Salmon with Tarragon - A Delicious and Nutritious Meal

Looking for a quick, flavorful way to prepare salmon? Cooking it with fresh tarragon takes this nutritious fish to the next level. The anise-like flavor of tarragon perfectly complements the richness of salmon for a gourmet meal that's ready in under 30 minutes.

Benefits of Salmon

Salmon is one of the healthiest fish you can eat. Here are some key benefits:

• High in omega-3 fatty acids - Essential for heart and brain health
• Excellent source of protein - To support muscle growth and maintenance
• High in B vitamins - Important for energy production
• Rich in potassium - Helps control blood pressure
• Loaded with selenium - A powerful antioxidant

Pairing salmon with antioxidant and vitamin-rich tarragon makes for an all-around nutritious meal.

Benefits of Cooking with Tarragon

Fresh tarragon has many benefits that complement salmon beautifully:

• Distinctive anise flavor - Enhances seafood, poultry, eggs and vegetables
• Phytonutrients - Shown to have antioxidant properties
• Anti-inflammatory effects - May lower inflammation in the body
• Aids digestion - Can help relieve gas and upset stomach
• Antibacterial properties - Traditionally used to fight infections

Read on for tips on cooking with this aromatic herb!

Shopping for Tarragon

When purchasing tarragon, look for:

• Fresh - Bright green leaves, no wilting or yellowing
• Dried - Vibrant green color, robust aroma
• Whole sprigs - For easy removal after cooking
• Organic - Grown without synthetic pesticides

For this recipe, fresh tarragon is preferred but you can substitute dried in a pinch.

Preparing Tarragon

To prepare fresh tarragon:

• Rinse under cold water and pat dry
• Strip leaves from larger stems
• Chop leaves finely to release flavor
• Add whole sprigs when easy removal is desired

Add tarragon early in cooking so the flavor infuses the dish.

Cooking Salmon with Tarragon

Ingredients

• Wild-caught salmon fillets
• Olive oil
• Fresh tarragon
• Garlic
• Butter
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon wedges

Instructions

1. Pat salmon dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook salmon skin-side up until browned, about 5 minutes per side.
4. Add tarragon sprigs, garlic, and butter to pan last 2 minutes.
5. Baste salmon with melted garlic butter.
6. Remove salmon, top with chopped tarragon.

Serve salmon hot with a squeeze of lemon and enjoy!

Tarragon Salmon Recipe Tips

• Look for wild-caught Alaskan salmon for optimal nutrition.
• Let salmon come to room temp before cooking for even cooking.
• Use a nonstick pan or properly preheated skillet so fish doesn't stick.
• Baste frequently with garlic-tarragon butter for maximize flavor.
• Do not overcook - salmon is best medium-rare to medium.

Tarragon Salmon Pairings

Salmon can be enjoyed in many ways. Consider pairing it with:

• Fresh green vegetables - asparagus, green beans, broccoli
• Brown or white rice
• Quinoa or couscous
• A fresh green salad
• Roasted potatoes or root vegetables

The anise flavor of the tarragon complements both the salmon and most side dishes!

Storing and Freezing Cooked Salmon

Leftover cooked salmon keeps well:

• Refrigerate up to 3-4 days
• Can be frozen up to 3 months
• Thaw in refrigerator before using again
• Enjoy cold in salads or reheat gently

FAQs

What are the best salmon cooking methods?

Grilling, pan-searing, roasting, poaching, and baking are all excellent options.

Can I use dried tarragon instead?

Yes, substitute 1 tsp dried tarragon for every 1 Tbsp fresh tarragon.

What are good tarragon substitutes?

Dill, basil, oregano, or parsley can substitute but won't provide the exact anise flavor.

How long does fresh tarragon last?

Tarragon will keep 5-7 days refrigerated in a damp paper towel. It can also be frozen.

What foods pair well with tarragon?

Eggs, chicken, seafood, vegetables, grain dishes, dressings and marinades.

Serve up a Nutritious Meal with Salmon and Tarragon

Salmon cooked with fresh tarragon makes for a quick, flavorful meal that's also good for you. The delicious anise and herbaceous flavors pair perfectly with the richness of salmon. For an elegant yet easy dinner, give this salmon tarragon recipe a try soon!