Roasted Salmon With Ginger-Lime Butter
Wild Pacific salmon is available in spring and summer, and the flavor is phenomenal. It definitely tastes better than farmed salmon and is always a better choice, sustainably speaking. Though it is expensive, think of it as a seasonal treat. Whether you choose wild king salmon, coho or sockeye, take care not to overcook it.
- Total:
- Serves: 4 persons
Ingredients
- 1(1 1/2 pound) wild salmon fillet, such as king or coho, at room temperature
- Salt and pepper
- 6tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2tablespoons grated ginger
- 1teaspoon lime zest
- 1teaspoon lemon zest
- 2tablespoons lime juice
- 1pound baby spinach
- Lime wedges, for serving
- ½cup thinly sliced scallions, green and white parts
Instructions
Step 1
Lay the salmon on a rimmed baking sheet, and season with salt and pepper. Heat oven to 350 degrees.Step 2
Make the ginger-lime butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, ginger, lime zest, lemon zest and lime juice. Add salt and pepper to taste, and stir well to combine.Step 3
Transfer salmon, uncovered, to the oven to cook for about 8 minutes. Check the salmon once or twice as it cooks. Depending on the thickness of the fish, it should be fully cooked when little white juices appear on the surface — moist and yielding with big flakes when probed. It may take 10 minutes for thick fillets.Step 4
As the salmon cooks, put 2 tablespoons ginger-lime butter in a wide deep skillet or large pot over medium heat. When butter is melted, add spinach and a pinch of salt. Put on the lid and turn heat to medium-high. (You may need to add the spinach in batches.) After 2 minutes, remove lid and stir spinach to help it wilt. When all spinach is wilted, turn off the heat.Step 5
Transfer salmon to a platter or divide among individual plates. Smear the remaining ginger-lime butter on the fish. Surround with wilted spinach and lime wedges, and top with scallions.