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Cocoa Spiced Salmon

Cocoa spiced salmon fillet topped with a slice of orange and served with a buttery glaze.

This Cocoa Spiced Salmon is a delightful dinner idea that brings together the richness of salmon with the warm, aromatic flavors of cocoa and spices.

Inspired by the bold flavors of a Mexican mole, it’s a simple yet exciting way to prepare salmon with just a few ingredients. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special dinner with family and friends.

Time
Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 25 mins Total Time: 40 mins
Cooking Temp 400  °F
Servings 4
Description

This Cocoa Spiced Salmon is a perfect blend of spices and cocoa that enhances the natural flavor of the fish.

The salmon is marinated in orange juice, coated with a cocoa-spiced rub, and topped with a fresh orange slice before being baked to perfection. The result is a tender, juicy salmon fillet with a unique sweet and spicy kick.

Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 4 salmon fillets (4 ounces each)
  • 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking cocoa
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 medium navel orange, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Pour orange juice into a shallow dish. Add the salmon fillets, skin-side up, and let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, sugar, cocoa powder, cayenne, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
  4. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Rub the spice mixture over the salmon fillets.
  6. Top each fillet with an orange slice and brush with melted butter.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 321kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 22g34%
Saturated Fat 9g45%
Cholesterol 87mg29%
Sodium 223mg10%
Total Carbohydrate 11g4%
Sugars 9g
Protein 29g58%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For best results, allow the salmon to marinate in the orange juice for the full 15 minutes. This enhances the flavor and tenderness.

Keywords: Cocoa salmon, Spiced salmon, Salmon dinner, Orange spiced salmon, Salmon recipe