It’s January 15th and I’m halfway through my recipe a day challenge. I have to say that it’s been really different having to produce a recipe everyday vs. once a week. I’m feeling a little bit frazzled and not entirely happy with the photos that I’ve been posting but it’s also been a good exercise in rolling with it and doing the best I can with the time I have. I have to thank you all for taking the time to stop by and the lovely comments you have been leaving, I really look forward to them.
I’ve really been trying to find dishes that the whole family can eat. My husband’s palate is pretty much set at this point but I still have hope for my son. I encourage him to try things a few times before he declares that he doesn’t like a particular food. I’ve tried to explain to him that just because he hated the oatmeal at summer camp that doesn’t necessarily mean that he hates all oatmeal. It’s been a long process but he’s much more open to trying new things than he used to be. I am absolutely thrilled that he has come to the conclusion that he loves salmon. He is a huge basketball fanatic and wants to play in college so when he heard that a lot of NBA players swear by salmon as a pre-game meal he was all over that. So this recipe is for him.
Slow roasting the salmon in a low oven allows the fat in the salmon to melt slowly so it keeps it ultra moist and it’s totally hands off once it’s in the oven. I layered some fresh citrus underneath the salmon and it imparts a nice subtle brightness that flavors the salmon nicely. The grapefruit adds a twist on traditional guacamole and reinforces that citrus note I was going for. You can serve this simply with a green salad on the side or on top of your favorite grain. We made tacos and had enough left over for some sandwiches the next day.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound salmon fillet
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large grapefruit
- 2 meyer lemons
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the salsa:
- 1 large grapefruit
- 1 small firm but ripe avocado, pitted, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 large jalapeño chili, seeded and minced
- 3 Tbs. minced red onion
- 2 Tbs. minced fresh cilantro
- 1 Tbs. fresh lime juice
- salt and pepper to taste
Method:
Pre-heat the oven to 250 degrees. Cut the top and bottom off the grapefruit and one of the lemons and slice into rounds about 1/4-inch thick. Lay the fruit on a parchment lined rimmed baking sheet and top with the salmon fillet. Zest the remaining meyer lemon over the top of the fillet drizzle with the olive oil and season with the salt and pepper. Roast the salmon for 25-30 minutes until the fish is opaque and slightly firm to the touch.
Meanwhile, using a sharp knife, cut off the peel and all of the white pith from all around the grapefruit. Working over a small bowl, use the knife to cut between the membranes to release the grapefruit segments into the bowl. Squeeze the juice from the membranes into the bowl. Remove the grapefruit segments from the bowl and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces, then return them to the bowl. Gently mix in the avocado, jalapeño, onion, cilantro and lime juice. Season the salsa with salt and pepper.
Please do not feel you haven’t produced anything other than simply stunning photos!
These posts are the highlight of my day this past week since discovering the blog! I made my own take on an Asian inspired coleslaw/noodle salad (kind of a bring together of two of your recipes) and you are just inspiring!
Love your garden too. Very jealous! 🙂
Thanks so much for the kind words Narny. I know we can be our own worst critic sometimes but that’s one of the reasons I have this blog. To get better at the things I love to do!
There’s so much I want to say here. I’m with Narny – I think your photos have always been beautiful and so professional looking. And I think you do an excellent job writing thoughtful, personal, but concise posts which is not easy. I don’t have children, but I had to laugh at your comment about your husband’s palate and your son’s oatmeal issue. I can relate, and I’m hoping that the more they know how much it means to us to go out of their comfort zone to try things, the more likely they’ll do just that. And your salmon cooked slow looks lovely. A recent guest post shared a grapefruit, cilantro compote similar to here and the flavor combo is simple but fresh and delicious. I was just thinking too it would go lovely with salmon. Will also be trying this one!
I made this salmon last night and it was wonderful. I didn’t cook it for as long since it was a thinner cut and my oven is convection. But I loved the low and slow idea and the citrus avocado salsa was delicious!
I’m so glad you liked it Katie,
Salmon is so delicate and I hate to ruin it by overcooking. I always try to undercook it a little that way if I have leftovers and need to re-heat it won’t completely dry out!