Salmon Braised With Fennel And Apple
Salmon braised with fennel and apple offers a delightful balance of rich fish, sweet apple, and aromatic fennel flavors, perfect for a sophisticated yet comforting meal.
Ingredients
- flour for dredging ⓘ
- salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste ⓘ
- 4 salmon steaks ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 large Granny Smith or Winesap apple, peeled, cored and thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 ribs fennel, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 3/4 c. brown beef broth ⓘ
- 1/2 c. apple cider ⓘ
Instructions
- Season the flour with salt and pepper; dredge the salmon in it.
- In a deep skillet, heat half the olive oil and the butter until bubbling.
- Brown the salmon pieces on both sides over high heat. Remove to a plate and keep warm.
- Add the onion and remaining oil to the pan and cook over moderate heat until lightly browned, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add the beef broth and cider and heat to a simmer.
- Return the salmon to the pan along with any juice collected on the plate.
- Cover and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the salmon flakes when lightly pressed.
- Lift fish with a slotted spatula; place on platter.
- Surround with the apples and fennel.
- If sauce is thin, reduce for several minutes to thicken.
- Add lemon juice and pour over all.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, consider using skinless salmon fillets instead of steaks. If fennel is unavailable, celery can provide a similar crunch. Ensure the salmon is fresh for the best flavor. Adjust the sweetness by using less sugar or opting for a sweeter apple variety. For added depth, try incorporating herbs like dill or tarragon, which work well with seafood.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad. For a heartier meal, serve over a bed of couscous or quinoa. A glass of crisp white wine complements the flavors well. Consider browsing more Mediterranean recipes for additional side options that enhance the meal's flavor profile.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cider to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving as it can cause the salmon to become rubbery. Serve with freshly cooked apples and fennel for best results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Salmon Braised With Fennel And Apple contains roughly 990 calories, with 4g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 96g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value), and iron (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1818mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator before dredging and cooking. Ensure it's patted dry to allow for proper browning. Cooking times may vary slightly; just check for flakiness to determine doneness.
What if I don't have apple cider?
If apple cider isn't available, you can substitute it with white wine or a mixture of apple juice and vinegar. This will maintain the dish's acidity and sweetness while providing a similar flavor profile. Adjust the sugar accordingly based on your substitution.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini alongside the fennel and apples. Just ensure they are sliced thinly to cook evenly. This will add more color and nutrients, making the dish even more appealing.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).