Roasted Rhubarb Salmon Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

A delightful and flavorful dish combining the tangy sweetness of rhubarb with perfectly roasted salmon, topped with fresh green onions. Ideal for a light yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced rhubarb
• 1/3 cup sliced green onions, using the white and light green parts (dark green tops reserved for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar
• 4 teaspoons honey
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided (or to taste)
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 4 (8 ounce) thick center-cut salmon filets, bones and skin removed
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine diced rhubarb, the light green and white parts of the green onions, butter, lime juice, rice vinegar, honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.

2. Stir occasionally and cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes chunky. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

3. Preheat the oven to 450F (230C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the salmon filets, ensuring they are spaced 1-2 inches apart.

4. Place the salmon filets in the baking dish and season generously with the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt.

5. Spoon the rhubarb sauce over each salmon filet, covering the top. Drizzle any remaining sauce around the filets in the dish.

6. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the salmon reaches 125-130F (50-54C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer.

7. Garnish with thinly sliced green onion tops and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 227
• Total Fat: 15g (19% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 5g (27% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 51mg (17% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 833mg (36% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 9g (3% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (5% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 13g (27% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 9mg (10% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 70mg (5% Daily Value)
• Iron: 0mg (3% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 422mg (9% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may vary based on your calorie needs.

The Origins and Story Behind Roasted Rhubarb Salmon

Roasted Rhubarb Salmon is a modern culinary creation that merges traditional American seafood cuisine with inventive uses of seasonal produce. Salmon, long celebrated for its rich flavor and healthy omega-3 content, has been paired with rhubarba tart, vegetable-like fruit historically used in desserts and preserves. The concept of combining rhubarb with savory proteins like salmon likely emerged in the late 20th century in North America, where chefs sought to balance the natural fattiness of fish with bright, acidic flavors. This dish reflects a trend toward fusion recipes that highlight fresh, locally sourced ingredients in unexpected combinations.

Regional Influences and Variations

This dish is especially popular in the Pacific Northwest and New England regions of the United States, where both rhubarb and salmon are abundant. In these areas, chefs often experiment with regional twists: some add maple syrup for a hint of sweetness, while others incorporate citrus zest or ginger for additional complexity. In Scandinavian countries, a similar approach is used, combining pickled rhubarb or lingonberries with baked or roasted fish, emphasizing tart-sweet contrasts that complement fatty fish varieties.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Unlike classic honey-glazed or teriyaki salmon, Roasted Rhubarb Salmon introduces a pronounced tangy flavor through rhubarb and rice vinegar. While many salmon recipes rely on sweet glazes or buttery sauces, this dish balances sweetness and acidity, creating a lighter, fresher profile. The use of rhubarb sauce also sets it apart from fruit-based salmon dishes, such as those featuring orange or mango, by delivering a more subtle, slightly tart complexity rather than overtly tropical sweetness.

Typical Serving Occasions

Roasted Rhubarb Salmon is most often served as an elegant dinner entre, making it a favorite for seasonal gatherings, holiday meals, or dinner parties. It pairs well with light sides such as quinoa, roasted vegetables, or fresh spring salads. Some restaurants in upscale bistros and farm-to-table eateries feature it as a seasonal special, highlighting the freshness of spring rhubarb and premium salmon.

Interesting Facts and Culinary Notes

• Rhubarb, though often treated as a fruit, is technically a vegetable and adds a natural acidity that enhances fatty fish flavors.
• Using rhubarb with salmon is a modern twist on traditional European methods of pairing tart preserves with rich meats or fish.
• This dish demonstrates a classic culinary principle: balancing fat, sweetness, and acidity to create a well-rounded flavor profile.
• Roasting the salmon with rhubarb preserves its delicate texture while allowing the tart sauce to caramelize slightly, deepening the flavor.
• Home cooks often experiment by substituting honey with maple syrup or adding spices like ginger or mustard seeds for a unique regional flair.

Overall, Roasted Rhubarb Salmon represents the innovative spirit of contemporary cuisinehonoring traditional ingredients while embracing creative flavor combinations. It is both a visual and culinary delight, perfect for those seeking a sophisticated yet approachable seafood dish.

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