Use What You Have
Cardamom Maple Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- teaspoon ground black pepper
- cup grapeseed oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 (2 pound) salmon fillet, cut into 3-inch pieces
Directions
Step 1: In a small bowl, combine salt, paprika, cardamom, coriander, and black pepper.
Step 2: Add grapeseed oil and maple syrup to the spice mixture and stir until fully combined.
Step 3: Preheat a nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat.
Step 4: Coat the salmon pieces by dredging them through the maple syrup and spice mixture, ensuring they are evenly covered on all sides.
Step 5: Place the coated salmon pieces in the preheated pan. Cook the salmon for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Tips
Be cautious not to cook at too high a temperature, as the paprika-maple mixture can burn.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 345
- Total Fat: 24g (31% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 4g (19% Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 74mg (25% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 654mg (28% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrate: 5g (2% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 1g (2% Daily Value)
- Total Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 26g (53% Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 5mg (5% Daily Value)
- Calcium: 28mg (2% Daily Value)
- Iron: 1mg (4% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 482mg (10% Daily Value)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
History and Origins
The combination of cardamom and maple syrup in savory dishes is a relatively modern culinary innovation, blending the warm, aromatic spices of the East with the sweetness of North American maple. Cardamom itself, one of the oldest known spices, is a key ingredient in Indian cooking, often used in both sweet and savory preparations. Maple syrup, on the other hand, is indigenous to North America, particularly in regions like Quebec, Canada, and the northeastern United States. The fusion of these two ingredients in this salmon dish exemplifies a contemporary twist on traditional flavors, creating a unique and aromatic meal.
Regional Variations
This dish has no specific regional origin but draws on flavor profiles commonly found in both North American and Indian cuisines. The use of cardamom, a staple spice in Indian cooking, with maple syrup, a beloved ingredient in the colder climates of North America, is an example of how culinary boundaries can be crossed to create a fusion of regional influences. Variations of this recipe might include using other sweeteners like honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup, or incorporating additional spices like turmeric or cumin to reflect specific regional tastes.
What Sets It Apart from Similar Dishes
What distinguishes Cardamom Maple Salmon from other salmon recipes is its unique combination of sweet and savory flavors. While many salmon recipes might use a simple glaze of honey, soy sauce, or lemon, this dish utilizes the complexity of cardamom, a spice known for its warm, citrusy notes, combined with the deep sweetness of maple syrup. This unusual pairing gives the salmon a rich, aromatic flavor that is not only delicious but also adds an exotic twist. Unlike typical salmon dishes that might rely on herbs like dill or parsley, this recipe creates a more complex, multi-layered taste experience.
Where It's Commonly Served
Cardamom Maple Salmon is often served as an elegant main course in dinner settings, particularly in more contemporary or fusion-style restaurants that embrace cross-cultural flavor combinations. It can be paired with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables, quinoa, or rice. The dish's balance of savory and sweet makes it suitable for special occasions or dinner parties where you want to impress guests with something a little out of the ordinary. It is also a popular choice in households that appreciate seafood and are looking for a flavorful yet simple way to prepare salmon.
Interesting Facts
1. Cardamom is often referred to as the "queen of spices" because of its complex flavor and aroma. It has been used in culinary traditions for thousands of years, particularly in South Asia and the Middle East, and is known for its digestive benefits.
2. Maple syrup, while a common staple in North American kitchens, was first discovered by Indigenous peoples, who taught early European settlers how to harvest sap from maple trees and turn it into syrup. It remains a significant part of Canadian and northern U.S. cuisine.
3. The subtle sweetness of maple syrup in this recipe helps to caramelize the salmons skin, providing a crispy texture while maintaining the moistness of the fish. This is one of the reasons why it's so popular with both home cooks and professional chefs.
This Cardamom Maple Salmon recipe blends together distinct culinary traditions, offering an adventurous and flavorful dining experience. Whether prepared for a family dinner or a special event, its combination of aromatic spices and sweetness will leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.
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FAQ about Cardamom Maple Salmon Recipe
Comments
Rachel Torres
01/30/2024 05:05:25 AM
Delicious! I reduced the oil to just 2 tablespoons and I might cut the salt in half next time. I cooked it over medium heat for 6 minutes on each side to prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan. It was simple to prepare and the flavor was fantastic!
