Salmon with Pomegranate Molasses
Salmon with Pomegranate Molasses is a flavorful and elegant dish that combines the rich, buttery taste of salmon with a sweet and tangy pomegranate glaze. This healthy, quick, and visually stunning meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a bold fusion of flavors with simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 4 fresh salmon fillets, skin-on
- 3 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for cooking
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley or mint, for garnish
- Prepare and Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp crust. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Allow the fillets to rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking. This helps even cooking and enhances flavor.
- Make the Pomegranate Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a splash of olive oil. Stir well until the mixture forms a smooth, sticky glaze to coat the salmon.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and releases easily from the pan. Flip carefully and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through.
- Glaze and Finish: Lower the heat to medium-low. Brush the pomegranate glaze generously over the salmon fillets. Let it caramelize for 1-2 minutes, basting regularly so the glaze becomes sticky and glossy. Remove from heat and let rest briefly before serving.
Notes
- Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper searing instead of steaming.
- Pat the salmon dry and rest before seasoning to help crisp the skin.
- Use a non-stick or well-seasoned pan to prevent fish from sticking and breaking apart.
- Keep heat moderate when applying the glaze to prevent burning and ensure caramelization.
- The glaze can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Leftovers should be refrigerated in an airtight container and consumed within 2 days.
- Salmon can be frozen tightly wrapped; consume within 1 month although glaze texture may change slightly.
- Reheat gently using a low oven or stovetop pan to retain moisture and texture; avoid microwaving.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be adapted with spices or herbs to suit dietary preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: salmon, pomegranate molasses, healthy fish recipe, quick dinner, gluten free, pan-seared salmon, flavorful seafood