Do you shudder when your family asks "What are we having for dinner?" Anyone who cooks has surely struggled to come up with the answer. Healthy Harvest is here to help!
In this post, we'll share one of our favorite go-to recipes: 30-minute Balsamic Glazed Salmon. This healthy, delicious main course is easy enough to add to the weeknight rotation, and it's impressive enough to serve for dinner parties or date nights when you want something special. Pair it with a side of seasonal veggies like asparagus, green beans, or sautéed chard for a complete, balanced meal.
What is a Balsamic Glaze or Balsamic Reduction?
A balsamic glaze is a form of balsamic vinegar that has a thicker consistency and slightly sweeter flavor profile. It's made by reducing the volume of balsamic vinegar using aging techniques (think wine) or by simmering the vinegar over low heat. As liquid evaporates from the vinegar, the natural sugars from the grapes become more concentrated, resulting in a richer flavor and syrupy texture.
While some recipes call for you to make your own balsamic glaze, Healthy Harvest has done the work for you. Our Balsamic Reduction is made using only two ingredients: organic grape must (crushed grapes) and organic wine vinegar. Unlike most commercial vinegars, ours contains no added thickeners or sweeteners, so you can enjoy an antioxidant-rich marinade/topping for almost any meat and seafood, like our Balsamic Glazed Salmon.
Shop Healthy Harvest Balsamic Reductions
How to Make Balsamic Glazed Salmon
1. Gather your ingredients
You only need three ingredients for this dish! Get yourself a 1-pound filet of wild-caught salmon, Healthy Harvest Greek extra virgin olive oil, and Healthy Harvest Balsamic Reduction.
2. Marinate the salmon with balsamic reduction
Drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of Balsamic Reduction over the salmon filet and use a brush to baste evenly over the surface. Marinate for 15-30 minutes. (Note: do not marinate overnight as the acidity of the vinegar will start to cook the fish)
3. Sear the salmon for 1-2 minutes to caramelize the glaze
Heat 1-2 tablespoons of Healthy Harvest Greek extra virgin olive oil over medium to medium-high heat in a pan. Add the salmon filet flesh side down and sear 1-2 minutes.
4. Finish cooking the salmon in the oven - basting with more balsamic halfway through
Arrange the salmon on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes depending on the thickness, basting the salmon with another 1-2 tablespoons of Balsamic Reduction halfway through.
5. Plate and serve!
Remove the filets from the oven, add one final drizzle of Balsamic Reduction, and serve.
The result is succulent salmon in a sweet and slightly tangy sauce that will have you licking the plate clean with hardly any effort at all.
Give it a try and tag us in your Instagram photos @healthyharvest