Sesame Salmon

Salmon's journey is extraordinary. It is the story of a fish born in freshwater – a fish that gradually migrates out to the ocean, only to come back again to the freshwater when the time has come to reproduce. It is the story of a species determined to survive, sometimes against incredible odds.

Today, much of the salmon we enjoy comes from Canada, Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, Greenland, and Norway. In Canada, where I live, salmon is readily available and widely popular for its versatility and health benefits.

Health Benefits of Salmon
Salmon isn't just delicious; it's a nutritional powerhouse:

• Salmon is rich in Omega-3, which has many health benefits to its credit, including defensive action against many forms of cancer.
• Salmon helps to prevent and control high blood pressure, offering protection against heart attacks and strokes.
• Salmon is an excellent source of protein.
• Salmon is rich in nutrients but low in calories.

What’s not to like about all of that?

The Secret to Flavorful Salmon: Sesame

I’ve always known that salmon is one of those healthy foods that everyone ought to eat regularly. But for me, it is important that food also tastes good. Fortunately, I’ve discovered some techniques that make salmon taste so good you’d think it was bad for you. See Saumon au Champagne (Salmon in Champagne Sauce) and Truite de Mer, Sauce Verte (whole poached salmon trout with herbed mayonnaise). Then, there is the sesame salmon recipe, which has been a family favorite for some time now.

The magic ingredient in this recipe is the sesame seeds, which give the salmon an exotic, nutty, and slightly Asian flavour. They are a good source of calcium and protein and are often used in both sweet and savoury dishes from Japan, China, the Middle East, South America, Africa, and Asia.

Recipe: Sesame Salmon

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

4 filets of Salmon

Salmon Marinade:
Juice of one lemon
¼ cup sesame oil
¼ cup soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Combine the marinade ingredients and marinate the salmon for several hours.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Bake the salmon for about 30 minutes or until it’s tender and fully cooked.
4. Optional: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch.

Tasting Notes
The salmon is tender and flaky, the crunchy sesame seeds add an interesting contrast in both taste and texture. This is a recipe to pull out again and again and a pleaser for the whole family.

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