Bacon Wrapped Salmon: A Deliciously Simple Recipe

Bacon wrapped salmon is a culinary masterpiece that combines the richness of salmon with the smoky, salty flavor of bacon. This surprisingly simple recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. The contrast in textures – crispy bacon and flaky salmon – creates a delightful sensory experience. This blog post will guide you through creating this delectable dish, offering tips and variations to personalize it to your taste.

## Why Bacon Wrapped Salmon?

There are several reasons why bacon wrapped salmon is a fantastic dish to add to your repertoire:

* **Flavor Combination:** The combination of salmon and bacon is simply irresistible. The saltiness of the bacon complements the richness of the salmon, creating a balanced and flavorful dish.
* **Easy to Prepare:** Despite its sophisticated taste, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. It requires minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques.
* **Quick Cooking Time:** Bacon wrapped salmon cooks relatively quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. You can have a delicious and healthy meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The bacon wrapping adds a visual appeal to the salmon, making it look gourmet and impressive.
* **Healthy and Delicious:** Salmon is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential nutrients. While bacon might not be the healthiest food on its own, using it sparingly to enhance the flavor of the salmon can be part of a balanced diet.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:

* **Salmon Fillets:** Choose skinless salmon fillets, about 6-8 ounces each. Look for fillets that are firm and have a vibrant color. Wild-caught salmon is often considered a healthier and more flavorful option.
* **Bacon:** Use thin-cut bacon for the best results. Thick-cut bacon may take longer to cook and could potentially burn before the salmon is cooked through. Avoid overly sweet bacon, unless you desire a sweeter taste.
* **Olive Oil:** A drizzle of olive oil helps to keep the salmon moist and prevents it from sticking to the pan or baking sheet.
* **Lemon Juice:** Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright and zesty flavor that complements both the salmon and the bacon. It also helps to tenderize the salmon.
* **Garlic Powder:** Garlic powder provides a subtle garlic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish. You can substitute with fresh minced garlic, but be careful not to burn it during cooking.
* **Black Pepper:** Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice and enhances the other flavors.
* **Optional Seasonings:** Feel free to experiment with other seasonings, such as paprika, dill, onion powder, or herbs like thyme or rosemary.

## Equipment

You will need the following equipment:

* **Baking Sheet or Oven-Safe Skillet:** A baking sheet lined with parchment paper or an oven-safe skillet is essential for cooking the salmon.
* **Aluminum Foil (Optional):** If baking, you can loosely tent the salmon with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent the bacon from burning.
* **Tongs:** Tongs are helpful for flipping the salmon and handling the bacon.
* **Small Bowl:** To mix the marinade.
* **Pastry Brush (Optional):** To apply the marinade.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide on how to make bacon wrapped salmon:

**Step 1: Prepare the Salmon**

* Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This will help the bacon adhere better and create a crispier crust.
* Check for any pin bones and remove them with tweezers or pliers.

**Step 2: Make the Marinade**

* In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, and black pepper. Adjust the seasonings to your taste.
* You can also add a pinch of salt, but be mindful that bacon is already quite salty.

**Step 3: Marinate the Salmon**

* Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or on a plate.
* Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring that all sides are coated.
* Let the salmon marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Longer marinating times will result in a more flavorful salmon.

**Step 4: Wrap the Salmon with Bacon**

* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using a skillet, preheat it over medium heat.
* Take a strip of bacon and wrap it around one end of a salmon fillet. Continue wrapping the bacon around the entire fillet, overlapping the strips slightly. You may need two to three strips of bacon per fillet, depending on their size.
* Secure the ends of the bacon with toothpicks if necessary, especially if you are pan-frying the salmon. This will prevent the bacon from unraveling during cooking. Remove the toothpicks before serving.

**Step 5: Cook the Salmon**

* **Baking:**
* Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
* Place the bacon wrapped salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
* Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F (63°C).
* If the bacon starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent the salmon with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Pan-Frying:**
* Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
* Carefully place the bacon wrapped salmon fillets in the skillet, seam-side down.
* Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. Rotate the salmon periodically to ensure even browning.
* If the bacon is browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low.
* If you’re using a skillet that is NOT oven-safe, transfer the salmon fillets to a baking sheet and bake at 350F (175C) for about 5 minutes to ensure the salmon is cooked through.

