Description
A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring salmon fillets pan-seared and topped with a glossy, sweet-and-tangy strawberry balsamic sauce. This dish is designed to provide steady energy without the heavy carb crash.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (approx. 6 ounces each, wild-caught preferred)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: Fresh basil or thyme leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Chop strawberries into small, uniform pieces, leaving some slightly chunky for texture.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chopped strawberries to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften and release juices.
- Pour in balsamic vinegar and honey/maple syrup. Stir to combine and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Push the sauce to one side of the pan (or remove to a bowl). Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the cleared space and increase heat to medium-high.
- Place salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down if applicable. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving to allow a crust to form.
- Carefully flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Spoon the warm strawberry balsamic sauce over the cooked salmon. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure the pan is hot before adding oil to prevent sticking. Do not move the fish while searing. If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain excess liquid first. For a lighter option, bake salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes with the sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 34
Keywords: salmon recipe, strawberry balsamic, healthy dinner, quick meals, omega-3, gluten-free, dairy-free, weeknight dinner, energy fuel