Description
Cocoa spiced salmon with a citrus twist brings robust flavors from African and Caribbean culinary traditions. Diners will discover a delightful balance of rich chocolate notes and zesty orange undertones that elevate this seafood experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 Salmon Fillets (4 ounces / 113 grams each)
- 1/2 cup Orange Juice
- 1 medium Navel Orange (thinly sliced)
Spice and Seasoning Blend:
- 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar (packed)
- 2 teaspoons Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Baking Cocoa
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon Salt
- 1/8 teaspoon Pepper
Liquid Ingredient:
- 4 tablespoons Butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure optimal cooking temperature for the salmon.
- Immerse salmon fillets in orange juice, positioning them skin-side up, and allow them to marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
- Create a robust spice blend by combining brown sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, cayenne pepper, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
- Transfer marinated salmon to a parchment-lined baking sheet, positioning fillets skin-side down for even cooking.
- Generously coat each salmon fillet with the prepared cocoa spice mixture, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
- Garnish each fillet with a fresh orange slice to introduce additional citrus notes and visual appeal.
- Delicately brush melted butter over the seasoned salmon to lock in moisture and create a luxurious sheen.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the salmon easily flakes when tested with a fork, indicating perfect doneness.
- Plate the salmon immediately while warm, serving as a vibrant and aromatic main course.
Notes
- Pick fresh, high-quality salmon with vibrant color and firm texture for the best results.
- Use freshly ground spices to enhance the depth and complexity of the cocoa spice blend.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat tolerance, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
- Try alternative citrus options like grapefruit or tangerine for unique flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 387
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 66 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg