Crusty Orange Salmon
This recipe is from my good friend Cheryl who lives in Mexico. While there are so many dining out choices in their beautiful city of San Miguel de Allende, sometimes they just want a meal at home. The simple sauce the oranges combined with ginger and soy create goes terrific over pan seared salmon. And the best part about this dish? It comes together very easily and quickly.
Start with making the sauce. Our friend has fresh oranges in their neighborhood jardín that she picked right before she started pulling together this dish.
Start by juicing the oranges. If you don’t have fresh oranges, store bought orange juice will work just fine.
Peel the ginger and then using a hand grater, grate until you get the desired amount.
In a skillet heat the first two tablespoons of olive oil until just simmering. Add the garlic and grated ginger
Add the orange juice and simmer over medium heat. Let it reduce by half. This will take 15-20 minutes.
After the sauce simmers down, add the honey and soy sauce.
Now it’s time to start cooking the salmon. After seasoning, warm the final two tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet. Place it skin side down. Let it cook for several minutes until the juices release. This will make turning it easier. After turning, cook for another 5-7 minutes. Place in the pre-heated oven for another 5-10 minutes.
Let it cook a few minutes more until the salmon is fairly firm in the middle when pressed with the back of a spatula.
Once the salmon comes out of the oven it’s time to carefully remove the skin.
In oder to get the “crispy” of this salmon put the sauce over the top and place the skillet with the salmon and sauce back in the oven for a few minutes.
It will be so juicy and good. One of the best parts, is that the meal is on the table in about 45 minutes.
Crusty Orange Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 pieces of Salmon, skin on (5-6 oz each)
- 2 + 2 tablespoons Oil oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Ginger, grated
- 2 cloves, Garlic minced
- 1 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Honey ( or more to taste)
- Cajon seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a saucepan or deep skillet, 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. When shimmering add the garlic and ginger. Sauté for a minute or two. Add the orange juice and turn the heat up medium high. Let simmer until reduced until about half, about 15-20 minutes. Add the soy sauce and honey. Stir to incorporate. Let simmer on low until ready to add to the sauce.
- Preheat oven to 425. Salt, pepper and add the Cajun seasoning to the salmon. In a cast iron skillet, add the final 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Warm over medium-high heat. Add the salmon and cook, first skin side down for about 5-7 minutes. Turn carefully. Cook another 5 minutes. Put the skillet into the oven. Roast for another 10 minutes or so, until the salmon is firm to the touch of the back of a spatula.
- Remove from the oven and carefully remove the skin.
- Pour the sauce over the top of the salmon. Re-warm the whole dish in the oven to let the sauce caramelize a bit over the salmon. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
- Sauce can be made ahead of time. It can also be doubled if you like it very saucy.
An easy to make version of a traditional Mexican fish dish from the state of Veracruz.