Cocoa Spiced Salmon

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. + marinating Cook: 25 min.

Makes

4 servings

Updated: Nov. 17, 2023
You simply can't beat salmon from the Pacific Northwest waters. Family and friends go salmon fishing all the time and share their bounty. Inspired by the flavors of a Mexican mole, I came up with this blend for salmon and it is a perfect accent to this wonderful fish. —Ann Marie Eberhart, Gig Harbor, Washington
Cocoa Spiced Salmon Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°. Pour orange juice in a shallow dish; add salmon, skin-side up. Let stand at room temperature 15 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together sugars, cocoa powder, cayenne, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Place salmon, skin-side down, on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Rub with spice mixture. Top salmon with an orange slice; brush with melted butter. Bake until fish flakes easily with a fork, 20-25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

1 fillet: 321 calories, 22g fat (9g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 223mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein.