is rosemary good on salmon

Is Rosemary Good on Salmon? Everything You Need To Know

Salmon is one of the most popular and nutritious fish available. Its thick, fatty texture makes it great for many types of cooking. One herb that pairs exceptionally well with salmon is rosemary. The piney, woodsy flavor of rosemary beautifully complements the buttery flavor of salmon.

In this article we’ll explore why rosemary and salmon are such a great match. We’ll also provide tips on how to cook salmon with rosemary and share some delicious recipe ideas. Keep reading to learn all about this dynamic herb and fish duo!

Why Rosemary Is An Excellent Pairing For Salmon

There are several reasons why rosemary makes a fantastic seasoning for salmon

• Rosemary’s robust flavor stands up well to salmon’s richness. The herb’s pine-like aroma and taste work to balance the fish’s fattier quality.

• Rosemary’s woodsy notes beautifully accentuate salmon’s natural sweetness. Drawing out the fish’s subtle sweet tones.

• The flavors marry well together. Rosemary’s minty pine flavor intermingles with the fish for a complementary taste.

• Rosemary contains oils that enhance salmon’s flavor. The herb has aromatic compounds that boost the overall taste experience.

• It provides a unique flavor profile. Rosemary adds an extra layer of interest and complexity to basic salmon.

• Rosemary’s familiar flavor pairs well with salmon. Its recognizable pine fragrance evokes a sense of comfort that works with the fish.

• The herb’s versatility allows it to season salmon prepared in various ways. It can be used in baked, grilled, smoked or poached salmon recipes.

So in short, rosemary adds distinctive flavor notes that intertwine seamlessly with salmon. The combination is dynamic yet comforting at the same time.

Tips For Cooking Salmon With Rosemary

Here are some tips to get the most flavor when cooking salmon seasoned with rosemary:

• Use fresh rosemary rather than dried. Fresh rosemary has a more nuanced, bright taste.

• Add rosemary early on for maximum flavor integration. Sprinkle it on salmon before cooking.

• Use rosemary sprigs or chopped leaves rather than ground. Sprigs or whole leaves release more essential oils.

• For stronger rosemary taste, pat sprigs into salmon’s flesh. This presses more rosemary oils into the fish.

• Grill or roast salmon skin-side down first to crisp skin before adding rosemary. This prevents herb from burning.

• When pan searing, add rosemary to melted butter; baste salmon as it cooks. The butter extracts rosemary’s flavor.

• For poached or baked salmon, top fillets with rosemary sprigs then wrap in parchment. The paper traps rosemary aroma.

• Infuse olive oil with rosemary. Let rosemary stems steep in oil then brush onto salmon before baking or grilling.

By applying these tips, you can maximize the beautiful rosemary essence in your salmon. Play around with different techniques to find your perfect balance of herb and fish.

Mouthwatering Rosemary Salmon Recipes To Try

Now let’s look at some stellar recipes that showcase rosemary’s affinity for salmon:

1. Rosemary Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner

• Arrange salmon fillets, potatoes and veggies like Brussels sprouts on a sheet pan.
• Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper and chopped fresh rosemary.
• Roast in oven until salmon flakes easily and vegetables are tender.
• A complete meal with minimal cleanup that lets the rosemary flavor permeate.

1. Rosemary Salmon Burgers

• Combine canned salmon with breadcrumbs, egg, rosemary, onions and seasoning.
• Form into patties and fry in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through.
• Serve on buns with garlic aioli and toppings like spinach and tomato.
• A flavorful spin on salmon patties with rosemary’s woodsy notes.

1. Roasted Salmon Salad with Lemon Rosemary Dressing

• Mix lemon juice, rosemary, Dijon, olive oil, garlic and shallots for dressing.
• Roast salmon fillets sprinkled with salt, pepper and rosemary.
• Flake roasted salmon over spinach, arugula, avocado and cherry tomatoes.
• Drizzle salad with rosemary-lemon dressing for a bright, herby flavor.

1. Rosemary Salmon Kebabs

• Thread cubed salmon alternately with tomatoes, bell peppers and onions onto skewers.
• Brush with a rosemary-infused olive oil.
• Grill until salmon is opaque and vegetables are charred.
• Serve over brown rice for a simple, colorful salmon meal.

1. Rosemary-Crusted Baked Salmon

• Blend chopped rosemary, garlic, mustard, breadcrumbs and lemon zest.
• Press mixture onto top of salmon fillets.
• Bake until topping is browned and salmon is cooked through.
• The crust infuses salmon with rosemary and garlic flavors.

1. Lemon Rosemary Salmon Foil Packets

• Place salmon, potatoes, carrots and asparagus in foil packets.
• Top with pats of butter, lemon slices, rosemary and seasonings.
• Seal packets and bake until salmon is flaky and vegetables tender.
• Steam from packets thoroughly permeates salmon with lemon-rosemary essence.

1. Creamy Rosemary Salmon Pasta

• Sauté salmon and rosemary until fish is cooked through. Remove salmon.
• Add cream, chicken broth, lemon juice and parmesan to the skillet.
• Toss with cooked pasta and flaked salmon.
• Rosemary’s flavor carries through the creamy pasta sauce.

The Takeaway

Rosemary and salmon truly are a meant-to-be pair. The herb’s woodsy notes dance beautifully with salmon’s rich fattiness. Rosemary’s bright flavor and aroma complement the fish instead of overpowering it.

Make the most of this winning combo by using fresh rosemary and incorporating it early on during cooking. Trying the recipes above is also a great way appreciate how rosemary uniquely enhances salmon.

So the next time you cook up some salmon fillets, don’t hesitate to add a sprinkle of fresh rosemary. Your tastebuds will thank you for this harmonious match.