Recipe: Salmon Tacos

"Tacos are the perfect food." - Sophia Bush

Today I am sharing my favorite salmon taco recipe! They are so light and fresh, perfect for the warmer months ahead!

What You'll Need

  • Atlantic Salmon Filet 
  • Olive Oil
  • Corn Tortillas
  • Arugula or Shredded Lettuce
  • Cilantro
  • Corn
  • Red Cabbage
  • Lemon
  • Tomato
  • Avocado
  • Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Step 1: Prepare all of the veggies! Dice your tomatoes, chop your cilantro, red cabbage, and lettuce, and cut a few wedges of lemon or lime for added flavor. Also, you can grill your corn or prepare it on the stove top.

Tip: Slice up an avocado and throw that on your taco too!

Step 2: Heat your skillet for your salmon filet. Put the pan on medium to high heat, and add olive oil to the skillet. Place the salmon skin side down into the skillet, and add a little bit of lemon pepper seasoning (to taste). This will take about 5-7 minutes per side. Once the fish is cooked to your preference, remove the filet from the skillet and let it cool on a plate. Then, begin shredding and cutting up the salmon for the tacos.

Tip: You can also, oven bake your salmon. Turn your oven to 450 degrees. Please your filet skin side down and cook for 12-15 minutes.

Step 3: Now for the tortillas! In a heated skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and begin placing in the corn tortillas. Keep the tortillas in the skillet for about 30-60 seconds until browned. 

Step 4: It is time to build you tacos! Grab a tortilla, and put your veggies on the bottom, starting with the lettuce or arugula. Then add tomatoes, cilantro, corn, red cabbage, avocado, shredded salmon, and desired sauce. Drizzle some lemon juice on top too!

Tip: A cilantro lime sauce is always my go to for this yummy dish.

Step 5: Enjoy!

XO, Analise

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Recipe: Surf & Turf

"I don't eat red meat, but sometimes a man needs a steak." - Gwyneth Paltrow

I have not had red meat in over 5 years, but my husband absolutely loves a well cooked steak. When we got married I really wanted to learn how to make one of his favorite dishes! So, I quickly learned how to replicate one of his favorite meals at home. It can be quite costly to go to a steakhouse, and this simple recipe will make cooking at home super easy.

Today I'm sharing my recipe for G's favorite Surf & Turf dish!

What you'll need:

  • Your favorite cut of steak
  • Broccoli 
  • Uncooked & Raw Shrimp
  • Garlic & Herb Seasoning
  • Lemon Pepper Seasoning
  • Butter
  • Steak Seasoning (see below)
  • Olive Oil

Step 1: Marinate your steak 24 hours in advance before cooking it. I rub the steak seasoning all over the cut of meat. Also, I put a little bit of olive oil on both sides to ensure the seasoning is coated evenly. Once this is completed, you can place the steak on a plate, wrap it up with saran wrap, and store it in the fridge overnight.

Step 2: The next day, take your steak out 1 hour, before it will be cooked. It's important to have your steak close to room temperature so it will not go into shock in the cast iron skillet.

Step 3: Prepare your veggies! Cook your broccoli in a skillet for about 5-10 minutes. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Once the pan is heated, add the broccoli, and the garlic and herb seasoning. Stir the veggies consistently to ensure the olive oil and seasoning coat the broccoli. 

Step 4: Now, it is time for the shrimp! Begin to heat up the pan to medium heat. Add butter and a teaspoon of olive oil to the pan. Once the pan is heated add the shrimp and sprinkle in lemon pepper seasoning. Sear the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side. 

Step 5: Lastly, it is time for the steak! Ensure the cast iron is on high heat, and coat the skillet with olive oil. Once the pan is heated, place the steak in and add a tablespoon of butter. Baste the steak to ensure the flavor is locked in! Cook the steak on each side for 3-4 minutes, while basting the meat throughout the process. Once the searing process is complete, place the steak (with the cast iron skillet) in the oven at 375 degrees for 6-8 minutes. This will give the steak a perfect medium well cook - if you prefer a different cook, leave it in the oven for less time! 

Tip: Ensure your steak rests for about 5-10 minutes. If you are worried about the steak losing it's heat, cover it with aluminum foil while it rests.

Step 6: Plate, serve, and enjoy!

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Recipe: Avocado Salad

"Your diet is a bank account. Good food choices are good investments." - Bethenny Frankel

Now that Spring is officially underway I'm opting for lighter meal options! I'm constantly on the go, so it's great when I can whip up something quickly. A nice light salad that is super easy to prepare totally wins in my book.

