Learning Project/Kade’s Kitchen: Swimming through the Food Network for Salmon

During week 6 of the learning project, I decided to swim over to the savoury side of cooking with salmon. I wanted to discover how to prepare and cook meat from the northern Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It also brings back memories because my family loves making a salmon recipe with a maple glaze, but I decided to broaden my horizons involving one of my favourite fishes. Thanks to all who commented on my last blog post with supportive and uplifting comments! The online source I used was the Food Network, which I have only watched without making anything from. The shows can be addicting to watch and make the viewers couch potatoes. I will base my review of the Food Network on three criteria: 1. The recipe clip from the website, 2. The information of the recipe, and 3. My overall impressions of it.

Mary Berg’s confidence and down-to-earth, likeable personality help complement the dish. She truly wants people to take something from each of her recipes. It helps that Mary won Master Chef Canada season three and knows what it means to learn as a home cook in the kitchen. The 4:46 minute segment is quick and reliable compared to some YouTube shorts or TikTok videos. Also, the information and steps have the purpose of not just entertaining the viewer, like a show by Guy Fieri. I would gladly watch and make another recipe from Mary Berg due to its simple and fun execution of flavours.

The FN website is unique and different from a site or blog from individual cooks. It has sections for breakfast, lunch, dinner, chicken, and pasta recipes. The layout makes it easy for people to find the recipe they want from specific chefs. However, the site is gimmicky, focusing on shows, “trendy news,” and storefronts to capitalize on the network’s superfans. When they focus on proper recipes, it is well executed for beginners like myself. For this recipe, the seven directions are practical and educational in that anyone can cook salmon in 45 minutes. I would give the Food Network 4 out of 5 chef’s hats for a learning focus in the kitchen!

Ingredients for Crispy Salmon Fillets:

• One 1.5-kilogram/3.3-pound salmon side
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (56 grams)
• 4 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons dried herbs (such as Herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning)
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 3 eggs
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• Nonstick cooking spray

I started by getting a baking sheet and cutting my salmon. Luckily, mine did not have skin, so it was less labour-intensive and time-efficient—and I was hungry! In the meantime, I melted butter on my stove and gradually added the other dry ingredients. These were panko, which I recommend adding slowly, or you will create a big mess. Then, I seasoned the panko and made sure it got to a golden brown colour. Next, I transferred it to a sallow dish to get the breadcrumbs to room temperature. 

I easily mixed eggs, mayo, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard for the sauce or dredge. It was finally game time to prepare the salmon by dipping it into the panko breadcrumbs and the dredge. Finally, the oven was at 425 degrees Fahrenheit, and I put the salmon on the baking sheet for 15 to 18 minutes. I completed the Crispy Salmon Filllets with mini-roasted potatoes and asparagus. Side note: This is an excellent recipe for meal-prepping and a fantastic meal worth your money off the internet!   

As always, I look forward to your reactions and feedback. Next week, I will look at one of my favourite content creators on TikTok; a hint is Milkshake Monday! Till then, I will leave you with this inspirational advice!

Pinterest post by Gail Shinkle