Description
A refined balance of sweet-tart glaze and tender, flaky salmon fillets, elevated with a blueberry reduction.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on, pin bones removed, patted dry
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, thawed if frozen
- 2 tablespoons good-quality balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 shallot, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for finishing)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Zest of 1 lemon (for brightness)
- Flaky sea salt (to finish)
Instructions
- Season the fillets on both sides with salt and pepper. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Warm a nonstick or stainless-steel skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon neutral oil until shimmering. Lay the salmon skin-side down; press gently for 15 seconds to prevent curling.
- Sear for 4–5 minutes until skin is crisp and the flesh color has moved up two-thirds. Flip and cook 1–2 minutes more for medium doneness. Transfer to a warm plate.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add a touch more oil. Sauté the minced shallot until translucent and fragrant, about 30–45 seconds.
- Add blueberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and lemon juice. Stir and let simmer, breaking some berries, until thickened to a glossy consistency, about 6–8 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and swirl in the cold butter cubes until fully incorporated; season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the glaze over the salmon fillets, sprinkle with chopped herbs, lemon zest, and flaky sea salt. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use room-temperature butter for finishing and finely chop herbs for even distribution. Adjust sweetness of the glaze if necessary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg