Bar-B-Q Salmon

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What kind of salmon?

I know the title of this recipe sounds a little strange. But trust me, you are going to LOVE it! I will admit that I have been a seafood naysayer in the past. In fact, I didn’t try a bite of seafood until I went off to college. Even then my idea of seafood involved dousing it in butter and salt in order to make it taste good. Now I have realized that seafood really can be delicious using many other ingredients besides butter and salt! 

How do I cook it?

Since I have started cooking seafood more often for my family, I have learned a few things. 

1. Cook your seafood the day your purchase it if at all possible because the longer it sits in your refrigerator, the more fishy it will taste. 

2.  Use fresh lemon or lime juice to reduce the alkalinity (what causes the fishy taste). Fresh juice really will boost the taste. You should try marinating it for about 30 minutes for maximum benefits from the acid. 

3.  Don’t be afraid to try new things, or modify recipes you have. I always add more herbs or spices to make the flavors better.

What are the benefits of eating salmon?

Cooking salmon can be a little tricky. Sometimes it tastes fishy. Some salmon is high in mercury. Maybe you aren’t sure how to prepare it. Knowing so many health benefits of salmon, a few years ago I decided to try to incorporate this wonderfully healthy fish into my family’s weekly menu. The main benefit of eating salmon is its Omega-3 fatty acids.  These are amazing polyunsaturated fats that do wonders for our health.  They have been scientifically proven to boost brain health, improve appearance of skin and nails, decrease inflammation, and may decrease the risk of some cancers.  Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids on this planet.  

Other benefits of seafood in general include that it has lower calories than other protein foods like beef, pork, and even poultry. Seafood is an excellent source of protein, vitamins and minerals, and can be easily made a part of any family’s meal plan. Seafood can come to New Mexico fresher than ever before with advances in transportation.  

If you have thought in the past, “I just don’t like the taste of it,” then this recipe is for you. This recipe is actually how I started liking salmon!

Bar B Q Salmon

Bar-B-Q Salmon

Today’s Dietitian Magazine

Adapted by Jennifer Bryant

A slightly sweet tangy flavor makes this recipe a hit with the whole family!

 

Ingredients

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

1 lb Wild Salmon fillets

2 Tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp chili powder

¾ tsp cumin

½ tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp salt

 

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 F.  Arrange salmon on a baking sheet lined with foil.

Pour lemon juice on salmon and allow to rest for 30-60 minutes.

Mix spices: brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, salt in a small bowl.  Rub spices on salmon fillets.

Bake at 400 F for 12-14 minutes or until Salmon is 145 degrees F internally and flakes easily.

 

Nutrition Information per Serving

423 Calories, 19 g Fat, 36 g Carb, 6 g Fiber, 28 g Protein

 

But what about the Mercury?

You may also be concerned about the mercury in salmon, and so you are nervous about which salmon to buy. One of the keys here is to purchase sustainable seafood. When you purchase sustainably produced salmon, you will greatly reduce your risk of getting excess mercury and other substances our bodies don’t like.  I found this excellent website that can help you make a good decisions when you are choosing fish.

I hope you will try this recipe for your family this week!  I also hope you will love it as much as my family does!  Happy salmon eating!