Salmon With Truffle Oil

Blending the sweet taste of salmon with the deep, earthy flavor of truffle oil provides a nutritious and flavorful meal. You can add chopped, raw vegetables such as red and yellow bell peppers, tomatoes and onions to salmon with truffle oil sauce, providing texture and nutrients such as vitamins A and C, potassium and fiber.

Truffle Oil

Found underground near trees where the soil is moist and rich, truffles are a fungus similar to mushrooms. They're commonly found in and distributed from Italy, France, Spain and Oregon. The two basic types of truffles are; summer and winter white or summer and winter black. You can flavor dishes using truffle oil blends but do not use truffle oil for cooking at high heat.

Considerations

You can make your own truffle oil by soaking truffles in extra virgin olive oil. If you buy a commercial oil, keep in mind that some truffle oils are actually synthetic truffle flavorings added to olive oil, according to a 2007 report in the "New York Times." Store truffle oil in a dry, dark area or preferably in the refrigerator to preserve taste and prevent the oil from going rancid. Truffle oil will lose its taste if left out at room temperature, especially if it's exposed to light. Properly refrigerated, truffle oil should maintain its flavor and integrity for up to six months.

Salmon

Pacific wild caught salmon comes in five basic types: Chinook, Sockeye, Chum, Coho and Pink. Similar in taste and nutrients, Atlantic salmon is usually farm-raised instead of caught in the wild. Salmon contains a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, magnesium, niacin, B6, folate, potassium and phosphorus. Salmon also contains 16 to 22 g of protein per 3-oz. cooked portion.

Salmon and Truffle Oil Dishes

Prepare a sauce or vinaigrette with truffle oil to flavor salmon. Make the sauce by simmering butter with vegetable broth, garlic cloves and shallots. Add truffle oil and seasonings such as oregano and pepper, after removing the butter mixture from the heat. Prepare truffle vinaigrette by blending truffle oil with extra virgin olive oil, red wine or balsamic vinegar, the juice from a lemon, garlic salt and white pepper. You can vary the ingredients by using other herbs and seasonings such as basil, thyme or tarragon. Pour the truffle oil sauce or vinaigrette directly over cooked salmon. Another option is to top your favorite pasta with a grilled salmon steak and pour truffle oil sauce or vinaigrette over the top for a complete and mouth-watering meal.