Wild Salmon w/ Orange Fennel Slaw

Living in Vancouver I definitely try and take advantage of the incredible seafood we have out here, one of my favorites being wild salmon which is a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Although the season for this sustainable (Ocean Wise approved) fish runs June through September, you can still find it in its frozen state at speciality seafood providers. Two of my favorites being Fresh Off the Boat, which you can find at the Winter Farmers Market and Finest at Sea which is located at 4675 Arbutus St.

I’ve had people tell me they are hesitant to cook fish because it always turns out dry but I'm telling you, the cooking method I use in this recipe is my fool proof way to succulent moist fish every time! By pouring orange juice around the fish before baking it adds flavor to the salmon while keeping it nice and moist. While I love comforting soups and stews to get me through the winter, there's something about this salmon recipe that's a refreshing change. Paired with an orange, fennel slaw I think it’s the perfect balance of flavours and textures.

Salmon
1 (2 ½-3lb) wild salmon fillet (I used coho), pinbones removed
3 tbsp dijon mustard (or M&B mustard)

1 tbsp honey
s+p/grains of paradise
1/3 cup orange juice
spice/fish rub (optional, I used a blend that was made for me by a friend)

Orange Fennel Slaw
1 orange (peeled and cut into segments, squeeze out any remaining juice into slaw)
3/4 fennel bulb, sliced as thin as possible and julienned (I used a mandoline to do this)
1/4 cup fennel fronds (tips of the fennel that look similar to dill)
1/2 red bell pepper, julienne
10 green olives, sliced
1 small handful flat leaf parsley, stems removed
s+p

Slaw Dressing
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp dijon mustard (or M&B mustard)
1/2 clove garlic, minced
small pinch chili flakes
3 tbsp apple cider vinegar (with mother)
1/4 cup olive oil
s+p

1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2.On a baking sheet (with a rim), line with parchment and place salmon on top.
3.Spread on mustard, honey, s+p. Pour orange juice around the fish.
4.Bake for 20-25 minutes or until salmon feels almost firm to the touch and the layers flake apart easily. *Salmon will continue to cook after it is taken out of the oven, so you can actually take it out when it is slightly underdone.*
5. Mix slaw dressing and toss together with the orange fennel slaw. Serve on top or alongside.


I have a slight obsession with Meat and Bread's mustard. I put it on EVERYTHING. If you've never heard of Meat and Bread it's a sandwich shop here in Vancouver and you should now stop reading this and immediately get down there for their porchetta sandwich.

Always ask for extra housemade mustard and sambal (which is killer too!).