Experience a culinary journey with this Salmon with Mango and Roasted Red Pepper, a dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your home kitchen without the extravagant price tag. Brimming with a delightful balance of sweet and savory notes, this quick 30-minute dinner is destined to become a staple in your weeknight meal rotation. Prepare to be captivated by its vibrant taste and impressive presentation!
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If you’re a devoted fan of salmon and always seeking new ways to enjoy this incredible fish, you’ll also want to explore our Tuscan Salmon recipe. It’s another flavor-packed option that beautifully showcases the versatility of salmon, perfect for those who appreciate hearty and wholesome meals.
When the desire for a light, healthy, yet incredibly flavorful dinner strikes, our minds often turn to the sea. Fish, with its inherent goodness and quick cooking time, becomes the ideal canvas for culinary creativity. This particular recipe for Salmon with Mango and Roasted Red Pepper initially stemmed from an idea for Mahi-mahi with Papaya and Roasted Red Pepper. However, the elusive papaya proved to be a challenge to find locally. Always adaptable, we decided to substitute the papaya with ripe, sweet mango, a decision that transformed the dish in the most delightful way.
In our experimental kitchen, we even tried both salmon and mahi-mahi simultaneously, a side-by-side comparison that unequivocally declared salmon as the reigning favorite. While the mahi-mahi was certainly good, the salmon version transcended it, delivering a truly DELICIOUS experience. The rich, buttery texture and distinct flavor of salmon harmonized perfectly with the vibrant mango and the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers. What makes this Salmon with Mango and Roasted Red Pepper truly exceptional is its remarkable simplicity. It can be effortlessly assembled and cooked at the last minute, making it a dream come true for busy weeknights, and a recipe we wholeheartedly endorse for its ease and incredible taste.
Choosing the Perfect Fish for Your Dinner
While the original concept for this recipe featured mahi-mahi, our taste tests revealed a clear preference for salmon. Mahi-mahi is a fantastic, mild-flavored fish, making it a versatile choice that would certainly work well here. Its delicate profile allows the vibrant mango and roasted red pepper salsa to truly shine. However, for those seeking a more robust flavor and richer texture, salmon is an unparalleled option.
Salmon brings a unique richness and a slight brininess that complements the sweetness of mango and the savory depth of roasted red pepper beautifully. It’s also packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, making it an incredibly healthy choice. Beyond salmon and mahi-mahi, you could certainly experiment with other mild-flavored white fish such as cod, tilapia, or even halibut. These options would absorb the flavors of the salsa wonderfully, offering a lighter alternative while still delivering a delicious meal. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but if you appreciate a fish that holds its own and contributes to the overall flavor symphony, we highly recommend sticking with salmon for this particular dish.
When selecting your salmon, look for fresh, firm fillets with a vibrant color and no strong “fishy” odor. If using frozen salmon, ensure it’s properly thawed in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water for a quicker defrost. Patting the fish dry before cooking is a crucial step to achieve a beautiful, flaky texture and prevent steaming.
The Exquisite Flavor Profile: Mango and Roasted Red Pepper
The magic of this salmon dish lies in its extraordinary topping: a sweet and savory salsa featuring fresh mango and roasted red peppers, brightened by a hint of jalapeño and lime. This combination creates a complex yet harmonious flavor profile that elevates simple broiled salmon into a gourmet experience.
- Mango: The star of the salsa, ripe mango adds a tropical sweetness and soft, juicy texture. Its natural sugars caramelize slightly when cooked with the other ingredients, creating a luscious base that contrasts wonderfully with the savory fish. Choose a mango that gives slightly when gently squeezed, indicating ripeness.
- Roasted Red Pepper: These provide a smoky, subtly sweet, and intensely savory depth to the sauce. Jarred roasted red peppers are a convenient pantry staple, offering rich flavor without the fuss of roasting them yourself. Their tender texture blends seamlessly with the mango, creating a cohesive topping.
- Jalapeño: Just a touch of minced jalapeño introduces a gentle warmth and subtle kick, preventing the sauce from becoming overly sweet. It adds an exciting layer of complexity without overwhelming the delicate flavors of the fish or fruit. For less heat, remove the seeds and membranes; for more, leave some in.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is the essential brightener. Its zesty acidity cuts through the richness of the salmon and the sweetness of the mango, tying all the flavors together and providing a refreshing finish. Always opt for fresh lime juice over bottled for the best results.
This dynamic trio, along with a whisper of onion and a touch of butter, creates a sauce that is both comforting and exotic, turning a simple piece of fish into a memorable meal.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Salmon with Mango and Roasted Red Pepper
This dish boasts such a rich and layered flavor profile that it truly doesn’t need much accompaniment. We find it pairs beautifully when served simply over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice, which acts as a neutral canvas to absorb the vibrant sauce. Beyond rice, here are some excellent side dishes that would complement the sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes of this salmon recipe, enhancing your dining experience without overshadowing the main event:
- Sesame Green Beans: These crisp-tender green beans, lightly seasoned with sesame, offer a fantastic textural contrast and a subtle nutty flavor that harmonizes with the dish.
