Blackened Salmon
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 6-ounce salmon fillet portions skin-on
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon light or dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
DIRECTIONS:
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Place the salmon on a large plate, flesh-side up, and pat dry.
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In a small bowl, stir together the paprika, brown sugar, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, thyme and oregano.
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In a separate small bowl, melt the butter. Brush the butter over the flesh-side of the salmon fillets, then sprinkle the flesh sides evenly with the spice mixture. Lightly pat the spices to adhere as needed.
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Heat a large cast iron skillet or similar heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat (no need to add oil). Turn on the exhaust fan and open a window if things start to get smoky. Once the pan is completely hot (a droplet of water should dance on its surface), working quickly but gently, add the salmon fillets, one at a time, flesh-side down. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes without disturbing the fillets, until the surface is blackened (peek as little as possible so that the salmon gets a nice dark color), then carefully turn each piece of salmon over.
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Continue cooking over medium heat, until the skin becomes crispy, and the fish is fully cooked through, about 5 to 6 additional minutes depending upon the thickness of your fillets. The fish should reach 145°F on an instant read thermometer and flake easily with a fork at its thickest part.
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Squeeze lemon over the salmon, then transfer the fillets to serving plates. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of fresh thyme and additional lemon wedges.
© Recipe courtesy of Well Plated by Erin Clarke.
JANUARY WINE CLUB:
Chateau Govain
Merlot
Côtes de Bourg, France
MELLOW WINE STYLE
Aged in vats, this dry, red wine expresses balance and fruitiness when very young. Its freshness charms lovers of young wine who above all seek conviviality among friends. Drink now, or lay down for 2 or 3 years.
Varietal: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Analysis: 13.00% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.58
Appellation: Côtes de Bourg
Winemaker: Hugues Mallet is in charge of the production in the vineyard and in the cellar
WINERY NOTES:
In the Vineyard: Côtes de Bourg region was liked by the Romans so much they established vineyards on the pretty limestone hillsides (côtes in French) and shipped wine via the river from the port town of Bourg. Chateau Govain is a little clos of just 4 hectares on a clay and majority of limestone soil located on the first hill above the river. The winery grows grass between the rows, creating competition for the plants. The average age of the vines is 25 years old and the winery de-leafs on the east side in July.
About the Harvest: To limit the yield, the winery will green harvest when it is necessary. The grapes are picked by a mechanical harvester with a de-stemmer integrated on the machine. The berries are sorted manually on a sorting table.
In the Cellar: Traditional vinification is used. The alcoholic fermentation is done in stainless steel vats with control of temperature and the malolactic fermentation. Maceration is for about 10 to 15 days. Aging is completed in vats and bottled frequently to keep its freshness.
Information © Chateau Govain – All Rights Reserved.
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