This recipe is the main course of a romantic meal based around the aphrodisiac of alcohol. Salmon is not only a fleshy, pink fish with an aphrodisiac history, pan seared salmon is a great protein for pairing with aphrodisiac ingredients. In this case, I’m pairing it with juniper, gin and a garnish of (also aphrodisiac) chopped chives.

RELATED: Why salmon is one of the 10 Best Foods for Men’s Sexual Health

I’ve designed this salmon recipe for two to be the centerpiece of a boozy-themed romantic dinner I like to call my “hitting the sauce” dinner. The rest of the menu includes an appetizer of tequila mussels and Madeleine cookies with a vodka-lemon glaze. All the recipes are designed for two.

Pan searing salmon

Pan searing is one of the quickest ways to cook fish or any other protein. Many pan fried salmon recipes call for skin-on fish. This one does not, which helps to simplify the technique of searing. The pan cooking of fish is actually a very simple thing. So long as you have fresh fish and a good pan, you’re on your way to a tasty and impressive meal.

TO TRY: Salmon Cakes with White Truffle Mayonnaise

The important things to remember about searing salmon is to liberally season the fish. And make sure the pan is hot before you add the fish. Pan searing is a technique where you can’t walk away. The fish cooks fairly quickly. And if you overcook the salmon, it will get try.

However, even if you make a mistake with this easy salmon recipe, you’ll be ok. The salmon is covered in a gin-based, flavorful cream sauce. So even if you make a misstep, the fish will still have flavor.

RELATED: If you love seafood, be sure to check out our whole seafood recipe index.

Pan Seared Salmon with Juniper Gin Sauce

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This salmon recipe will surprise tastebuds with the unique aromatic of juniper. A perfect dish for an intimate dinner party or romantic dinner for two, its flavor is sure to surprise and delight your guests. 

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Diet and Health healthy-ish, low carb

Seasonal New Year's Eve, spring, Valentine's Day, winter

Ingredient salmon

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

Author Diane Brown

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry vermouth
• 1 shallot minced
• 1 tsp coarsely crushed juniper berries
• 1/4 tsp coarsely crushed green peppercorns
• 4- oz bottled clam juice
• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 2 6- oz skinless boneless salmon fillets
• 2 Tbsp dry gin
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh chives

Instructions

• Combine vermouth, shallots, juniper berries, and peppercorns in heavy small saucepan.
• Boil until liquid is reduced to 1/4 cup, about 12 minutes.
• Add clam juice and boil until reduced by half, about 8 minutes.
• Add cream and boil until mixture is reduced to 3/4 cup, about 8 minutes.
• Add butter 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking until melted before adding more.
• Strain sauce through fine-meshed strainer.
• Return sauce to saucepan. (Can be made 2 hours ahead. Keep at room temperature.)
• Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Sprinkle salmon with salt and pepper. Add salmon to skillet and sauté until just cooked through, about 4 minutes per side.
• Meanwhile, re-warm sauce and stir in gin and lemon juice.
• Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
• Place salmon on plates and drizzle sauce over.
• Garnish with chives and serve.

View more of my recipes for Hitting the Sauce

Diane Brown is author of The Seduction Cookbook: Culinary Creations For Lovers. Click to buy it now at Amazon:

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Diane Brown

Diane Brown is the author of The Seduction Cookbook: Culinary Creations For Lovers, (Innova Publishing 2005). She is a personal chef as well as a freelance food writer. Her work has appeared in publications including Bon Appetit, Gourmet, Sunset, Veggie Life, Chile Pepper and Wine Enthusiast. She has taught aphrodisiac cooking both in person and on tv and radio, including appearances on The Other Half, Fox News “Ask the Expert” and Leeza at Night. A champion of CSA's, Diane writes the blog Family Farm Box, where she showcases the use of local, fresh produce.

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