Today I'm sharing one of my favorite salads just in time for the warmer months ahead.

What you'll need:

  • Arugula
  • Avocado
  • Lemon or Lemon Juice
  • Cucumber
  • Tomato
  • Olive Oil
  • Cracked Pepper
  • Uncured Bacon (optional)

Step 1: Get 1 or 2 cups of arugula and place them in a bowl or on a plate.

Tip: If you prefer to have a few bacon pieces in your salad then slice a few pieces. Take the small pieces and begin frying them while you prep the veggies!

Step 2: Now it is time for your vegetables! Begin dicing a tomato into small cubes. Next, slice about 6 pieces of cucumber - I prefer mine thin! Lastly, the star of the show - avocado. Slice several wedges of avocado to add to your salad. Once the vegetables are chopped and diced, begin placing them on the plate or bowl.

Step 3: Next, make your olive oil and lemon vinaigrette. Mix lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of oil together. I like to add a dash of cracked pepper to taste. Once, completed add the vinaigrette on top of the salad.

Tip: I typically use half of a lemon for the vinaigrette.

Step 4: Lastly, if you decided to add the bacon to your salad, go ahead and ensure your bits are cooked thoroughly. Then, add the bacon to your dish! Also, add a little cracked black pepper to top it off if you'd like.

Step 5: Enjoy! 

XO, Analise

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Recipe: Shrimp Tacos

"Food is not just eating energy. It's an experience." - Guy Fieri

Happy Taco Tuesday everyone! Tacos are a staple in our household and they are so easy to make! Today I am sharing my favorite shrimp taco recipe.

What You'll Need

  • 20 peeled and deveined shrimp
  • Olive Oil
  • Butter
  • Corn Tortillas
  • Arugula or Shredded Lettuce
  • Cilantro
  • Lemon or Lime
  • Tomato
  • Avocado
  • Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Step 1: Prepare all of the veggies! Dice your tomatoes, chop your cilantro and lettuce, and cut a few wedges of lemon or lime for added flavor.

Tip: Slice up an avocado and throw that on your taco too!

Step 2: Heat your skillet for your shrimp. Put the pan on medium to high heat, and add butter to the skillet. Place the shrimp into the skillet, and add a little bit of lemon pepper seasoning (to taste), while they are cooking on each side. Allow them to cook evenly, this will take about 2-3 minutes per side. Once the shrimp have a nice pink-ish color, remove them from the skillet into a bowl so they can cool down.

Tip: Do not over cook the shrimp, they will become rubbery and chewy.

Step 3: Now for the tortillas! In a heated skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and begin placing in the corn tortillas. Keep the tortillas in the skillet for about 30-60 seconds until browned. 

Step 4: It is time to build you tacos! Grab a tortilla, and put your veggies on the bottom, starting with the lettuce or arugula. Then add tomatoes, cilantro, avocado, shrimp, and desired sauce. Drizzle some lime or lemon juice on top too!

Tip: A cilantro lime sauce is always my go to for this yummy dish.

Step 5: Enjoy!

XO, Analise

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Dining In

"Crab cakes and football, that's what Maryland does!" - Wedding Crashers

My dad was raised in Maryland, and my both of my grandmothers worked in D.C. for many years. Crab cakes were a staple in my family growing up, and still are. I remember eating my first crab cake as a kid ... and it was absolutely life changing! Maryland ultimately has the best crab cakes. Yet, when I get a craving for this delicious item below is my go-to recipe. 

What You'll Need:

  • 1 pound lump blue crabmeat
  • Basil Pesto Aioli
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs 
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Steps:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine half of crabmeat with mayonnaise, panko, egg, mustard, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper and stir until thoroughly combined.

* Pro Tip: Mayo and egg help hold the cakes together and add moisture.

  • Gently fold in remaining half of crabmeat until just combined; try not to break apart the lumps of meat any more than necessary as you stir. Form into patties and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

* Pro Tip: Panko bread crumbs are the perfect binder. They are light, crispy, and disappear into the cakes.

  • In a nonstick skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add patties and cook, rotating and flipping occasionally for even browning. Crab cakes must be browned and crispy on both sides. This will take about 10 minutes.

* Pro Tip: Lower heat at any point to prevent burning.

  • Lastly, serve and enjoy! I personally like to have my crab cakes on a bed of arugula with basil pesto aioli. Yum!

Enjoy!

XO, Analise