Salmon is famously heart-healthy, which makes it a popular choice for a seafood meal. The average American consumes more than 3 pounds a year of the fatty fish, according to the National Fisheries Institute.
Who can blame us? Not only is salmon a source of complete protein, but it’s also chock-full of omega-3 fatty acids — “healthy” fats that have been shown to do the body good by reducing inflammation and lowering blood pressure.
The firm-fleshed fish is also pretty easy to find in most grocery stores (both fresh and flash-frozen) and can be cooked in so many different and exciting ways — you can pan-fry, roast, grill or poach the rosy-hued fillets, and also turn them into fish cakes — that it never gets boring for the adventurous cook.
In this recipe, we build a meal around chopped dates, the classic, ancient superfood featured in “Hot Date! Sweet & Savory Recipes Celebrating the Date” by Rawaan Alkhatib (Chronicle Books, $35).
Dates — a tropical stone fruit from date palms — are known for their versatility and flavor and are naturally sweet and high in fiber and antioxidants. Here, they provide the base for a tangy-sweet marinade that offers a lovely depth of flavor.