Salmon With Mushroom Sauce

Last week, before Bob went off to climb his mountain, I made this salmon dish. I thought the omega-3 in the salmon would help him get to the top of the mountain.  And he did.  In fact, several much younger people weren't able to complete the climb.  They didn't have salmon, I bet.  This recipe is from Food & Wine magazine's "quick" category. The magazine was effusive, describing how unique the salmon tastes, because it's marinated in orange juice. The article predicted I would never cook salmon any other way after tasting it prepared according to this recipe. Well, the orange juice does caramelize nicely and gives the salmon a rich brown appearance. But, for the life of me, I couldn't taste anything significantly different about it due to the orange juice.  Frankly, I was more impressed with the mushroom sauce.  Simple to make, It tasted great with the salmon.  This is a good recipe, extremely easy to make, healthy, and fun to eat.

By the way, here's Bob at the top of Mt Shasta, which is 14,000 feet tall.  Several members of his group weren't able to make it to the top.  Ahem--it was the salmon.  Obviously.

Salmon With Mushroom Sauce (Food & Wine)

SERVES: 4

ingredients
    Four 6-ounce skinless, center-cut salmon fillets
    1/4 cup fresh orange juice
    Salt
    4 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons unsalted butter
    1 garlic clove, minced
    1 pound sliced cremini or oyster mushrooms
    Freshly ground pepper
    8 medium scallions or ramps, cut into 2-inch lengths
    1/2 cup dry white wine
    1/2 cup vegetable stock, fish stock or low-sodium broth
    1/4 cup heavy cream

directions
1.    Preheat the broiler. Lay the salmon fillets in a baking dish and pour the orange juice over them. Season with salt; let stand for 5 minutes. Turn the fillets; let stand for 5 minutes longer.

2.    Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of the butter. Add the garlic and cook over moderately high heat until fragrant. Add the mushrooms; season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook over moderately high heat, until the mushrooms have released their liquid, 5 minutes. Stir in the scallions and cook uncovered over high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned, 5 minutes. Add the wine; boil for 1 minute. Add the stock and cream and simmer for 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

3.    While the sauce simmers, transfer the salmon to a rimmed baking sheet, skinned side down. Top each fillet with 1/2 teaspoon of the remaining butter. Broil 5 inches from the heat for 5 minutes, without turning, until richly browned and just cooked. Spoon the sauce on plates, set the salmon on top and serve.

Comments

[Glenna]

Definitely the salmon!

[ann]

*gasp* 14k? eh gads! i was forced to go to 12k once and seriously thought i was going to die!
and that was in a car!
wow! had to be the salmon!

[sher]

Glenna,

The power of omega-3!!

Ann,

You cracked me up when you said it was tough doing 12 K in a car. Actually, since my ears get plugged up and hurt when I gain altitude, I agree with you!

[steven]

This looks great, I'm surprised Upsie didn't go feral and steal it from you guys.

[aria]

haha me too. why must you torture upsie so? i can't help but picture upsie on top of the mountain also with her little mini backpack full-o-salmon. btw, WAY impressed on climbing a mountain! and of course the salmon looks deeevine.

[Christine]

I adore salmon and this recipe looks so very delicious, I'm going to make it this week. My hubby won't be climbing mountains anytime soon, but I'm guessing your recipe will make him feel like he could!

[jenjen]

The amazing things you can do with salmon on your side!
Congratulations on the beautiful meal and in climbing the mountain, what a feat!

[sher]

Steven,

(Whisper)Upsie didn't know we had it. Don't tell her. She gets lots of treats all day long--but I admit I'm selfish about really good (expensive) salmon. She is getting some nice braised turkey today!

Aria,

If Upsie had been with Bob they would have never slept at all. Upsie vocalizes constantly if she's unhappy. But, I love the idea of her with a little backpack, ice ax and crampons (those spikey things for the feet)!! What a sight that would be.

Christine,

I will certainly be interested to learn whether you could taste a big difference in the salmon from the OJ. But, it sure browns the salmon quickly. Keep an eye on the time!

JenJen,

Thank you JenJen. Just saw your site and it's lovely. The pasta today...yum!

[kristi]

All I want to know is this: did Upsie get some salmon?

[sher]

kristi,

Um....no. But, she got some other really cool stuff. :):) And today she already had some leftover roast chicken, which is actually her favorite thing. Really! Cross my heart!

[mae]

That Salmon looks so perfect. I went on a hunt for salmon last night after seeing this photo yesterday but none in the supermarket! I was not impressed :( - i'm so craving for salmon right now... your fault!

[Julie]

I have a big, big fear of heights so when I I look at Bob standing all those thousands of feet in the air on that little thin bit of mountaintop all I can think is:

"Oh my God, you crazy fool, get DOWN from there. That can't POSSIBLY be safe."

If eating salmon with mushroom sauce makes him climb mountains I think you better stop feeding it to him.

[sher]

Julie,

LOL!! Hey, you're right. What was I thinking? No more salmon. For him, that is. I'll give his portion to Upsie.

[sam]

I read this recipe waiting in the Doctors office. When I got the chance at home i found it on the Web!
Thanks for That. I remember that it said Approx 30 min. There was another one in that article that looked good with the salad.

[sher]

Sam,

I think you will like this recipe and it is very quick. A friend of mine tried it and she pan grilled the salmon in a skillet, instead of broiling it, and she said it was delicious that way too.

[Bunty]

I AM SO GLAD YOU ENTERED BOB'S PICTURE AT THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN "THAT'S MY SON!!!!