Savoring Alaska: Grilled Salmon with Blueberry Balsamic Glaze

By Theresa

As the sun slowly stretches a little higher in the sky, melting winter’s grasp, it’s time to celebrate the coming summer season. But before we cast our lines for the first catch, let’s raise a fork to the heroes of winter – our trusty frozen salmon! Get ready to impress with a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, a recipe that looks like it came straight out of a fancy restaurant.

Here’s the skinny on how to make this showstopper:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of fresh or thawed salmon fillets
• Salt and pepper (to taste, but be generous!)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil 
• 1 cup of fresh blueberries (bonus points if you hand-picked them last summer!)
• 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar 
• 1 tablespoon of honey 
• 1 clove of garlic, minced 
• 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
• Lemon wedges 

Instructions:

1. Glaze Game On: In a small saucepan, combine those blueberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger. Let it simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring often and mashing those blueberries as they soften. This creates a thick and sassy glaze that’ll be your salmon’s best friend.
2. Salmon Prep Time: Get your grill fired up to medium-high heat. Brush your salmon fillets with olive oil, and don’t skimp on the salt and pepper. We want BIG flavor!
3. Grill Master Moment: Place the salmon on the grill, skin-side down, and cook for 6-7 minutes. Then, carefully flip those fillets and grill for another 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
4. The Grand Finale: Drizzle that warm, glorious blueberry balsamic glaze all over your perfectly grilled salmon. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra pop of freshness.

This dish is a symphony of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the Kenai River bank (well, almost!). It’s perfect for a casual get-together or a fancy dinner party—you be the judge! Ditch the delivery menu and whip up this vibrant, healthy dish that celebrates the unique flavors of summer.

Enjoy!