Balsamic Glazed Salmon

It is an established fact in our household that if I didn’t cook, we would return to Ben’s bachelor diet of frozen pizzas and microwavable taco packets. Until that second dinner, I never would have suspected that, beneath the stash of frozen pot pies and instant noodles lay a man capable of cooking a meal that has become one of my absolute favorite dinners and is beautiful too.

Instead of going out on Valentine’s Day, every year Ben pours me a glass of wine and cooks me a special dinner. Because I love it so much (and raved incessantly when he first made it), Balsamic Glazed Salmon has become our tradition. One year, he attempted to switch it up and printed me a menu with two salmon options. I stuck with the balsamic glazed, but here’s the original Instagram shot for posterity.

I could go on and on about just how easy and fabulous this Balsamic Glazed Salmon is, but I think that message would be best delivered by the chef himself.

Without further ado, I present the man across the table, sports analogy-enthusiast, and Balsamic Glazed Salmon Master, my sweet husband Ben.

Being married to a food blogger gives a man a unique relationship with his spouse’s line of work. I’ve selflessly swallowed my share of recipe fails, spent many Saturday mornings holding wooden spoons for photos, and am only allowed to eat the “ugly cookies” from the first batch (or so she thinks).

I’m also incredibly fortunate to have a partner who is constantly coming up with new, creative dishes for us to enjoy…and who makes sure I (despite kicking and screaming) eat my Brussels sprouts.

Because Erin does 99.98% of the cooking (thanks, cereal, for that 0.02%), I aim to repay my colossal debt on special occasions.  What better way to humble your man pride on Valentine’s Day than by sporting an apron and attempting to own that stove like Calvin Johnson owns the deep ball. Men, with a recipe like Balsamic Glazed Salmon you are guaranteed to score high relationship points without the fear of pulling a butt fumble.

Seriously, this recipe is the secret to impressing the ladies. Why?  Because, ladies, this Balsamic Glazed Salmon is so gourmet it’s even out of Emeril Lagasse’s league.  (Sssshh! Guys, trust me: (a) there’s no need to wikipedia Emeril Lagasse and (b) making Balsamic Glazed Salmon is actually easier than T.J. Oshie scoring in a shootout).

Here’s what you need to make Balsamic Glazed Salmon: two pans; something to stir the ingredients in said pans (Erin tells me it’s called a “whisk”, but I’m pretty sure she made that up); and a confident attitude. This salmon is nearly impossible to mess up, but it looks and tastes like a fancy restaurant entrée. Present it with professional flare, then watch your date swoon. All you need to do now is make sure not to chew with your mouth open nor slurp your wine, and you can congratulate yourself on a perfectly executed date night dinner. Score!

For dessert, I’m grateful that boxed brownies come with such clear instructions (and that Erin loves them almost as much as I do).

More easy, yet impressive dinner recipes for date night (or any night):

Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Caprese Chicken Pasta

Creamy Barley Risotto

Pecan Crusted Chicken with Strawberries and Goat Cheese

An easy recipe for perfect balsamic glazed salmon that's ready in only 20 minutes. Looks impressive, tastes delicious, and is so simple to make!

Balsamic Glazed Salmon

YIELD: Serves 2

 

PREP TIME: 2 minutes

 

COOK TIME: 18 minutes

 

TOTAL TIME: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 (5 ounce) salmon fillets
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, then coat with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant and beginning to brown, about 2 minutes, watching carefully so that it does not burn. Add the balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, salt and pepper. Whisk and simmer until the mixture thickens, about 4 minutes.
3. Place salmon skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush liberally with the glaze. Bake for 5 minutes, brush again with the glaze, then bake 5 to 10 additional minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve. Bask in applause from your Valentine.