Saturday, March 20, 2010

Salmon Sauté with an Orange-Mango Rum Sauce and a Zesty Lime-Salt Garnish



Another Friday in Lent means that I am furthering the cause of Christ on Earth by serving a fish recipe to my practicing Catholic wife.  Early last week, my blog buddy Chris from DAD COOKS DINNER posted a recipe for a Salmon poached in a Tequila Orange Sauce (click HERE for that recipe).


Before I get to my interpretation of his recipe, a word about Mike...


Mike's posts are always drool worthy.  His photos and recipes really inspire.  But also, his commentary is always clear and instructive.  He is able to explain his choices and techniques in a way that all cooks will be able to learn from.  I "follow" over a hundred blogs.  There are three bloggers that I read who are ready for a cookbook deal right now (for whatever my opinion is worth).  Mike is one of them.  Take a moment, read over a few posts from DAD COOKS DINNER and you will be hooked on the quality of Mike's blog.


Easy to cook, and full of flavor on it's own, I love Salmon!  Mike's recipe calls not only for Tequila, but also a  chili powder rub.  I had neither in my pantry, so cooking as listed was not an option.  BUT, CRUZAN Mango rum is a wonderful cooking booze.  Adds the tropical Caribbean taste that I am having so much fun with lately.  And as to the chili rub... Well, much as i love a good hot spice, occasionally a sweet taste is good too.  besides, it is Lent, i am making this recipe for my wife's pleasure and she would enjoy this sweet fish without the added spice (but wait till Lent is over, there will come a day when there will be Hell to pay).


So, here's what I did...


2 nice sized pieces of Salmon (about 6 ounces each)


2 TBS Butter
2 TBS CRUZAN Mango Rum
Juice of 1/2 Orange
Juice of 1 Lime


Zest from 1 lime
1 teaspoon Sea Salt


  
I had such a good result last week when I poached the tilapia, I decided to poach the salmon in the sauce, instead of pouring the sauce on after the fish is cooked.  So, I melted the butter and added the rum and juices.  I cooked the salmon skin side up for 4 minutes, and then flipped skin side down for another 4 minutes.  The skin had just barely started to crisp up, and was very easy to peal off when I was ready to serve.


The Lime-salt zest is a Booby Flay trick... Just zest the Lime, add about half the amount of salt and it pretties up the dish, as well as a seasoning.


And talk about good!  I really liked the taste, and all the different flavorings.  The citrus added a punch to the fish that was unique and a delight.  HIGHLY recommend this dish!


Thanks Mike, this was a real winner!
...

17 comments:

  1. That sounds and looks simply marvelous! I'll have to give it a try soon! Your wife is very lucky to have such a great cook in the house!

    I haven't been in much of a cooking mood lately, hence the sharing of my recipe collection from other sources. I have collected quite a few over the years and they are all quite good. I'm sure you could add some special touches to many of them! :)

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  2. No doubt Jackie loved this fish dish. Nice!

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  3. Salmon. It's what's for dinner. Especially with this rum sauce. I think you read my mind on a daily basis. Which is to say that I love flavored rum.

    I've never seen Mike's blog. Definitely need to check him out.

    The real question is though. Who are the other two bloggers who need cookbook deals. Because if they make food like this...I need to be reading them.

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  4. Poaching the salmon in the sauce! Brilliant! I will try that next time instead of panfrying the fish and making the sauce separately.

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  5. You had me at orange mango rum sauce...

    and zesty lime salt? Good grief!

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  6. You keep cooking all this great island seafood and you may have to sell the farm in Kansas and stay :).

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  7. We love wild salmon and eat a lot of it. I'm always looking for new ways to fix it and I think I just found one. Have a great day...Mary

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  8. Aw, shucks, I'm blushing... :)
    Thank you for the kind words about my blog.

    And...wow, this recipe sounds delicious! It looks like you took my idea and ran with it - the rum/citrus combination is inspired.

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  9. I am cooking salmon for dinner, tonight, so I will try this recipe for the sauce. Looks sinfully delicious!

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  10. I love salmon and a citrus twist like this dish sounds wonderful Dave.I'm sure Jackie loves coming home and finding all your delicious meals waiting to be devoured!

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  11. wow, i don't know that there is a better way to cook salmon, this looks incredible!

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  12. Funny, being in the islands, the LAST fish I thought I'd see you do was salmon :)

    Nice use of poaching liquids.

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  13. Very nice, light and summery. The rum sauce and lime salt sound fabulous. You never cease to wow us. Thanks.

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  14. Another great island dish! Hope you and Jackie have a wonderful weekend :-)

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  15. I LOVE your orange rum sauce - it sounds amazing! And so easy to throw together!

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  16. Salmon is hubby's favorite! And who can turn down an orange rum sauce? Not me!

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  17. That sauce sounds AMAZING! We rarely eat fish but I bet it's fab on chicken. YUMMMM

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