Selecting and Preparing Salmon

SALMON: HOW TO SELECT IT & HOW TO PREPARE IT

Salmon is by far the most popular selection in our retail stores and for our wholesale customers. It is a heart-healthy, flavorful favorite whose firm, meaty flesh has the ability to be prepared in countless different ways.  Throw it on the grill, bake it, broil  it, smoke it, poach it. Whip up some salmon cakes, burgers  or include it as your main ingredient in dip or salads. Salmon can pretty much do anything. Let us tell you more about this unicorn fish!

Salmon is delicious, easy to prepare and SO GOOD for you. Being a fatty fish with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, it’s a great source of protein and numerous vitamins & antioxidants.

First, let’s talk about how select a fresh, high quality salmon fillet. It should never smell fishy. The flesh should be moist and brightly colored and should not be discolored along the edges.

So, let’s get into some popular and easy ways to prepare salmon. First, let’s pan-fry some salmon! It’s quick and easy and the fish will develop a crisp, crunchy skin with simply salt-and-pepper, a little olive oil or butter, and a hot skillet over medium to high flames. Put the salmon skin-side up in the pan and let it cook for about 5 to 6 minutes. Then, flip it to the other side and let it cook skin side down for about 3 minutes. That’s it! Let it cool, maybe add a little lemon juice and enjoy!

Next, if you are cooking for more than just you and another dinner companion, oven-roasted salmon is a great option for larger parties. First, season your salmon with a little salt-and-pepper, place it skin-side down in a lightly greased baking dish or pan and bake at 400 degrees for approximately 12-15 minutes.  You don’t have to flip the fish for this method of cooking.

And what more appropriate way to prepare salmon during the summer months or any time of year for that matter is on the grill.  And we’d like to make mention that the clean up is pretty much non-existent and grilling salmon creates a smoky flavor! Two serious bonuses! Starting with hot coals, place a lightly oiled fillet skin-side down on the grate. Flip it after about 5 minutes. If the flesh is sticking to the grate, give it another minute or 2 before the flip. Cook the flipped fillet for about another 5 minutes and you are golden. Serve with a little lemon juice, a baked potato and asparagus, it ‘s the perfect grilled dish. Your heart will be thanking you for choosing salmon as your main course as opposed to grilling a burger. It’s just as easy and SO TASTY!