precision.
- Fennel Seasoning: Whisk extra virgin olive oil, golden honey, and fresh lemon juice to create a luminous glaze. Brush generously over fennel slices, sprinkling sea salt to amplify flavor complexity.
- Roasting Process: Roast fennel for 35-40 minutes, rotating midway to achieve uniform caramelization and tender texture, developing rich golden edges.
- Salmon Preparation: Place salmon fillets in a clean baking dish, drizzling with premium olive oil and seasoning with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt.
- Protein Cooking: Bake salmon 12-14 minutes until it transforms into a flaky, opaque masterpiece with delicate internal structure.
- Pomelo Integration: Segment pomelos with meticulous care, eliminating bitter white membrane to reveal vibrant, juicy fruit sections.
- Platter Composition: Gently deconstruct salmon into rustic chunks using two forks, maintaining its intricate textural integrity.
- Final Assembly: Layer roasted fennel as a foundational canvas, strategically positioning pomelo segments and salmon chunks for visual and gustatory harmony.
- Finishing Touches: Conclude by drizzling light vinaigrette, scattering fresh thyme leaves, and applying final salt and pepper seasoning to elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
Notes
- Fennel Roasting Technique: Slice uniformly to ensure even caramelization and prevent burning, creating a sweet, tender texture.
- Salmon Cooking Precision: Monitor baking time closely to prevent overcooking, which can dry out the delicate fish and diminish its rich flavor.
- Pomelo Preparation Tip: Remove all white membrane thoroughly to eliminate bitter taste and showcase the fruit’s natural sweetness.
- Flavor Balancing Approach: Combine the anise-like fennel, citrusy pomelo, and rich salmon for a complex, harmonious taste experience that complements each ingredient’s unique profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg