Herb-Crusted Salt-Roasted Salmon
Transform your salmon experience with this Herb-Crusted Salt-Roasted Salmon recipe, adapted from Tom Colicchio's renowned 'Think Like a Chef' cookbook. Perfectly suited for those looking to elevate their seafood game, this dish boasts a beautiful, thick cut of wild salmon enveloped in a savory salt crust that locks in moisture and enhances its natural flavors. Though crafting the salt crust might take some practice, the satisfaction of serving this sophisticated dish, paired with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh black pepper, and a zesty touch of lemon, makes it worth the effort. Ideal for a low-carb diet, this salmon dish is bound to impress your guests while offering a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional cooking methods.
4
Servings
213
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
Salmon fillets
1.5 lbs (skin on, cut into serving-size pieces)
Coarse salt
4 cups (approximately, using large granules)
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Extra virgin olive oil
to taste (for drizzling)
Lemon
1 (cut into sections for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In an ovenproof skillet (preferably cast iron), heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil until it shimmers, ensuring it does not smoke.
3
Carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and sear for about 2-3 minutes or until the skin starts to crisp up.
4
Mound the coarse salt generously around and over each salmon fillet, ensuring it creates a cohesive crust. This will help to achieve a better texture and facilitate removal.
5
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the salmon for approximately 5 minutes per inch of thickness. Monitor closely for optimal doneness.
6
Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest in the crust for an additional 2 minutes. This step allows the fish to finish cooking gently.
7
Carefully brush away the salt crust while ensuring you don't disturb the salmon too much. It should look slightly rare on top while being cooked on the sides.
8
Transfer the salmon to a clean work surface and use a pastry brush to finish removing any salt residue.
9
Before serving, drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the salmon, season with freshly ground black pepper, and garnish with lemon sections on the side.
10
Enjoy your Herb-Crusted Salt-Roasted Salmon, appreciating the delicate balance of flavors and textures.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Crusted Salt-Roasted Salmon?
It is a sophisticated salmon dish adapted from Tom Colicchio's 'Think Like a Chef' that uses a salt crust to lock in moisture and flavor.
Who inspired this Herb-Crusted Salt-Roasted Salmon recipe?
The recipe is adapted from renowned chef Tom Colicchio's cookbook titled 'Think Like a Chef'.
Is this salmon recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, it is categorized as 'Very Low Carbs' and is ideal for those following low-carb or healthy dietary patterns.
What type of salmon should I use?
A thick cut of wild salmon with the skin on is recommended for the best results.
What is the purpose of the salt crust in this recipe?
The salt crust envelopes the fish to lock in moisture and enhance its natural savory flavors during roasting.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
What kind of skillet is best for roasting the salmon?
An ovenproof skillet is required, and a cast iron skillet is specifically recommended.
How much olive oil is used for the initial sautéing?
Use 1 tablespoon of olive oil to sear the salmon fillets.
Do I need to sear the salmon before putting it in the oven?
Yes, you should sear the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet for 2-3 minutes until the skin starts to crisp.
What type of salt is used for the crust?
The recipe calls for approximately 4 cups of coarse salt using large granules.
How do I apply the salt to the salmon fillets?
Mound the coarse salt generously around and over each fillet to create a cohesive crust.
How long does the salmon need to roast in the oven?
Roast the salmon for approximately 5 minutes per inch of thickness.
Does the salmon need to rest after roasting?
Yes, the salmon should rest in its salt crust for 2 minutes after being removed from the oven.
What should the salmon look like when the salt is removed?
The salmon should look slightly rare on top while being cooked on the sides.
How do I remove the salt residue from the fish?
After brushing away the main crust, use a pastry brush to remove any remaining salt residue.
What ingredients are used for the final garnish?
The dish is finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, freshly ground black pepper, and lemon sections.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What is the calorie count for one serving of this salmon?
Each serving contains 213 calories.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving provides 20g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 14g of fat per serving.
How much salmon is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 1.5 lbs of salmon fillets.
Are there any carbohydrates in this dish?
The carbohydrate content is negligible, making it a very low-carb meal.
What preparation is needed for the lemon?
The lemon should be cut into sections to be served on the side.
Can I use a different type of oil for drizzling?
The recipe specifies high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor profile.
Is this recipe considered difficult?
While crafting the salt crust takes practice, the recipe is categorized as an 'easy recipe' with a gourmet result.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include salmon, low carb, seafood, healthy, oven-roasted, salt crust, and gourmet.
Does the recipe use table salt?
No, coarse salt with large granules is required to properly form the roasting crust.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
How should the olive oil behave in the skillet before adding fish?
The olive oil should shimmer but not smoke before you place the salmon fillets in the skillet.
Is this dish suitable for guests?
Yes, it is described as a sophisticated dish bound to impress guests with its delicate balance of flavors.