Rhubarb Sauce w/Baked Salmon

Looking to use up your rhubarb this spring? If you answered yet then this sweet and savory salmon fillet with rhubarb sauce is perfect for you. Not to mention it's super easy to make. With the rhubarb season in full swing, it's time to add this rhubarb sauce with baked salmon recipe, to your dinner menu. This sauce is delicious with chicken or pork as well.

 Who loves salmon? I know I do! Especially salmon with rhubarb sauce. I could eat this rhubarb sauce with salmon every day! It's one of my favorite meals.  My other favorite is this whiting fish. Both are just so good!

Cooking with rhubarb may sound intimidating, but trust me, it's easy and delicious. 

Understanding the Flavor Profile of Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a unique vegetable often mistaken for a fruit due to its tart and slightly sweet taste. To truly appreciate the flavor it brings to our salmon dish, let's take a closer look at rhubarb's profile:

• Tangy Tartness: Rhubarb boasts a distinct tangy flavor, which provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the salmon.
• Natural Sweetness: Despite its tartness, rhubarb also carries a natural sweetness that intensifies as it cooks, balancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Vibrant Color: Rhubarb's vivid red color adds a visual appeal to the plate, making your salmon dish even more enticing.

Selecting and Preparing the Perfect Salmon Fillet

When it comes to preparing salmon, choosing the right fillet is crucial. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

1. Freshness Matters: Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon fillets. Look for bright, firm flesh and avoid any signs of discoloration or unpleasant odor.
2. Skin On or Skin Off: Decide whether you prefer your salmon with the skin intact or removed. Both options work well for this baked salmon recipe, so it's a matter of personal preference.
3. Slicing and Portioning: Ensure consistent cooking by slicing your salmon fillet into individual portions. Aim for uniform thickness to promote even cooking throughout.

Mastering the Rhubarb Sauce

The rhubarb sauce is the star of this dish, infusing the salmon with its savory flavors. Let's delve into the process of creating this tangy and sweet rhubarb sauce:

1. Ingredient Harmony: Gather all the necessary ingredients, including diced rhubarb, minced ginger, chopped onions, garlic, and a harmonious blend of seasonings such as sugar, salt, crushed red pepper, sweet chili sauce, apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, fish sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and mustard.
2. Blender or Stovetop? There are two methods to prepare the rhubarb sauce. The first involves blending all the sauce ingredients together until smooth. The second method requires sautéing the garlic, ginger, and onions before adding the remaining sauce ingredients to create a robust flavor profile. Choose the method that suits your preferences.
3. Simmering: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This cooking process ensures that the flavors meld together and the rhubarb softens, creating a luscious texture.
4. Versatile Sauce: Don't limit yourself to just this salmon recipe! The rhubarb sauce pairs well with other proteins, such as chicken or pork, and can even be used as a dipping sauce for appetizers. It's a versatile culinary delight worth exploring.

The Art of Baking Perfect Salmon

To achieve tender and flavorful salmon, baking the salmon is the preferred cooking method. Follow these steps to master baking salmon.

1. Preheating: To make the baked salmon, reheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure an even cooking temperature.
2. Oil and Seasoning: Coat each salmon with the olive oil then lightly season with salt and pepper. This step enhances the natural flavors of the fish.
3. Place the salmon in a 9x13 baking pan. Set to side.
4. Baking Time: Place the seasoned salmon fillets in a 9x13 baking pan and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10-15 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon should be opaque and easily flake with a fork when it's done.
5. Add all of the rhubarb sauce ingredients into a food processor and mix until well combine.
6. Pour the rhubarb sauce into a medium saucepan over a medium high stove until boiling then simmer for 15 minutes stirring occasionally.
7. Remove the salmon from the oven.
8. Serve salmon with a generous amount of rhubarb sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions.
   

What to serve with Rhubarb Sauce and Baked Salmon:

Serving with Jasmine Rice to complete your culinary masterpiece, consider serving your sweet and savory salmon fillet with fragrant jasmine rice.

The light and floral aroma of jasmine rice beautifully complements the flavors of the salmon and rhubarb sauce. Here's a quick guide to preparing jasmine rice:

1. Rice-to-Water Ratio: Measure 1 cup of jasmine rice for every 1.5 cups of water. This ratio ensures perfectly cooked, fluffy rice.
2. Washing the Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch.
3. Cooking Process: Combine the rinsed rice and water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the water is fully absorbed.
4. Resting Time: Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and attain its desired texture.

Congratulations! You have successfully prepared rhubarb sauce with baked salmon The combination of tender salmon, tangy rhubarb sauce, and fragrant jasmine rice that creates a symphony of flavors.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques to make this recipe your own.

So, gather your apron, embrace your inner chef, and enjoy the journey of creating this rhubarb-infused salmon. This rhubarb sauce may just be your favorite way to enjoy salmon during this spring/summer. 

Baked Salmon with Rhubarb Sauce

April Boller Wright

Sweet and savory salmon with rhubarb sauce is a perfect quick and easy meal! Rhubarb season is here and it's time to add this savory and easy salmon recipe with rhubarb sauce to your dinner menu right away!

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American, Fish

Servings 6 people

Calories 515 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Salmon

• 6 4 oz salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• salt and pepper for taste

Savory Rhubarb Sauce

• 1 cup diced rhubarb Diced 1 inch
• 1 small onion diced
• 2 garlic clove minced
• ½ tbsp fresh ginger minced
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce optional
• ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• ½ tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• ¼ tsp mustard

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 400F
• Drizzle olive oil all over each salmon and rub it all over front and back
• Season salmon with salt and pepper (lightly but just enough for taste)
• Place the salmon in a 9x13 baking pan. Set to side.
• Add all of the rhubarb sauce ingredients into a food processor and mix until well combine. Optional. You can also just cook down the rhubarb in the saucepan if you prefer.
• Pour the rhubarb sauce into a medium saucepan over a medium high stove until boiling then simmer for 15 minutes stirring occasionally.
• Remove the salmon from the oven. 
• Serve salmon with a generous amount of rhubarb sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions. 

Nutrition

Calories: 515kcal

Keyword rhubarb sauce, salmon recipe, sauce for fish

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