Jerk Salmon with Fresh Kiwi Mango Salsa

Welcome to a culinary journey where vibrant flavors meet effortless preparation: Jerk Salmon with Kiwi Mango Salsa. This exquisite dish is designed to be a showstopper without demanding hours in the kitchen, making it the quintessential choice for a light, yet profoundly satisfying, meal. It masterfully blends the smoky, spicy notes of traditional jerk seasoning with the bright, sweet, and tangy zest of a fresh kiwi mango salsa. The result is a perfect harmony of flavors that will delight your palate and transport you to a tropical paradise with every bite.

Grilled Jerk Salmon with fresh Kiwi Mango Salsa on the grill

Our philosophy, especially as warmer days beckon, revolves around dishes that are fast, fresh, and undeniably delicious. Summer is a season for gathering, celebrating, and creating cherished memories with loved ones. There’s a unique joy in the simple act of congregating around a sizzling grill, sharing laughter, and savoring exceptional food. And what elevates these moments even further? The refreshing crispness of a perfectly chilled beer, like a premium Stella Artois® Beer or the delightful Stella Artois® Solstice Lager Beer, waiting patiently in the fridge.

Imagine the scene: friends arriving, the grill radiating inviting warmth, and a spread of delectable food anticipating their arrival. With just a few simple ingredients and the right company, “Your Table Is Ready!” for an unforgettable experience.

Stella Artois beer with grilled salmon

The Perfect Summer Feast: Jerk Salmon with Kiwi Mango Salsa

Having recently settled into a new home, just in time for the glorious summer season, our enthusiasm for hosting is at an all-time high. For our inaugural gathering, we envisioned a dinner that was both elegant and light, ensuring our guests felt energized rather than weighed down. The answer was clear: Jerk Salmon with a vibrant Kiwi Mango Salsa. This dish perfectly embodies the fresh and inviting spirit we wanted to share.

To complement this flavorful meal, I made sure to stock up on Stella Artois Beer from my local supermarket. Its classic, crisp taste is a superb pairing for grilled seafood. I also discovered the Stella Artois Solstice Lager, a truly refreshing golden lager that boasts subtle citrus notes and a remarkably smooth, crisp finish thanks to its triple-filtered purity. It’s an absolute game-changer for summer entertaining, offering a light yet sophisticated option that harmonizes beautifully with the spicy and sweet elements of the salmon.

Essential Ingredients for Your Jerk Salmon Masterpiece

Crafting this dish begins with selecting high-quality, fresh ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor that make this recipe so special. Here’s what you’ll need for this quick and flavorful meal:

  • Sockeye Salmon Portions: Opt for high-quality sockeye salmon for its rich color, firm texture, and robust flavor, which stands up beautifully to the bold jerk seasoning.
  • Jamaican Style Grill Spice Seasoning Rub: This is the heart of the “jerk” flavor. Choose a high-quality rub with a good balance of heat from scotch bonnet peppers (or substitutes like habanero), warming spices like allspice and nutmeg, and aromatic herbs.
  • Ripe Mango: A key ingredient for the salsa, providing a luscious sweetness and tropical aroma. Look for mangoes that yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a fragrant scent.
  • Fresh Kiwi: Adds a delightful tartness and unique texture to the salsa, balancing the mango’s sweetness. Choose kiwis that are slightly soft when pressed.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Offers a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the salmon and freshens the salsa.
  • Limes: Essential for their zesty juice, which brightens the salsa and adds a crucial acidic balance.
  • Jalapeño: Provides a gentle kick of heat to the salsa. You can adjust the amount or remove the seeds and membranes to control the spiciness.
  • Honey: A touch of honey in the salsa enhances the natural sweetness of the fruits and helps to mellow any sharpness.
  • Salt: Essential for seasoning both the salmon and the salsa, bringing out all the individual flavors.

Simple Step-by-Step Instructions for Culinary Success

Grilling the Perfect Jerk Salmon

Achieving perfectly grilled salmon is easier than you think. Follow these steps for tender, flavorful fish with a beautiful char.

  1. Prepare Your Grill: Begin by preparing your outdoor grill for medium heat. If an outdoor grill isn’t an option, an indoor grill pan or a heavy-bottomed cast iron skillet can be used, heated to a similar medium temperature. Ensure the grates are clean to prevent sticking.
  2. Season the Salmon: Lightly brush each salmon fillet with a good quality olive oil. This helps the seasoning adhere and prevents the fish from sticking to the grill. Generously sprinkle the Jamaican jerk seasoning rub over the salmon fillets, gently pressing it into the flesh to ensure it adheres well and infuses every bite with flavor.
  3. Grill to Perfection: Place the seasoned salmon fillets, skin side down, directly over the medium heat. Close the lid of the grill to allow the heat to circulate evenly, cooking for approximately 6-7 minutes. The skin acts as a natural protective layer, ensuring the flesh remains moist. After this initial cook, carefully flip the salmon and continue to grill for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is firm to the touch and flakes easily with a fork. It should effortlessly lift from the grill, indicating it’s perfectly cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for optimal safety and doneness.

Crafting Your Refreshing Kiwi Mango Salsa

This vibrant salsa is the perfect complement to the spicy jerk salmon, offering a burst of freshness and sweet-tart flavors.

