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    Sweet and Spicy Glazed Salmon

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    Pixicook editorial team

    A delightful salmon dish with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, featuring a Dijon mustard and brown sugar glaze.

    Ingredients for Sweet and Spicy Glazed Salmon

    units in
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    units in
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    serves
    4 peoplechevron
    serves
    4 peoplechevron

    Salmon fillets, preferably wild or farmed organically

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Dijon Mustard

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Brown Sugar

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Salt

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    Black Pepper

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    How to Make Sweet and Spicy Glazed Salmon

    1. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. This will ensure it’s ready to go when you need to roast the salmon, guaranteeing even cooking.

    2. Create Glaze

    Create a delightful glaze by mixing 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard with 3 tablespoons of brown sugar. Adjust the amounts to achieve your preferred balance of spicy and sweet.

    3. Season Salmon

    Season your salmon fillets generously with salt and black pepper. This simple step enhances the natural flavors of the fish, ensuring every bite is delicious.

    4. Prepare Baking Sheet

    Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil and lightly oiling it. This prevents the salmon from sticking and makes clean-up a breeze. Place the salmon fillets on the sheet, skin-side down.

    5. Apply Glaze

    Spread the mustard and brown sugar mixture evenly over the tops of the salmon fillets. This glaze will melt and caramelize during roasting.

    6. Roast Salmon

    Roast the salmon in the top half of your oven for about 12 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

    7. Serve

    Serve the salmon hot, perhaps with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. Enjoy the harmony of sweet and spicy flavors in every bite!

    Variations

    Asian-Inspired

    Incorporate soy sauce, hoisin, or oyster sauce into the glaze, using ginger and garlic as aromatics. This will give you a teriyaki-like glaze.

    Chicken

    Replace salmon with chicken breasts or thighs. Adjust cooking time until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). The glaze works beautifully on the chicken, creating a caramelized exterior.

    Pork

    A pork tenderloin or chops can be substituted for salmon. Pork pairs well with sweet and spicy flavors, and the glaze will help keep the meat moist while adding a burst of flavor.

    Sesame Ginger Glaze

    Mix together soy sauce, grated fresh ginger, a little honey, and sesame oil. Add a sprinkle of Gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) for a mild but distinct spiciness. This will give an Asian flair to your dish.

    Caribbean Zest

    Utilize tropical fruits like pineapple or mango puree for sweetness, and habanero or Scotch bonnet peppers for heat. Lime juice and cilantro can be the acid and aromatic components.

    Pitfalls and tips

    Selecting the Salmon

    Look for fresh, wild-caught salmon if possible. Wild-caught varieties like King (Chinook) or Sockeye have a richer flavor and firmer texture. If available, a center-cut piece ensures even cooking and presentation. Ensure the salmon is of good quality, with bright color, firm flesh, and a clean smell.

    Cooking Temperature and Time

    Aim for an internal temperature of 120-125°F (medium-rare to medium) for the best texture and moisture retention. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking, as salmon can dry out quickly.

    Balancing the Glaze

    The glaze should have a balance of sweet, spicy, and acidic elements. Use high-quality honey or maple syrup for sweetness, and for heat, consider a blend of chili flakes and a touch of a milder pepper like ancho or smoked paprika for depth. Freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice provides the necessary acidity to cut through the sweetness and the richness of the salmon.

    Resting the Salmon

    After removing the salmon from the heat, let it rest for a few minutes. The residual heat will finish cooking the fish gently, and the resting time allows the juices to redistribute.

    Pat Dry and Bring to Room Temperature

    Before seasoning or cooking the salmon, pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a better sear. Also, let the salmon sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking, which promotes even cooking.


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