Description
This Winter Citrus Butter Salmon recipe features a perfectly broiled salmon filet topped with a zesty brown sugar and lemon rub, complemented by a bright and fresh winter citrus salsa. The melted herb butter adds a luscious finish, making it an elegant yet easy-to-prepare meal perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Salmon and Rub
- 1 (2-pound) salmon filet
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 blood orange, thinly sliced
Herb Butter
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (basil, oregano, sage, thyme, etc.)
- Pinch of salt
Winter Citrus Salsa
- 1 blood orange, segmented and chopped
- 1 cara cara orange, segmented and chopped
- 1 small shallot, diced
- 1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Broiler: Preheat your oven’s broiler to high and position the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source to ensure the salmon cooks evenly and develops a beautiful glaze.
- Prepare the Rub and Salmon: On a baking sheet, place the salmon filet. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and lemon zest. Add the olive oil and stir to form a wet rub. Rub this mixture all over the salmon for maximum flavor. Arrange thinly sliced blood orange pieces on top of the salmon.
- Broil the Salmon: Broil the salmon for 6 to 8 minutes until it is just opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Keep a close watch to prevent overcooking, ensuring a tender and moist texture.
- Make the Herb Butter: While the salmon is broiling, stir together the melted unsalted butter with fresh chopped herbs and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. This butter will enhance the salmon’s flavor beautifully when drizzled on.
- Prepare the Winter Citrus Salsa: In a bowl, combine the segmented and chopped blood orange, cara cara orange, diced shallot, diced jalapeno, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to blend the flavors. This salsa can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to one day.
- Serve: Once the salmon is done, drizzle the herb butter over it and serve with a generous spoonful of winter citrus salsa. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad topped with feta or alongside a blend of brown rice and quinoa for a complete meal.
Notes
- Keep a close eye on the salmon while broiling to avoid overcooking, as broilers can vary in intensity.
- The winter citrus salsa adds a refreshing contrast and can be prepared a day in advance to deepen flavors.
- You can substitute fresh herbs in the herb butter according to availability and preference.
- This dish pairs well with light sides like salad, grains, or steamed vegetables.
- Store leftover salsa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American