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, gently combine all of your prepared salsa ingredients: the diced mango, peeled and diced kiwi, chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, finely diced jalapeño (adjust to your heat preference), and honey.
  2. Season and Serve: Stir gently to combine everything without mashing the fruit. Taste the salsa and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want a little more lime for zest, a pinch more salt to enhance the flavors, or a touch more honey for sweetness. Once perfected, generously spoon this bright, flavorful salsa over your freshly grilled jerk salmon fillets. The contrast in temperatures and textures is simply delightful!

Plated Jerk Salmon with Kiwi Mango Salsa and sides

Recipe Variations and Expert Tips for Customization

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

  • Protein Alternatives: While salmon is magnificent, this jerk seasoning and fruit salsa combination works incredibly well with other proteins. Consider using chicken breasts or thighs for a flavorful jerk chicken experience. You could even offer both options at your next barbecue, allowing guests to choose their favorite. Shrimp or firm white fish like cod or halibut are also excellent choices for a lighter alternative.
  • Fruit Salsa Innovations: The beauty of this salsa is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with other fruits and vegetables to create new flavor profiles. Adding diced strawberries or pineapple can enhance the sweetness, while a finely diced avocado would lend a creamy texture and healthy fats. For a savory twist, consider incorporating finely chopped tomatoes or red bell pepper alongside the fruits. A touch of red onion or green bell pepper could also add a pleasant crunch and subtle bite.
  • Spice Level Adjustment: If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño. For more spice, leave some in or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the jerk rub.
  • Herb Options: Not a fan of cilantro? Fresh mint or parsley can offer a different but equally refreshing herbal note to the salsa.
  • Make It a Bowl: Serve the jerk salmon and salsa over a bed of quinoa, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a complete and healthy meal bowl.

Common Questions About Your Jerk Salmon

We’ve anticipated some of the questions you might have while preparing this delicious dish:

  • Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?
    • Absolutely! The Kiwi Mango Salsa is actually fantastic when made a few hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, for the salmon itself, it truly tastes best and has the most succulent texture when cooked fresh from the grill and served immediately. The high heat grilling ensures a crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior that is hard to replicate when reheated.
  • Is a traditional grill necessary for this recipe?
    • Not at all! Please don’t let the lack of an outdoor grill deter you from enjoying this incredible meal, regardless of the weather. This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily use an indoor electric grill or griddle if you have one. Alternatively, a heavy-bottomed cast iron pan works wonders. Just ensure you get it screaming hot before adding the salmon to achieve that beautiful sear and ensure it cooks through quickly and evenly. A broiler in your oven can also be a good substitute for a quick cook, just keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking.
  • How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?
    • Salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork at its thickest part and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). It should be opaque throughout but still moist. Avoid overcooking, which can lead to dry salmon.

Perfect Serving Suggestions to Complete Your Meal

To round out this flavorful Jerk Salmon with Kiwi Mango Salsa, we love to pair it with light and fresh side dishes that complement its vibrant profile.

Our go-to accompaniments include a crisp grilled romaine salad, which adds a lovely smoky depth and refreshing crunch, or simply steamed fresh asparagus, offering a tender and slightly earthy contrast. Other fantastic options include a light couscous salad, fluffy jasmine rice, or even sweet potato fries for a touch of indulgence. The key is to choose sides that enhance, rather than overpower, the star of the plate.

Jerk Salmon with Kiwi Mango Salsa served with grilled romaine salad

Jerk Salmon with Kiwi Mango Salsa

Jerk Salmon with Kiwi Mango Salsa

Yield:
4 servings
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cook Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
15 minutes
(Rated 5 out of 5 stars by 1 reviewer)

Ingredients

  • 4 Sockeye Salmon Portions
  • 2 teaspoons Jamaican Style Grill Spice Seasoning Rub
  • 1 large mango, diced
  • 5 kiwi, peeled and diced
  • 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 small jalapeños or 1 large, seeded and finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Grilled Salmon Preparation:

  1. Prepare an outdoor grill or indoor grill to medium heat.
  2. Brush your fish with olive oil before seasoning the fillets and sprinkle on jerk seasoning rub. Press firmly into the flesh.
  3. Grill the salmon, skin side down, over direct heat with the lid closed, for about 6-7 minutes. Flip over and continue to grill for 2-3 additional minutes until the salmon is firm to the touch and easily removes from the grill.

Mango Kiwi Salsa Assembly:

  1. Combine all salsa ingredients into a medium-sized bowl. Taste for seasoning and serve on top of grilled salmon fillets.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting my blog.

  • Cuisinart GR-6S Contact Smoke-Less Mode Griddler, 11.5″(L) x 10.5″(W) x 7.0″(H), Silver
  • OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Fish Turner
  • Stella Artois Chalice – 2-Pack Gift Set – Official Product – 33 Cl / 11.2 Oz. Capacity Beer Glasses
Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 256Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 52mgSodium: 442mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 4gSugar: 24gProtein: 24g

All information and tools presented and written within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist, and any nutritional information on strawberryblondiekitchen.com should only be used as a general guideline.

© Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

Cuisine: American

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Category: Seafood

Jerk Salmon with Kiwi Mango Salsa

There’s truly nothing better than finding yourself on a warm back patio, surrounded by the people you love, with the perfect beer in hand and a plate of incredible food. That’s exactly where you’ll find me all season long, embracing these simple yet profound moments. This Jerk Salmon with Kiwi Mango Salsa isn’t just a meal; it’s an invitation to savor life’s delicious moments.

Cheers to good food, good company, and great memories!

Beer glasses and salmon

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