Prepare a Flavorful Earl Grey Roast Salmon for Your Next Dinner

A delightful culinary creation has surfaced in the form of Earl Grey Roast Salmon, a dish that promises to impress at any dinner table. This recipe, adapted from Martha Collison’s upcoming cookbook, Pull Up a Chair, combines the unique flavors of Earl Grey tea with fresh salmon, resulting in an aromatic and zesty meal that serves four to six people.

The use of Earl Grey tea adds a subtle smokiness to the salmon, enhanced by the bergamot oil’s citrus notes. This innovative marinating technique incorporates tea and citrus zest, allowing the flavors to penetrate the fish deeply. The recipe requires some advance preparation, requiring the salmon to marinate for at least one hour, but it can be left for up to twelve hours for a more robust flavor.

Ingredients for a Unique Flavor Experience

To create this dish, gather the following ingredients:

– 2 tablespoons of loose-leaf Earl Grey tea (or 3 tea bags)
– 9 oz. (1 cup plus 2 tablespoons) of boiling water
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1 lemon, zested and sliced
– 2 teaspoons of sea salt flakes, divided
– 1 side of salmon, skin on (approximately 1 lb., 12 oz.)
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil, divided
– 1/2 teaspoon of soft light brown sugar

These ingredients work together to create a flavor profile that is both rich and refreshing.

Step-by-Step Preparation

To begin, brew the loose-leaf tea or tea bags in the boiling water for approximately four to five minutes. After straining the tea into a suitable shallow container, set aside the soaked tea leaves and allow the liquid to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, mix in half of the orange zest, half of the lemon zest, and one teaspoon of sea salt flakes, ensuring the salt dissolves completely.

Next, place the salmon in the marinade with the skin side facing up, cover it, and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully into the fish.

When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or foil and drizzling it with half a tablespoon of olive oil. Remove the salmon from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off, and position it on the baking tray with the skin side down.

In a separate bowl, combine the remaining citrus zests, sea salt flakes, and brown sugar. Add two tablespoons of the reserved soaked tea leaves or half of the contents from the remaining dry tea bag. Massage this mixture over the salmon’s flesh, then drizzle with the remaining olive oil and arrange the lemon slices on top.

Roast the salmon in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until cooked through, opaque, and easily flakes when pressed with a knife.

This dish can be served either hot or cold, making it a versatile option for any meal. Pair it with a fresh green salad and crusty bread or potatoes for a complete dining experience.

With its intriguing blend of flavors, Earl Grey Roast Salmon is sure to become a topic of conversation at your next gathering. Enjoy the culinary journey that this unique recipe offers, and impress your guests with a meal that is both innovative and satisfying.