This Maple Ginger Salmon is a tasty and easy dish, featuring tender salmon glazed with sweet maple syrup and zesty ginger. It’s perfect for a quick dinner!
Pair that with fresh peach salsa, and you’ve got a winner! I love how the sweetness of the peaches brightens the meal. Serve it with rice or veggies for a complete plate. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is the star of this dish. You can use skin-on or skinless fillets, depending on your preference. If you can’t find salmon, trout or any other firm fish can be a good alternative.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is essential for a natural sweetness. For a twist, you can use honey or agave syrup. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly.
Ginger: Fresh ginger is best for its zesty flavor. If you don’t have fresh ginger, use 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger as a substitute. It won’t pack the same punch, but it’ll work!
Peaches: Ripe peaches add freshness to the salsa. If peaches aren’t in season, nectarines or even mangoes can make a great substitute. Just adjust the lime to match the sweetness.
How Do You Marinate Salmon Without It Getting Overwhelming?
Marinating is key to infusing flavor, but it’s easy to overdo it. For salmon, a 30-minute to 2-hour marinating time works best. Too long, and the flavor can overpower the fish’s natural taste.
- Use a shallow dish for even coating or a zip-top bag.
- Ensure the fish is fully coated by rotating it in the marinade.
- Let it sit in the fridge; this allows the flavors to meld without getting too intense.
How Can You Cook Salmon Perfectly Every Time?
The cooking method can make all the difference for salmon. Both grilling and pan-searing work well, but you’ll want to adjust your technique based on your choice.
- Preheat your grill or skillet for the best sear. A medium-high heat gets a nice crust and keeps it juicy.
- Cook salmon skin-side down first to get that crispy skin. Flip carefully with a spatula.
- Watch the cooking time—4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, should be perfect. Look for flaky, tender fish that’s still a bit moist.
Following these tips will help you enjoy a delicious Maple Ginger Salmon that pairs perfectly with the refreshing peach salsa!
Maple Ginger Salmon With Fresh Peach Salsa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
For the Fresh Peach Salsa:
- 2 ripe peaches, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the salmon. Cooking will take around 10-12 minutes. So in total, you should set aside about 1 hour to prepare a delicious meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade for Salmon:
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil until well combined. This marinade will give your salmon a delightful sweet and zesty flavor!
2. Marinate the Salmon:
Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a large zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the salmon, making sure all fillets are coated nicely. Cover the dish or seal the bag and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours for the best flavor.
3. Make the Peach Salsa:
While the salmon is marinating, prepare the fresh peach salsa. In a bowl, mix together the diced peaches, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeño (if you’re using it), cilantro, and lime juice. Add salt to taste and mix gently. Set the salsa aside in the fridge to chill and meld the flavors until you’re ready to serve.
4. Cook the Salmon:
Get your grill or skillet preheating to medium-high heat. Take the salmon out of the marinade, letting the excess drip off (save that marinade). Season each fillet lightly with salt and pepper before cooking.
5. Grill or Pan-Sear the Salmon:
Place the salmon skin-side down onto the grill or in the pan. Cook for about 4-6 minutes on each side, depending on how thick your fillets are. You’ll know the fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. In the last 1-2 minutes, you can brush the salmon with reserved marinade if you like a glazy finish!
6. Serve:
Plate the beautifully cooked salmon and top each fillet with a generous amount of fresh peach salsa. Garnish with lemon wedges if you want a zesty kick. Enjoy your tasty meal!
This Maple Ginger Salmon paired with the fresh, vibrant peach salsa is perfect for summer days and is sure to impress your family and friends!
FAQs About Maple Ginger Salmon With Fresh Peach Salsa
Can I Use Different Fish for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While salmon is the star, you can substitute it with other firm fish like trout or even tilapia. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fish.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Peaches?
If fresh peaches aren’t available, you can use nectarines or mangoes as a delicious alternative. You can also use canned peaches, just make sure they are drained and diced well.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The peach salsa can also be kept in a separate container for the same duration. To reheat the salmon, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat to keep it from drying out.
Can I Make the Salsa Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the peach salsa a few hours in advance or even the day before. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to mix the flavors again, and add a little fresh lime juice if needed to brighten it up!
