Fried Salmon for Good Friday

Fried Salmon for Good Friday

On a rainy spring day, when grilling plans were thrown off, we decided to turn a traditional salmon recipe into a quick and tasty delight by pan-frying it. This fried salmon recipe is not only simple but also extremely versatile, perfect for a family meal or a more elegant dinner. Get ready to delight your taste buds with a combination of flavors and textures!

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Number of servings: 5 servings

Ingredients
- 10 pieces of headless salmon (approximately 1 kg)
- 400-500 g of flour
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 250 g of Rama (or another quality margarine)

Brief History
Salmon has been a popular choice of fish for festive meals, known for its rich flavor and tender meat. The fried salmon dish has become a favored method due to its quickness and ease of preparation, offering a crispy texture on the outside but soft and juicy on the inside. Today, you will learn how to recreate this delicacy at home, even on the rainiest days.

Preparing the Salmon
1. Cleaning and preparing the salmon: Ensure that the salmon pieces are fresh and well-cleaned. If necessary, remove the skin or any remaining bones.
2. Seasoning: Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the salmon, ensuring the flavors penetrate the fillets. This step is essential for achieving a delicious taste.

Coating in Flour
3. The flour: In a large dish, place 400-500 g of flour. The amount of flour may vary depending on personal preferences, but make sure you have enough to coat each piece of salmon well.
4. Coat the salmon: Take each piece of salmon and thoroughly coat it in flour, ensuring it is evenly covered. This layer of flour will form a crispy crust when fried.

Frying the Salmon
5. Heating the oil: In two large pans, add half of the Rama (125 g in each pan) and heat over high heat. The oil should be gently bubbling when ready.
6. Frying: Add two pieces of salmon to each pan. Fry on high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
7. Reducing the temperature: Once the salmon has been fried on all sides, reduce the temperature to medium and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, ensuring it cooks evenly and remains juicy.

Finishing the Dish
8. Transferring to the oven: Once all the salmon pieces are ready, transfer them to a large dish and cover with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven at 150 °C to keep warm until the rest of the salmon is ready.

Serving
9. Accompanying salads: Fried salmon pairs excellently with a variety of salads. We served it alongside potato salad and coleslaw, but you can experiment with tomato salads, cucumber, or green salad with lemon dressing.
10. Serving suggestion: Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the salmon for an extra touch of flavor and color. Additionally, a slice of lemon on the side can add a note of freshness.

Practical Tips
- Check the freshness of the salmon: Choose salmon fillets with vibrant color and a pleasant sea smell. Avoid fish that looks dull or has an unpleasant odor.
- The flour: You can use whole wheat or corn flour for a healthier or gluten-free option, depending on preferences.
- Variations: Experiment with different spices! You can add paprika, garlic powder, or herbs to the flour for added flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use another type of fish? Yes, this recipe can also be adapted for other types of fish, such as trout or tuna.
- How can I store leftover salmon? Keep any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for 2-3 days. It can be reheated in the oven or in a pan.

Nutritional Benefits
Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart and brain health. It is also rich in protein and B vitamins, contributing to a balanced diet. The flour used for frying provides necessary carbohydrates for energy, and the combination of salads adds fiber and essential vitamins.

Now that you have discovered this fried salmon recipe, you are ready to turn rainy days into delicious moments of enjoyment! Experiment, adapt, and most importantly, enjoy every bite. Bon appétit!