First let me start off by saying that salmon is my absolute favorite fish in the water. It is so delicious and so versatile. How can you not love this fish. I am not a huge fan of “fishy” tasting seafood which is why I love it so much. It’s fish without all the added “fishy.” Plus it is a great light meal for when it’s hot outside and you don’t want to go out for a steak, and you are tired of chicken. Don’t get me wrong chicken is amazing; but too many days in a row it can get kind of blah.
Personally I believe that’s why a lot of people get so bored with diets because they continuously eat the same things over and over again. It becomes a big old bore and people slowly slip back in to old ways. That’s where my passion lives, right there! My goal is to change the stigma of the word “diet” from bland and boring to exciting and fun. You do not have to only eat baked chicken and steamed broccoli to be healthy. Diversity is the spice of life and there are SO many other foods and flavors out there in the world you just have to get out there and try them out! You will be surprised at all the different ways there are to prepare food and ways to put together flavors you never thought to before. I spend a lot of time playing in the kitchen testing and creating delicious food. I plan to share all of my successes with you all (and some of the not so successful ha!).
Salmon while delicious is also very good for your overall well-being. There are many health benefits of eating salmon such as cardiovascular health, metabolism, helping your brain and nerves, eye care, and plenty of other good things for your body. Salmon is a choice source for Omega-3 fatty acids ,which are an essential acid meaning our bodies need them but cannot produce them on their own. The Omega-3 helps in reducing cholesterol , keeping arteries flexible, and helps strengthen cardiac muscles. The omega-3, vitamin-D, and selenium in salmon all help manage insulin levels throughout the body, by facilitating the absorption of sugar. The fatty acids increase the efficiency of brain functions, improves memory and keep it active. The amino acids, vitamin A, vitamin D, and selenium, these fatty acids protect the nervous system from damage related to aging (keeping that sharp witty mind going strong for long!), acts as an antidepressant, relaxes the brain and also helps in treating Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation of the arteries and the digestive system, reduce chances of colon, prostate, and kidney cancers. The absolute best part is, salmon can improve skin texture, add some sparkle to your eyes, skin, hair and nails! Basically it makes you even more AWESOME than you already are!
OK, OK, OK! I am done completely geeking out about the health benefits of fish. This salmon recipe is an absolute must try! It is not going to be too spicy for the spice sensitive people and it is positively packed full of flavor. Salmon is good like that. It easily takes on the flavor of whatever you put it with, it won’t overpower any seasonings or flavors.
Cajun Salmon
Prep time: 8 mins Cook time: 20 mins Total time: 28 mins Serves: 2
Ingredients
2 Salmon fillets
1.5 tbsp. Ghee or Coconut oil (If cooking in cast iron skillet)
1 tbsp. Salt
2 tsp. Garlic powder
2½ tsp. Paprika
1½ tsp. Coarse ground black pepper
1 tsp. Onion powder
1½ tsp. Dried oregano
1¼ tsp. Dried thyme
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 Degrees Fahrenheit.
Combine all spices in a bowl and mix well.
Liberally apply spice mix to top of salmon. (Not the side that the skin would be on) Making sure to leave no part untouched. (Skip next two steps if just baking)
In a cast iron skillet heat Ghee or Coconut oil
Once oil hot place salmon skin side down in to skillet and let cook, making sure to not move the salmon.
Let the salmon cook for approximately 1-2 minutes or until bottom starts to brown.
Place salmon in preheated oven and let cook for about 15-18 minutes or until done. Always check temperatures before removing. (Fish should be 145 Degrees Fahrenheit.)
Remove from oven and let rest 1-2 minutes