Healthy Recipe Doctor

Salmon is on many a restaurant menu these days, at least in California. From salmon sandwiches or burgers to various renditions of grilled salmon — you are more likely to find salmon on the menu at casual cafes or elegant restaurants than ever before.

At many of the restaurants I visited recently in southern California, there was at least one additional salmon option  added to the menu — like the salmon fillet sandwich from the LA Food Show restaurant in Manhattan Beach. This sandwich was simple yet delicious, featuring grilled salmon with cilantro aioli and fresh tomato and lettuce on a brioche bun. There were several other salmon entrees offered at this restaurant as well. I also noticed salmon as one of the protein options for some of the entrée salads at various restaurants. That’s when I realized salmon had “arrived” as an official food trend.

I love the food trends that are actually good for you! Most of us now know that when we eat fish, particularly fish higher in fat, we are getting the health-promoting fish omega-3s which may help decrease blood clotting, decrease abnormal heart rhythms, reduce triglycerides, and promote normal blood pressure. Omega—3s appear to have anti-inflammatory action within body tissues, and some researchers suggest getting more omega-3s to reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases.

A 4-ounce serving of steamed or broiled salmon contains approximately:

• 233 calories
• 25 grams protein
• 13 grams fat
• 2.8 grams saturated fat
• 5 grams monounsaturated fat
• 5 grams polyunsaturated fat
• 2.5 grams omega-3 fatty acids

Have you enjoyed a new salmon dish at a restaurant recently? Have you cooked a new salmon dish at home? Share your salmon recipes with the Food & Cooking Community.