moroccan salmon recipe​

The Best Moroccan Salmon Recipe​

ByAmelia

Transport your taste buds to the vibrant markets of Marrakech with this extraordinary moroccan salmon recipe that perfectly marries the rich, aromatic spices of North African cuisine with the delicate flavors of fresh salmon. This dish represents the beautiful fusion of traditional moroccan foods with modern culinary techniques, creating a meal that’s both exotic and accessible for home cooks.

What makes this moroccan salmon so special? It’s the harmonious blend of warm spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon that creates a fragrant crust on the fish, while preserved lemons and olives add that authentic Mediterranean flair. Unlike heavy, time-consuming moroccan recipe dishes, this salmon preparation delivers complex flavors in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive enough for entertaining guests.

The beauty of moroccan foods lies in their ability to transform simple ingredients into something magical, and this recipe is no exception. You’ll discover how traditional Moroccan spice blends can elevate ordinary salmon into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Recipe Information

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Preparation time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking time: 15 minutes
  • Resting time: 5 minutes
  • Servings: 4 people
  • Estimated cost: Medium

Ingredients

For the Moroccan Spice Blend:

  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Salmon:

  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Moroccan Topping:

  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
  • 2 preserved lemons, chopped (or zest of 2 lemons)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons toasted almonds, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon pomegranate seeds (optional)

Equipment Required

  • Large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Tongs or fish spatula

Recipe Preparation Step 1: Prepare the Moroccan Spice Blend

In a small bowl, combine cumin, coriander, paprika, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create your authentic moroccan recipe spice blend. This aromatic mixture is the foundation of traditional moroccan foods and will give your salmon its distinctive North African flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and let them come to room temperature for about 10 minutes. This ensures even cooking. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, lemon juice, and minced garlic to create a flavorful marinade.

Step 3: Season the Fish

Brush both sides of each salmon fillet with the honey-lemon marinade. Generously coat each fillet with the moroccan salmon spice blend, pressing gently to help the spices adhere to the fish. The natural oils in the marinade will help create a beautiful crust when cooking.

Step 4: Heat the Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles immediately upon contact.

Step 5: Sear the Salmon

Place the seasoned salmon fillets skin-side up in the hot skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes without moving them, allowing the spices to form a golden crust. Tip: Don’t flip the fish too early – let that beautiful Moroccan crust develop!

Step 6: Flip and Finish in Oven

Carefully flip the salmon fillets skin-side down and immediately transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). The salmon should flake easily with a fork when done.

Step 7: Prepare the Moroccan Topping

While the salmon is in the oven, combine chopped olives, preserved lemons, cilantro, mint, toasted almonds, and pomegranate seeds in a bowl. This fresh topping adds authentic moroccan foods flavors and beautiful color contrast.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Top each fillet with the fresh Moroccan mixture and serve immediately.

Chef’s Tips and Variations

Professional Tips:

  • Choose quality salmon: Look for bright, firm fillets with no fishy smell. Wild-caught salmon works beautifully with these bold Moroccan flavors.
  • Don’t skip the marinade: The honey helps caramelize the spices while the acid from lemon juice helps tenderize the fish.
  • Control the heat: If your spice blend starts to burn, reduce the heat immediately. The goal is a golden crust, not blackened spices.

Delicious Variations:

  • Vegetarian Option: Apply this same spice blend to thick slices of eggplant or cauliflower steaks for a plant-based moroccan recipe.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preference. For a milder version, omit it entirely. For more heat, add a pinch of harissa paste.
  • Citrus Twist: Replace preserved lemons with fresh orange zest and segments for a sweeter flavor profile.
  • Grain Bowl: Serve over couscous, quinoa, or bulgur wheat with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage Tips:

  • Refrigerator: Store leftover moroccan salmon in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven.
  • Meal Prep: The spice blend can be made up to 1 month in advance and stored in an airtight container.
  • Freezing: While fresh is best, you can freeze the seasoned raw salmon for up to 1 month. Thaw completely before cooking.

Perfect Pairings

Wine Recommendations:

This aromatic moroccan salmon recipe pairs beautifully with medium-bodied wines that can complement the warm spices without overwhelming the delicate fish. Consider a Côtes du Rhône rosé, Pinot Grigio, or a light Pinot Noir. For non-alcoholic options, try mint tea (traditional with moroccan foods) or sparkling water with fresh lemon and mint.

Side Dish Suggestions:

  • Traditional: Serve with fluffy couscous and roasted vegetables
  • Light: Pair with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad
  • Hearty: Accompany with roasted sweet potatoes and sautéed spinach
  • Authentic: Serve alongside warm pita bread and hummus

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 385

  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fat: 24g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Rich source from salmon
  • Antioxidants: High levels from Moroccan spices

Conclusion

This moroccan salmon recipe proves that you don’t need to travel to North Africa to experience the bold, aromatic flavors of authentic moroccan foods. The combination of warm spices, fresh herbs, and perfectly cooked salmon creates a dish that’s both sophisticated and surprisingly simple to prepare.

The beauty of this moroccan recipe lies in its versatility – it’s elegant enough for dinner parties yet quick enough for busy weeknights. The aromatic spice blend transforms ordinary salmon into something extraordinary, while the fresh topping adds texture and brightness that makes every bite exciting.

Have you tried this moroccan salmon recipe? I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any substitutions or add your own twist? Please leave a comment below and share your results. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share photos on social media – tag me so I can see your beautiful creations!

Looking for more international flavors? Check out my other global-inspired salmon recipes, including Mediterranean herb-crusted salmon and Asian glazed salmon with ginger and soy. Each recipe brings the authentic flavors of its region right to your dinner table.

Save this recipe for later and share it with friends who love bold, flavorful cooking! Your taste buds will thank you for this delicious journey to Morocco.

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