How to Autumn-ify your salmon, according to a recipe specialist
As Britain moves into a season of stews, roasts and cosy evenings in, salmon often falls completely off the menu. But a culinary expert argues that doesn’t have to be the case.
Mimi Morley, Senior Recipe Developer at food box delivery company, HelloFresh says salmon can easily make the transition, commenting:
“You don’t need to give up lighter proteins the second summer ends. The trick is to treat them differently. In fact, salmon works amazingly well during colder months if cooked properly and paired with the right ingredients.”
She adds, “The nutritional benefits from salmon are ideal for the time of year. It’s packed with omega-3s and vitamin D, which are great for those darker and colder days.”
With the temperature expected to drop further, Mimi has shared three simple tips to help Autumn-ify your salmon:
Swap citrus for sweetness and spice
Mimi’s first piece of advice is not to overthink it. “Autumn ingredients naturally do the heavy lifting,” she explains. While lemon and lime are popular summer pairings, she recommends reaching for ingredients that scream Autumn instead.
“Citrus adds brightness, but autumn is all about warmth and depth,” she says. “A sticky honey and soy salmon or a glaze made from maple syrup and mustard works beautifully. You can also try brown butter with a touch of sage for a richer flavour.”
She adds that a hint of spice can completely transform the dish. “A pinch of smoked paprika or ground cumin can add warmth without overpowering your salmon. You only need a little to make the flavours feel seasonal and balanced.”
Roast instead of relying on the grill
Mimi believes that cooking methods make a huge difference when it comes to seasonal cooking and Autumn is all about slower, more mindful techniques that build flavour gradually.
“Grilling is quick and light, which suits summer, but roasting helps ingredients develop more flavour,” she says. “Oven-roasted salmon with root vegetables is one of the easiest ways to give it that autumn feel.”
Her go-to pairing is roasted butternut squash, beetroot, pepper and tenderstem broccoli. “The sweet, earthy flavours complement the salmon. You can also roast everything on one tray, making it an easy dish to throw together without any fuss.”
Pair with seasonal sides
Mimi says that side dishes are an easy way to embrace any season. “During the summer we naturally reach for lighter options like salads or fresh rice, but in autumn I look for simple, comforting sides like garlic mashed potato and roasted vegetables.”
She notes that a bit of acidity keeps the dish from feeling too heavy. “Even with richer meals, a bit of sharpness can bring everything together. For salmon, try adding pickled red onions or a dressing made with apple cider vinegar. It really helps punch through with a subtle freshness.”
Also, roasting with herbs and butter gives a more luxurious texture. She adds, “It is the sort of food that feels like you made an effort, even if it took less than twenty minutes.”
