A chef from Delish has shared a straightforward summer salmon recipe that is both delicious and fiery, thanks to one brilliant addition: harissa paste. According to the Mediterranean Dish, harissa paste is a North African red chilli paste made from chillies, garlic, olive oil, citrus, and spices, offering a subtly sweet, smoky, tangy, and spicy flavour. The paste is widely available in supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury's for under £2.
Simple 25-Minute Dinner
The chef at Delish said: "I fell in love with harissa roasted salmon when developing my recipe for everything bagel crusted salmon, and this version is even simpler, coming together in a single skillet in the oven with only five minutes of prep." The recipe requires just 25 minutes total, with salmon fillets dusted with cumin and paprika, rubbed with harissa paste, and roasted alongside cherry tomatoes, shallots, and garlic, then topped with fresh dill and creamy feta.
Harissa Roasted Salmon Recipe
Ingredients: Four skinless salmon fillets, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika, 2 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt (divided), 1 tablespoon harissa paste, 1 shallot, 3 garlic cloves, 8 ounces cherry tomatoes, 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided), 2 tablespoons crumbled feta or goat cheese, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill.
Method
Position an oven rack in the centre and place a large stainless steel or cast-iron skillet on it. Preheat the oven to 230°C. Pat the salmon fillets dry with kitchen paper. Season both sides evenly with cumin, paprika, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Coat one side of each fillet with harissa paste.
Finely chop the shallot and thinly slice the garlic. Combine shallot, garlic, and tomatoes in a medium bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with remaining salt, and toss to coat. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven, add 2 tablespoons olive oil, place salmon fillets harissa-side up, and scatter the tomato mixture around. Bake for 9-11 minutes. Finish by scattering crumbled feta or goat cheese and chopped dill over the salmon and tomatoes.
