Salmon is a versatile fish that cooks well without much seasoning and makes a great addition to a healthy diet because it is low in calories and high in protein.
I like my food simple and this has to be the most simple salmon recipe ever for a casual weekday meal! I seasoned the salmon with simply salt and pepper and made date vinaigrette and herbed onions to go with it. You might want to double up on the vinaigrette because though incredibly simple, it’s brightness in flavor makes you want to drizzle it on everything.
I usually grill salmon on the stove top in a cast iron pan that has raised ridges. It works best in it but if you do not want to use a cast iron pan you can cook it on electric grill or outdoor BBQ.
Updated June 2017
This recipe was originally published in November 2011 when I didn’t know much about taking pictures of food. I decided it was time for a bit of updating. I have tweaked the ingredients slightly- adding mint and using date paste instead of sugar to improve the flavor and its healthy profile.
Ingredients
- For salmon
- 4 (8.30 oz. each) salmon steaks (may substitute other fish)
- Half lemon
- Olive oil
- Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 small red onion, cut into 1/4"thick rings
- 2-3 beet pieces (to tint onions)
- 1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh mint
- 3/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup date paste
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 3/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Carefully separate the onion rings and place in Ziploc bag with beet slices and coarsely chopped mint.
- In a blender combine date paste, salt, olive oil and vinegar until smooth. Add red pepper flakes and mix. Pour 1/4 cup marinade over onions and (reserve the rest to serve with fish), close the bag, expelling excess air. Turn bag to coat onions evenly, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours.
- Preheat your gas or electric grill to high. Meanwhile place the olive oil on a large plate; swipe each side of the salmon fillets through the oil, then season well with salt and black pepper.
- Place on hot grill, and cook creating crisscross marks on each side of the salmon.
- Grill the fish steaks for about 4-5 minutes per side or to the desired doneness. Different sized salmon cooked differently- just use your judgement and try not to overcook).
- Squeeze lemon on the salmon.
- Place on plates and divide herbed onions evenly among them and spooning citrus date marinade over all.
healthyfoodietravels
Gorgeous! I think fish really shines with a simple preparation as this, and it sounds like a very flavorful one, to boot. I definitely want to try it 🙂
Christine's Pantry
This looks so good. Salmon is one of my favorite fish. Love it.
Tina
Lightly seasoned grilled salmon will always get me to the table and you have paired this with the best kind of onion around-love the red ones. This is a great meal-well done!
I have never had this particular cut of salmon-in fact have never even seen it.
Balvinder ( Neetu)
You must be joking Tina, you can get this cut of salmon from grocery stores.
I totally agree with all three of you, salmon has all the goodness which makes it everyone’s favourite.
Ann
This looks SO good! Sadly, I’m allergic to seafood, so I can’t indulge, but I LOVE the pickled/marinated onions! I bet they were amazing! Everything looks delicious – your pictures are terrific!
Umm Mymoonah
Wow! that’s a lovely plate of food, healthy and delicious.
Jay
omg…sooooooooooooper tempting..;)
Tasty Appetite
Nava.K
We simply love salmon though it comes quite pricey over here but sure its we give ourselves a treat on this fish from time to time.
One recipe that I must try and looks so inviting.