Want to impress your guests at your next Shabbat meal? How about a new spin on the good ‘ole classic Gefilte Fish and try my Spicy Moroccan Salmon with my Pickle Slaw – chock full of aromatic spices, sweet and spicy pickles with a good kick of acid, this will definitely be a big hit with your guests.
Pickles are one of those ingredients you either love, or hate. Same with cilantro – am I right? One of my close friends (love you, Alex!) has a deep love for pickles, so much so that occasionally I’ll bring her a can of those classic Israeli pickles, the sweet, sour, vinegar-based whole pickles that you’d only REALLY enjoy with a big plate of hummus, falafel and cabbage salad. And what’s my opinion on this fermented snack? I’m most definitely on the pickle bandwagon.
A BBQ Inspiration
This recipe might seem a bit odd, but it came to me by accident. I was home one lazy Sunday, surfing the standard cooking shows on Food Network and Cooking Channel and came across a travel food show where they visited a local BBQ joint and what did they have on the menu? Slaw made solely with pickle juice. My version has my own twist, including a touch of mayo just so it balances out the tartness of the vinegar with some fat, and added some lemon juice (just a touch, for that freshness), and celery seed. I also love using fresh dill, but dried works too.
Spice Makes Everything Nice!
It might seem a bit backwards that I got inspiration for this coleslaw first, and then had to decide what to pair it with. And salmon just made so much sense. The rich and fatty salmon filet, paired with a spicy Moroccan sauce just felt so perfect to me mixed with a crunchy slaw. Don’t want to make a homemade Shakshuka or Harrisa (spicy pepper) sauce? I got you covered! Check out my favorite brand, Mina for these deliciously easy ways to brighten up a humble salmon filet.
And that’s exactly what I’m all about – “classic, with a twist”!
Let me know how you liked this, and comment below!
Check out another great salmon recipe here (the perfect no-cook appetizer, my smoked salmon avocado stacks)!
Recipe: Moroccan Salmon
- 2 Salmon filets (about 4 oz. each)
- 1 tsp Shwarma seasoning You can use pre-made, makes it super easy!
- 2 tbsp Shwarma Moroccan Tomato Sauce I love the brand Mina - you can find it in most grocery stores, or online here!
- 1 tbsp Harissa Optional - but if you want an extra spicy kick, go for it! Plus, this brand comes in mild and spicy options!
- 1/4 Red onion, sliced thin
- 2 Garlic cloves, finely diced Also optional, but I like to amp up the garlic flavor!
- 1/4 Fresh lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 handful Chopped cilantro or parsley Optional, for a fresh herb garnish
- 2 Green onions, chopped Optional
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Pre-heat oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Or, try out these "sizzle platters" from webstraurantstore.com - they can handle super high heat and make clean-up a breeze!
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Place the sliced onion on the pan and top with the salmon filets.
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Sprinkle the shwarma seasoning on top of the salmon.
and top with the shwarma tomato sauce and spread the harissa on top, if using.
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In a small bowl, mix the shwarma tomato sauce, harissa (if using) and diced garlic cloves (also, if using). Spread on top of the salmon.
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Lay the thinly sliced lemon slices on top of the salmon.
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Bake for 45 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and crispy on top.
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Garnish with chopped green onion or cilantro or parsley - whatever you have on hand that will make a bright herby garnish!
Recipe: Pickle Slaw
- 3 cups Pre-shredded cabbage mix
- 2 tbsp Pickle juice I'm a HUGE fan of the spicy pickles from Trader Joe's so I use that for both the pickles and juice!
- 1/4 cup Pickles, diced
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Celery Seed
- 1/4 tsp Dried dill
- 1/2 Lemon, squeezed
- 2 tbsp Mayo I like using homemade, or from Primal Kitchen or Chosen Foods brands
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Add all ingredients into a big bowl and mix well.
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Wait an hour or two for the flavors to meld together in the fridge - I recommend making the slaw before the salmon so the flavors marry together while the salmon is baking. Yay for being efficient in the kitchen!
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