**Step 6: Rest and Serve**

* Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven or skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
* This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful salmon.
* Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, and serve immediately.

## Tips for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Salmon

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of the salmon and bacon will significantly impact the flavor of the dish. Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
* **Don’t Overcook the Salmon:** Salmon is best when it’s cooked to medium doneness. Overcooked salmon will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
* **Crispy Bacon is Key:** The bacon should be crispy and golden brown. If the bacon isn’t crispy enough, you can broil the salmon for a minute or two at the end of cooking, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.
* **Pat the Salmon Dry:** Drying the salmon fillets before wrapping them in bacon will help the bacon adhere better and create a crispier crust.
* **Secure the Bacon:** Use toothpicks to secure the bacon, especially when pan-frying. This will prevent the bacon from unraveling during cooking.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan/Baking Sheet:** Overcrowding the pan or baking sheet will lower the temperature and prevent the bacon from getting crispy. Cook the salmon in batches if necessary.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and marinades to customize the flavor of the salmon. Consider adding a touch of sweetness with brown sugar or maple syrup, or a spicy kick with chili powder or red pepper flakes.

## Variations and Additions

Here are a few variations and additions to try:

* **Brown Sugar Glazed Bacon Wrapped Salmon:** Brush the bacon wrapped salmon with a mixture of brown sugar, soy sauce, and ginger before baking. This will create a sweet and savory glaze.
* **Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Salmon:** Similar to the brown sugar glaze, use maple syrup for a delicious and slightly different sweetness.
* **Spicy Bacon Wrapped Salmon:** Add a pinch of chili powder, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick.
* **Herb Crusted Bacon Wrapped Salmon:** After wrapping the salmon in bacon, sprinkle it with a mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and parmesan cheese. This will create a crispy and flavorful crust.
* **Lemon Herb Bacon Wrapped Salmon:** Add fresh herbs, such as dill, parsley, and thyme, to the marinade for a bright and aromatic flavor.
* **Stuff the Salmon:** Before wrapping the salmon in bacon, create a pocket in the fillet and stuff it with ingredients like cream cheese, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
* **Different types of Bacon:** Experiment with different types of bacon such as turkey bacon or peppered bacon. Turkey bacon is a lighter option, and peppered bacon adds a nice spicy kick.

## Serving Suggestions

Bacon wrapped salmon is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes, make a healthy and delicious side dish.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich salmon.
* **Rice or Quinoa:** Rice or quinoa is a great way to soak up the flavorful juices from the salmon.
* **Mashed Potatoes or Sweet Potato Mash:** Creamy mashed potatoes or sweet potato mash are comforting and satisfying sides.
* **Pasta:** A light pasta dish with a lemon butter sauce or pesto is a delicious accompaniment.
* **Lemon Wedges:** Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

Per Serving (1 salmon fillet):

* Calories: Approximately 400-500
* Protein: 40-50 grams
* Fat: 25-35 grams (including saturated fat from bacon)
* Carbohydrates: Varies depending on added ingredients and sides
* Omega-3 Fatty Acids: High

Salmon is a good source of:

* Vitamin D
* Vitamin B12
* Potassium
* Iron

Bacon, while adding flavor, also contributes to the saturated fat content. Consuming in moderation as part of a balanced diet is recommended.

## Storing and Reheating

* **Storing:** Leftover bacon wrapped salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:**
* **Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Microwave the salmon in 30-second intervals, until heated through. Be careful not to overcook it.
* **Skillet:** Reheat the salmon in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Cook for a few minutes per side, until heated through.

Reheating may affect the texture of the bacon, making it less crispy.

## Conclusion

Bacon wrapped salmon is a simple yet elegant dish that is sure to impress. With its delicious flavor combination, easy preparation, and quick cooking time, it’s a perfect meal for any occasion. So, grab your ingredients, follow these instructions, and enjoy a culinary delight that combines the best of both worlds: the healthy goodness of salmon and the irresistible flavor of bacon! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and variations to create your own unique version of this classic dish. Bon appétit!