- Tomato and Herb Salad: A fresh, light salad featuring juicy tomatoes and aromatic herbs would provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich salmon and sweet salsa.
- Tropical Fruit Salad: For those who can’t get enough of tropical flavors, a simple fruit salad would extend the theme and offer a sweet, vibrant finish to the meal.
- Quinoa or Couscous: For a healthier grain option, quinoa or couscous can be excellent alternatives to rice, providing a different texture and nutritional benefits.
- Steamed Asparagus: Simple steamed asparagus, perhaps with a squeeze of lemon, would be a classic and elegant pairing.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For a heartier side, creamy garlic mashed potatoes could offer a comforting balance to the zesty fish.
No matter what you choose, aim for sides that are either light and fresh to cleanse the palate or subtly savory to absorb the delicious juices, ensuring a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Achieving Perfect Salmon Every Time: Broiling Explained
Broiling is an ideal cooking method for salmon fillets, especially when you’re short on time but refuse to compromise on flavor and texture. This high-heat technique cooks the fish quickly, resulting in a beautifully caramelized exterior and a tender, flaky interior. Here’s why broiling works so well and how to master it:
- Speed and Efficiency: Broiling uses direct overhead heat, similar to grilling, which cooks thin cuts of meat or fish very rapidly. This is key to achieving a 30-minute dinner.
- Flavor Development: The intense heat creates a delicious crust on the salmon, locking in moisture and enhancing its natural flavors. The butter and lime mixture brushed onto the fillets during broiling further aids in this browning and adds a rich, tangy layer.
- Simplicity: Minimal equipment is needed – just a baking sheet and foil for easy cleanup. The process is straightforward, making it perfect for novice and experienced cooks alike.
- Even Cooking: By flipping the salmon halfway through and brushing with more butter-lime mixture, you ensure both sides cook evenly and develop a consistent flavor and texture.
Tips for Broiling Success:
- Preheat Properly: Always preheat your broiler for at least 5-10 minutes. This ensures the element is at its maximum temperature, providing immediate searing.
- Position Matters: Place your baking sheet on a rack that is about 4-6 inches from the broiler element. Closer for thinner fillets, a bit further for thicker ones. This prevents burning while ensuring thorough cooking.
- Foil and Nonstick Spray: Lining your baking sheet with foil makes cleanup a breeze. A quick spray with nonstick cooking spray will prevent the salmon from sticking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give your salmon fillets space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lower the temperature and lead to steaming instead of broiling.
- Don’t Overcook: Salmon cooks quickly. Keep a close eye on it. The fish is done when it easily flakes with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Overcooked salmon can become dry and tough.
With these simple techniques, you’ll achieve perfectly broiled salmon every time, making this Salmon with Mango and Roasted Red Pepper a consistent winner in your kitchen.
More Delicious Fish Favorites to Explore
If you’re continually looking to incorporate more fish into your diet, or simply love the versatility and health benefits it offers, here are some other cherished fish recipes from our collection that you might enjoy. Each offers a unique flavor profile and a satisfying meal:
- Soy Ginger Salmon: A delightful Asian-inspired dish featuring flaky salmon infused with aromatic soy and ginger, often paired wonderfully with sesame green beans for a complete meal.
- Lemon Herb Fish with Crispy Oven Fries: A comforting classic! Light, flaky fish seasoned with refreshing lemon and fragrant herbs, served alongside perfectly crispy homemade oven fries.
- Parmesan Crusted Tilapia: An easy and flavorful way to prepare tilapia, featuring a savory Parmesan cheese crust that adds texture and a rich, cheesy taste.
- Panko Crusted Salmon with Homemade Tartar Sauce: For those who love a satisfying crunch, this recipe offers salmon with a golden, crispy panko crust, complemented by a zesty, creamy homemade tartar sauce.
- Salmon Burgers with Ginger Wasabi Mayo: A creative and delicious alternative to traditional beef burgers, these salmon patties are bursting with flavor and elevated by a spicy, zesty ginger-wasabi mayonnaise.
Each of these recipes offers a distinct and enjoyable way to savor the goodness of fish, proving that healthy eating can also be incredibly exciting and delicious.
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Salmon with Mango and Roasted Red Pepper
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Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
- 1 (7 oz) jar roasted red peppers drained and cut into strips
- 1 cup peeled, chopped fresh mango
- 1 teaspoon minced jalapeno pepper
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice divided
- 4 (4 oz) each salmon filets
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to broil. Line a baking sheet with a piece of foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water. Set aside.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the roasted red peppers, mango, and jalapeño; cook, stirring, for another 2 minutes. Add the cornstarch mixture along with 2 tablespoons of the lime juice. Cook until thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat and keep warm.
- Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in a small bowl. Add the remaining tablespoon of lime juice to the butter.
- Place the salmon filets on the prepared foil-lined baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Brush half of the butter/lime juice mixture on the salmon. Broil for 5 minutes, then flip the fish over and brush the remaining butter mixture on the salmon. Continue to broil, an additional 5-7 minutes, until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
- Serve the salmon topped with the mango and roasted red pepper sauce.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts.