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Looking for a new way to enjoy salmon? Try this spiced salmon with caramelized onion and pepper relish served with creamy dill feta yogurt sauce for an explosion of flavors!
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What makes this dish special
A couple of weeks ago, I had a life-changing dining experience...at home. I ordered ora king salmon, not knowing what to expect. Let me tell you, when I cooked it for dinner, it was unbelievable. The salmon was incredibly buttery and just melted away in your mouth. I can honestly say I never had salmon like this before. Plus, it didn't hurt that the fish was marinated in spices and topped with a savory relish.
If you ever have the chance to buy ora king salmon, I highly recommend it. Yes, it's a splurge, but it'll make the dinner all the more special! Even if you don't, I still believe this spiced salmon with caramelized onion and pepper relish will be a winner. The combination of creamy sauce with deep spices and sweet relish is just delightful!
Ingredients
- Salmon: The star protein of the dish, salmon provides a rich, buttery texture and flavor that absorbs the Mediterranean spices well. The salmon's natural oils help carry the flavors of the spices and create a moist, flaky texture when properly cooked.
- Red pepper flakes: These add a crucial heat element that balances the richness of the salmon and the sweetness of the caramelized onions. The moderate spice level complements the Mediterranean flavor profile and adds complexity without overwhelming the dish. The small amount (½ teaspoon) provides a subtle warmth rather than intense heat.
- Red onion: A key component of the relish, red onions contribute both flavor and visual appeal. When caramelized, they develop a sweet, complex flavor that contrasts beautifully with the savory salmon.
- Sherry vinegar: Brings acidity to balance the rich salmon and sweet caramelized onions. Its complex flavor profile-slightly sweet with nutty, caramel notes-adds sophistication that regular vinegar wouldn't provide
- Feta: The tangy, salty feta is essential to the creamy sauce that accompanies the salmon. Its distinctive briny flavor adds a Mediterranean flair to the dish and creates a nice temperature and texture contrast to the warm salmon.
- Dill: Brings a fresh, slightly anise-like flavor that pairs classically with both salmon and feta.
- Greek yogurt: Serves as the creamy base for the whipped feta sauce, providing tanginess and a silky texture.
Substitutions and variations
- Protein: Try this recipe with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Sauce: If you're not a fan of feta, you can omit it and make a dill yogurt sauce instead.
- Dairy-free: Substitute yogurt with dairy-free yogurt and skip the feta or use a dairy-free feta alternative.
Recipe
Spiced Salmon with Caramelized Onion and Pepper Relish
Ingredients
Spiced salmon
- 1 pound salmon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Caramelized onion and pepper relish
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 medium red onion sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 medium bell pepper sliced
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
- ½ teaspoon of sugar
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Dill feta yogurt sauce
- 4 ounces crumbled feta
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Season the salmon. Combine olive oil with minced garlic, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, paprika, salt, pepper, and oregano. Spread seasoning mix on salmon and let sit for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the caramelized onion and pepper relish. Heat oil in a saute pan over medium-low heat. Add the red onion and season with salt. Cook until browned and caramelized, about 30 minutes.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced ginger, sherry vinegar, sugar, and saute for another minute, tossing to combine. Season the relish with salt and pepper and add chopped basil.
- Bake the salmon for about 12-14 minutes or until the fish flakes easily. Remove from the oven and keep warm.
- While the salmon is baking, make the whipped feta. In a food processor, puree feta with Greek yogurt, fresh dill, and lemon juice until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the whipped feta onto a platter and place the salmon on top followed by the onion and pepper relish. Garnish with more fresh basil. Serve immediately.
Notes
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Marinade salmon
I just love it when the recipe seems so simple, but the results are anything but. This spiced salmon with caramelized onion and pepper relish doesn't seem that fancy, but boy, those flavors are just a match made in heaven.
First, let's marinate the salmon in some spices, including red pepper flakes, garlic, oregano, paprika, and lemon zest. I used dried oregano, but you can also use fresh.
Since we're working with seafood, it only needs to marinate for 20 minutes. You can marinate the salmon up to 1 hour if you prefer.
This marinade is also great for shrimp if you want to try this dish with another protein.
Step 2: Prepare relish
While the salmon is marinating, make the caramelized onion pepper relish. All you have to do is caramelize some sliced red onions, add some bell peppers, and season everything with sherry vinegar and a touch of sugar. Finish with salt, pepper, and fresh basil.
I normally use sweet onions for caramelizing, but chose to use red onions this time for a slightly sweeter relish. However, feel free to use white onion instead.
As soon as the onions hit the pan, season them with salt. Salt draws out moisture from the onions, which allows them to caramelize more evenly. It also helps season the onions.
The trick to caramelizing onions is to keep the flames on medium-low to prevent the onions from burning. If the pan gets too dry, add a touch of water. Also, make sure to stir the onions often to prevent them from sticking and burning.
Once the onions are about ready, add the red bell peppers. It's fine if the onions need a few more minutes because they will continue to cook with the bell peppers.
Season the relish with ginger, vinegar, and sugar, and give it a taste. Adjust the seasoning and add fresh basil to finish. You can also prepare the relish the day before.
Step 3: Bake salmon
Now let's go back to the salmon. Bake the salmon for 12-14 minutes or until the fish flakes easily. The time can differ depending on how thick your fish is.
Meanwhile, let's make the final component for the dish, the dill feta yogurt sauce. Puree feta cheese with plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and fresh dill until smooth. Think of this sauce as a type of tzatziki with the addition of feta. Creamy goodness!
Spoon the feta sauce onto the bottom of the serving platter, place the salmon on top, and finish with the relish.
This spiced salmon with caramelized onion and pepper relish was the hit at the dinner table. I already mentioned that the salmon was top quality, but the other components really completed the dish. Everything just worked so beautifully together. Another salmon recipe to add to the list!
If you enjoy spiced fish dishes, check out this Cajun blackened fish and Peruvian-style saffron fish!
Make-ahead and storage
- Make-ahead: The caramelized onion and pepper relish can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The dill feta yogurt sauce can be prepared a day in advance. Just bring them to room temperature before serving.
- Store: Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If possible, store the yogurt sauce separately from the fish and relish.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels before adding the seasoning to ensure the spices adhere properly.
The best way to check is when the salmon flakes easily with a fork. For medium-rare salmon, the center should be slightly translucent. If you prefer well-done salmon, cook until it's completely opaque throughout.
Caramelizing onions requires low, slow cooking. Use medium-low heat as the recipe suggests, stir occasionally, and be patient-it really does take about 30 minutes. If they start to stick, add a tablespoon of water to deglaze the pan.
More salmon recipes
Looking for more salmon ideas? Try these:
Caitlin says
This looks amazing! What carb would you serve it with? Can I replace the sherry vinegar with red wine vinegar? Thank you!
Cherry on My Sundae says
I like to have a side of rice pilaf or roasted potatoes with this salmon! And yes, you can use red wine vinegar instead. I hope you enjoy!
Christine Ma says
I enjoyed everything about this salmon dish! From the creamy feta sauce to the flavorful salmon to the relish, there are so many different textures and flavors that they make the dish complex. I will be making this again!