Angela Johnson
01/02/2025 08:18:02 AM
Wow! This recipe was absolutely amazing. I must confess, I baked it instead of pan-frying it. I cooked it at 400°F for 20 minutes with a 2 lb, 2" thick fillet, skin on. The result was incredibly tender, flaky, and bursting with aroma. I even added orange zest and placed leftover orange slices alongside the salmon on the baking sheet. My wife, daughter, and mother-in-law were completely impressed by it. We enjoyed it over rice with a side of Lemon Butter steamed Broccoli. It was absolutely delicious!
Adam Diaz
10/03/2022 05:13:35 PM
Fantastic!! I'm definitely planning to make this dish regularly! I adjusted the recipe for two servings and requested my boyfriend to get two 1/3 pound salmon fillets. Surprisingly, he returned with two 10-ounce fillets. I divided the glaze between the fillets, baked them at 350 degrees for approximately 20 minutes, and served them on a bed of mixed field greens alongside roasted sweet potatoes seasoned with an Indian spice blend. We couldn't stop raving about it all evening. The only observation I have is that when I inputted the recipe into my "My Fitness Pal" app, the calorie count turned out much lower than what was listed on this page, even with the larger salmon fillets. But hey, I'm not complaining about that at all :)
Eric Wright
05/19/2024 09:45:54 PM
Lovely! As fans of Indian cuisine, we had all the necessary spices on hand. I decided to add a touch of cayenne for some extra heat. Baked the dish at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. In my opinion, the flavors were delightfully subtle, enhancing the fish's taste rather than overwhelming it. A great complement indeed!
Jerry Hernandez
05/19/2023 06:33:32 PM
I managed to avoid any issues by marinating the dish for 30 minutes and baking it at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. The end result was excellent, although the flavor was quite delicate. I also switched out grapeseed oil for vegetable oil and used Hungarian hot paprika instead of regular paprika. I reduced the salt to slightly under a teaspoon. Overall, the dish tasted wonderful and my wife thoroughly enjoyed it. However, I personally felt that the flavor was too subtle.
Brandon Parker
03/25/2024 01:17:27 PM
I concur with another reviewer's observation that it was challenging to prevent burning due to the presence of maple syrup. Lowering the temperature only prolonged the cooking time, which was not very helpful. I opted to use a minimal amount of oil in the pan. Additionally, I found the flavor to be somewhat lackluster. While the blend of spices seemed promising, they did not come through strongly in the dish. I would suggest marinating the ingredients before cooking for better results.
Elizabeth Allen
11/21/2024 07:52:10 PM
This recipe is fantastic! I followed the instructions precisely, but decided to grill it outside instead of cooking it on the stove. The taste was exceptional. The cardamom adds a unique touch that elevates the dish, so make sure to include it! Although cardamom can be expensive, it's definitely worth it. I plan on making this dish often, especially when entertaining guests as it is sure to impress. I'm looking forward to trying it with the suggested addition of orange zest next time. Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe!
Matthew Anderson
02/01/2024 01:26:22 AM
I am constantly searching for fresh ways to prepare salmon, and this recipe provided a delightful departure from the usual seasonings. The blend of spices enhanced the flavor of the salmon excellently. However, I encountered some difficulty in preventing the salmon from burning. Luckily, my husband doesn't mind charred food and was a good sport about it. I tried lowering the heat, but the extended cooking time still led to a slightly burnt exterior. I believe grilling this dish would yield fantastic results.
Virginia Torres
03/09/2023 12:15:03 PM
I'm usually not a fan of salmon, but this recipe sounded so delicious that I decided to give it a try! And I must say, it was the most delicious salmon I've ever tasted. The blend of spices was just perfect. I'll definitely be keeping this recipe handy from now on.
Dorothy Evans
05/31/2024 07:11:33 AM
I decided to try this recipe solely because of the cardamom it called for. I wanted to explore more dishes featuring this spice, and the combination with maple syrup sounded intriguing. I coated the salmon with oil, spices, and maple syrup an hour before cooking, and the result was absolutely delicious. This dish was quick and easy to make, making it a perfect option for serving guests. I will definitely be making it again.
Julie Mitchell
03/16/2023 03:53:43 PM
It was decent, but didn't particularly stand out to me.
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