Does Salmon and Bacon Go Together? An Unexpected Yet Delightful Pairing

Salmon and bacon may seem like an unlikely combination, but these two ingredients can make for a mouthwatering culinary experience While salmon is prized for its buttery, delicate flavor and bacon is loved for its smoky, salty crunch, together they form a harmonious blend of textures and tastes This unique pairing may catch some by surprise, but it’s a match made in foodie heaven.

In this article, we’ll explore why salmon and bacon complement each other so well We’ll suggest creative ways to enjoy them together, from breakfast to dinner And we’ll share tips for cooking up this unlikely duo to perfection. Read on to learn why you should give salmon and bacon a try – this combo may become your new favorite flavor combination!

Why Salmon and Bacon Work So Well Together

At first glance, salmon and bacon appear to be very different foods. Salmon is a tender, flaky white fish while bacon is a hearty cured pork product. But their differences are actually what make them ideal partners.

First, the oily texture of salmon contrasts nicely with the crunch of crispy bacon. The soft moistness of the fish balances out the brittle, crumbly bacon beautifully.

Second, the mild sweetness of salmon balances the strong salty smokiness of bacon. The subtle flavor of the salmon keeps the bacon from being overpowering.

Furthermore, both salmon and bacon boast a high fat content. Their fats intermingle on the palate, creating a rich and indulgent mouthfeel. The smoky pork flavors infuse the buttery salmon, taking it to new heights.

Finally, salmon and bacon offer complementary nutritional profiles. Salmon provides omega-3s, high-quality protein, vitamins D and B12, and minerals like selenium. Bacon contributes protein, zinc, iron, magnesium, and B vitamins. Together they form a nutritious power duo.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Salmon with Bacon

From breakfast to dinner and everything in between, there are endless ways to enjoy salmon with everyone’s favorite pork product – bacon! Here are some delicious ideas:

Breakfast

• Salmon and bacon scramble with eggs
• Smoked salmon, bacon, and cream cheese bagel sandwich
• Fried salmon hash with bacon, sweet potatoes, and peppers

Lunch

• Grilled salmon BLT sandwich
• Salmon salad stuffed in tomatoes wrapped with bacon and baked
• Salmon caesar salad with crispy bacon bits

Dinner

• Salmon fillets wrapped in bacon and baked
• Salmon cakes with bacon mixed right into the patties
• Cheesy salmon and bacon stuffed potatoes

Appetizers

• Bacon-wrapped smoked salmon bites
• Salmon and bacon flatbread pizza
• Salmon poke nachos topped with bacon crumbles

Sides

• Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and smoked salmon
• Loaded baked potato with bacon, salmon, sour cream, and chives
• Quinoa salad with shallots, spinach, salmon, and bacon

With a little creativity, the possibilities for enjoying salmon and bacon together are truly endless!

Handy Tips for Cooking Salmon and Bacon

When cooking salmon and bacon together, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose fattier salmon like farmed Atlantic or wild caught salmon belly to stand up to bacon’s bold flavor.

• Cook the bacon until nice and crispy before wrapping salmon or mixing together.

• Brine salmon fillets briefly before cooking to boost moisture and flavor.

• Adjust oven temp and cooking times to ensure bacon crisps and salmon doesn’t dry out.

• Bake, grill, or pan sear salmon and bacon dishes to get the best textures.

• Glaze or sauce salmon-bacon combos just before serving to unify the ingredients.

• Take advantage of rendered bacon drippings to cook veggies or roast potatoes.

• Gentle poach or warm smoked salmon to prevent overcooking this delicate fish.

With the right techniques, you can turn salmon and bacon into a culinary masterpiece!

Simple Baked Salmon Wrapped in Bacon

To experience how wonderfully salmon and bacon complement each other, try this easy baked dish. The step-by-step method results in fork-tender salmon enveloped in savory, crisp bacon. Feel free to tweak the glaze to suit your taste.

Ingredients:

• 4 wild salmon fillets
• 8 slices nitrate-free bacon
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tbsp whole grain Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 4 large foil sheets on a baking sheet.

2. Pat salmon dry and season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Lay 2 bacon slices vertically on each foil sheet.

3. Place seasoned salmon horizontally on top of bacon.

4. In a small bowl, whisk maple syrup, mustard, and garlic. Spoon glaze evenly over salmon.

5. Wrap bacon around fillets. Fold foil edges to seal packets.

6. Bake 12-15 minutes until salmon flakes easily and bacon crisps.

7. Carefully open packets, garnish with lemon wedges, and serve.

The sweet and savory maple mustard glaze beautifully complements the salmon. The bacon locks in moisture, provides crunch, and infuses everything with a subtle smoky essence. Enjoy this easy baked salmon and bacon recipe for a satisfying yet impressive meal.

An Unexpected Pairing That Just Works

While salmon and bacon may seem like a strange match at first glance, these two ingredients truly bring out the best in each other. The rich fattiness of the salmon contrasts the crunchy, salty bacon gorgeously. And bacon’s smokiness and umami flavors balance the delicate natural sweetness of salmon.

From party appetizers to easy weeknight dinners, salmon and bacon can be prepared countless creative ways. The next time you cook up some fish, don’t be afraid to add a bit of pork to the mix. This unexpected pairing results in an incredible interplay of flavors, textures, and nutrients. Fans of both salmon and bacon will be delighted by these recipes.

So embrace this unlikely duo and expand your cooking horizons. Bake, grill, broil or fry up salmon with bacon to enjoy this heavenly match made in your kitchen. Just follow our tips for success and get ready to experience flavortown!