You have to try this baked salmon recipe! It has tender, flaky salmon wrapped in bacon and glazed with a garlic maple mustard sauce.
My friend Megan swears by her dad’s salmon and bacon. I only like salmon when it’s got enough flavor to mask the fact that it’s actually fish. Bacon to the rescue! Everything is better with bacon!.
I like the Salmon Bowls and Asian Sticky Salmon recipes we make, and my friend Janet also makes a good one. But when Megan told me that her dad’s recipe had bacon in it, I was really interested!
If you’ve been reading OSB for a while, you know that I don’t like seafood. It’s just not my thing. I have tried for years to like salmon, but this baked maple mustard salmon has finally made me fall in love with it!
Find four pieces of foil big enough to fit all of your fillets. Place two slices of bacon vertically on each piece of foil.
Salmon and bacon may seem like an unlikely pairing, but these two ingredients can combine to create some absolutely delicious dishes. The rich, fatty flavors of salmon pair surprisingly well with the smoky, salty taste of bacon. While this combination may initially seem a bit strange, it’s actually a match made in flavor heaven.
In this article, we’ll explore why salmon and bacon complement each other so well. We’ll also share some serving suggestions and recipe ideas to help you make the most of this tasty duo.
Why Salmon and Bacon Work So Well Together
At first glance, delicate salmon and hearty bacon seem like opposites. However, their differences are actually what make them ideal partners. The oily texture of salmon goes well with the crunchy texture of bacon. And the mild sweetness of salmon goes well with the strong, salty tastes of smoked bacon.
Additionally, the high fat content in both salmon and bacon means they have a similar mouthfeel. Their fats melt together on the palate, creating a wonderfully rich and indulgent flavor profile. The smokiness of bacon also pairs nicely with salmon’s natural umami.
Finally, the nutrition profiles of these two ingredients are complementary Salmon provides healthy omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and important micronutrients Bacon contributes protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Together, they make a well-rounded, nutrient-dense meal.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Salmon with Bacon
You can eat salmon and bacon in a lot of different ways, from breakfast to dinner:
Breakfast
- Make a smoked salmon and bacon omelet or frittata
- Top a bagel with smoked salmon, bacon, and cream cheese
- Fry some bacon and salmon together, add eggs for a protein packed breakfast hash
Lunch
- Create a salmon BLT sandwich with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and smoked salmon
- Make salmon salad stuffed in a hollowed out tomato, wrapped with bacon and baked
- Fry some bacon bits to sprinkle on a salmon caesar salad
Dinner
- Wrap salmon fillets in bacon and bake or grill them
- Make salmon cakes with bacon mixed right into the patties
- Stuff bacon and salmon into halved potatoes and roast them
Appetizers
- Serve smoked salmon on bacon-topped crostini
- Make bacon-wrapped salmon bites drizzled with maple glaze
- Fry up small balls of salmon mixed with bacon bits for pops of flavor
Sides
- Toss roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon bits and smoked salmon
- Sauté green beans with shallots, salmon, and bacon
- Bake a salmon and bacon potato gratin layered with cheese
The possibilities are endless when pairing salmon with everyone’s favorite pork product. Get creative and don’t be afraid to experiment with different preparation methods and flavor combinations.
Handy Tips for Cooking with Salmon and Bacon
When cooking salmon and bacon together, keep these tips in mind:
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Choose fattier salmon cuts like salmon belly or farmed Atlantic salmon to stand up to the rich bacon flavor
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Get good color on the bacon before wrapping or layering it with salmon
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Brine salmon briefly before cooking to keep it juicy and season it with complementary flavors like brown sugar or dill
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Adjust cooking times and temperatures to account for both bacon and salmon doneness
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Bake, grill, or pan sear to get crispy bacon and prevent salmon from drying out
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Glaze or sauce the salmon and bacon combo just before serving to unify flavors
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Take advantage of rendered bacon fat to cook the salmon or Brussels sprouts
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Let smoked salmon shine by using it raw or gently heating it with minimal cooking
With the right techniques, salmon and bacon can become your new go-to protein pairing.
Simple Baked Salmon Wrapped in Bacon
To experience how well salmon and bacon complement each other, try this easy foil-baked recipe. The step-by-step instructions result in tender, flaky salmon encased in crispy, savory bacon. Feel free to tweak the glaze ingredients to your taste.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 8 slices bacon
- 1⁄4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 minced garlic clove
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 4 large sheets of foil on a baking sheet.
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Brush salmon fillets lightly with oil and season with salt and pepper. Lay 2 slices bacon vertically on each foil sheet. Place a salmon fillet horizontally on top.
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In a small bowl, mix maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Spoon glaze evenly over the top of each salmon fillet.
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Wrap the bacon around each salmon fillet. Fold up foil edges to seal each packet.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon flakes easily and bacon is crispy.
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Carefully open packets, garnish salmon with lemon wedges, and serve immediately.
The sweet and savory maple mustard glaze complements the salmon beautifully. The bacon helps lock in moisture, adds a pop of texture, and infuses the salmon with a smoky aroma. Enjoy this baked salmon and bacon recipe as an easy yet impressive weeknight dinner.
An Unexpected Pair That Just Works
While salmon and bacon may not seem like an obvious pairing, these two ingredients truly bring out the best in each other. The fatty richness of the salmon contrasts with the crunch of the bacon. And bacon’s smoky savoriness balances the delicate sweetness of salmon.
From creative appetizers to quick weeknight dinners, there are so many delicious ways to enjoy salmon and bacon together. Next time you’re cooking fish, don’t be afraid to add a bit of pork to the mix. This unexpected duo results in some incredible flavors. Just bake, broil, grill or fry up salmon and bacon to enjoy this match made in heaven.
How to Pick Good Fresh Salmon
Salmon shopping at the store can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are some things to keep an eye out for…
- Smell: Fresh salmon that is good shouldn’t smell fishy.
- You want the fillet to be bright, deep shades of red, coral, and pink. There shouldn’t be any brown spots on it anywhere.
- Appearance – it should look moist and not dried out
- When you lightly press on the salmon, it should bounce back and not leave a mark.
What is the White Stuff Coming Out of the Salmon When it Cooks?
As salmon cookies, sometimes white stuff will come out of it. This is perfectly normal and nothing to be worried about it and is safe to eat. The white substance is a natural protein called albumin. It’s a liquid when the salmon is raw, but as it bakes, it rises to the top and becomes mostly solid.
Bacon Wrapped Salmon”Cooking General”
How do you cook a salmon fillet with bacon?
Depending on how large or small your salmon fillets are the bacon can be adjusted. In a skillet on medium-high heat you will pan sear your bacon salmon for 2-3 minutes. Then flip the fillet over and cook the other side. Now, you can flip the bacon salmon over half way through cooking in the oven. That will ensure a more even cook on the bacon.
Can eating salmon cause constipation?
No, eating salmon does not typically cause constipation. Salmon is protein source that contains healthy fats that can be included as a part of a balanced, healthy diet.
Does bacon cook better than salmon?
Bacon cooks at a different total time than salmon. I recommend using thin slices of bacon for this recipe so that you have a better chance of getting crispy bacon and perfectly cooked salmon. The bacon adds a ton of flavor to the dish, so you don’t need thick bacon slices. A little goes a long way.
How do you cook a salmon steak with bacon?
Step One: Pat dry your salmon steaks and then place on cutting board. Season with salt, pepper, and the lemon zest. Step Two: Take the bacon strips and wrap around the salmon. I used two strips of bacon per salmon. Step Three: Place the salmon in a skillet and sear the bacon for around 2-3 minutes per side.