Do you ever wonder why we’re still calling it Presidents’ Day? Me too. We’re here to check out discounts on killer gear and get in on those post-winter clearance sales, not to ruminate on rich men in powdered wigs. We’ve sorted through hundreds of sales this long weekend to bring you the best deals on home and kitchen gear that we, the WIRED Gear team, have personally tested and vetted.
Updated February 19, 2024: We’ve added two new deals on the Balmuda and a chef knife.
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Kitchen Deals
Barista Express Impress
Photograph: Breville
It’s not our top pick, but at this discounted price, the Barista Express Impress is a pretty good deal. It’s a full-featured, all-around espresso machine with a built-in grinder, so you can save on counter space. It even offers a tamping lever to help you make sure you’re getting your grounds packed just right.
Enter code FRESH20 at checkout to see the deal. This is just one of many Partners coffee roasts that are on sale for Presidents’ Day, but this is my most recent favorite. With notes of dark chocolate and dates, the Flatiron blend is perfect for those crisp mornings when chilly fog still clings to the treetops. I suggest pairing it with a little bitter dark chocolate to bring out some of its earthier notes. For more, read our Best Coffee Subscriptions guide.
This is one of our top chef knife recommendations for most people. The handle is plastic, but it has a nearly nonstick finish. This is one of the lower prices we have tracked for a long time.
Cafe Affetto
Photograph: Café Appliances
I’ve never been a huge fan of automated espresso machines. Not because I’m particularly hard to please as a coffee drinker, but they’re often clunky and feel like they give you a lot more things you have to clean. The Affetto is the first automated espresso machine I’ve ever used that truly delivered on the promise of delivering a killer cup of coffee with one touch of a button. During my time with it, I got a lot of mileage out of that Americano button. All of the internal components you need to keep clean are easy to access via side panels without needing any tools.
You’ll see this discount at checkout. This is our favorite kitchen thermometer. It’s quick, accurate, and problem-free. Seriously, you’ll get your measurements in about a second! What else do you need?
Balmuda The Toaster
Balmuda
This is one of the lowest prices we have ever tracked on this steam toaster oven, but make sure you clip the on-page coupon to see the discount. The Balmuda toaster (8/10, WIRED Recommends) uses steam to make any stale bread, pizza, bagel, or pastry taste fresh again. You can even use it as a toaster oven to reheat last night’s chicken wings.
Personal Care Deals
L.L.Bean Wicked Good Slippers
Photograph: L.L. Bean
Only select colors are on sale. This is one of our top picks from our Best Slippers guide, and they’re a fave of WIRED senior reviews editor Julian Chokkattu. He bought these for his wife in 2020, and they’ve held up exceptionally well. These slippers are cozy and warm but breathable enough that they never feel sweaty or too warm. They’re even robust enough to go on short walks outside, thanks to the rubber outsole.
Manitobah Faux Fur Street Suede Mocs
Photograph: Zappos
Manitobah is an Indigenous-owned brand, staffed with Indigenous designers, and its slippers, clogs, boots, and moccasins are all made to last. Over the years I’ve acquired a small collection of Manitobah footwear, and a lot of my favorites are on sale this weekend. The Faux Fur Street Suede Moccasins are comfortable to wear indoors and outdoors, and the fur is such a convincing fake that I had to triple-check it was faux fur. I also really like the Cabin Slides for $45 ($45 off) These are the slippers I practically lived in when I was in hotels for two months during my apartment hunt. The thick soles are durable enough for running around doing errands outside the house but comfy enough that you never feel like you’re wearing shoes when you’re just lounging around inside. If you want a version with more ankle coverage, the Cabin Clogs for $50 ($70 off) are the same as the Cabin Slides but with higher ankle support.
Drybar Buttercup Blow Dryer
Photograph: DryBar
The Drybar Buttercup is one of the top picks in our Best Hair Dryers and Diffusers guide, lauded by WIRED contributor Victoria Woollaston-Webber for its gentle drying. During testing, Victoria found its lightweight design never tired her arms out or made it a headache to maneuver. The best part is that it doesn’t over-dry your hair which can leave you looking and feeling a little frizzy—and that means it doesn’t sear your scalp, which is always a plus. This has dipped as low as $119 before, but the price tends to fluctuate.
RevAir Reverse-Air Hair Dryer
Photograph: RevAir
We’ve seen this dip to $349 before but this is a solid price. The RevAir isn’t so much a blow dryer as it is a vacuum dryer. Instead of blowing air at your head, the RevAir does the exact opposite: It sucks. In a good way. WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano, known around the office for her luxurious curls, says this hair dryer changed the way she dries and styles her hair for life. During testing, Medea found the RevAir to dramatically cut down on styling time and reduce the damage hot blow drying can do to curly hair. She still uses a flat iron when she wants to wear her hair straight, but the RevAir almost gets the job done on its own. You should have no trouble straightening out looser curls or straight hair with the RevAir.
The Volo Go is a cordless hair dryer, so you can blow dry your hair anywhere in your home without being tethered to a wall outlet. WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano says it does a great job drying her curly hair without disrupting her curl pattern. It doesn’t have as many settings as some of the hair dryers we’ve tested, but even with just three (Hot, Cold, and Smart), it mostly gets the job done. The battery lasts about 25 minutes, which might not be enough time for your hair to dry depending on your hair texture.
Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer
Photograph: Zuvi
The Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer uses infrared heat to dry your hair. WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano says it did a great job of drying her hair at a lower temperature than other hair dryers she’s tested. That’s good news for anyone’s hair, but especially if you have a curly or sensitive hair texture.
Tushy Classic Bidet
Photograph: TUSHY
This isn’t the most fully featured home bidet you’ll find, but it does its job well. It’s nonelectric, so it doesn’t require an outlet, but that also means it doesn’t warm the water before it fires it at your backside. If that’s not a dealbreaker, it’s worth checking out. WIRED reviewer Nena Farrell says it’s showing some cosmetic wear and tear after a year of testing, but other than that it still works great.
Sofa and Office Chair Deals
Modern Tyler Sofa
Photograph: Benchmade Modern
Benchmade Modern offers quite a few couches in a mid-century-modern style, but the Modern Tyler Sofa caught the eye of WIRED senior writer Scott Gilbertson. But it wasn’t just the lounging experience that snagged the Modern Tyler Sofa a spot on our Best Couches guide; the buying and delivery process was seamless. Easy and breezy aren’t the first things that come to mind when you think about furniture shopping but during the ordering and delivery process, Scott found Benchmade Modern’s online store and delivery process to offer options you just can’t find elsewhere. The online store lets you browse colors, and resize the couch with a slider to see how the cushions change in the couch’s layout. You can also order a book of fabric swatches which comes with a full-size printout of your sofa to make sizing it for your living space even easier.
Most of the WIRED gear team works remotely, which means we have strong opinions on office chairs. We’ve put this expertise to good use in our Best Office Chairs guide, and the Branch Ergonomic Chair is one of the picks off of that list. WIRED senior reviews editor Julian Chokkattu says the Branch Ergonomic Chair is easy to assemble with clear instructions, but most importantly, it’s adjustable and comfy. The armrests move back and forth, the seat can move forward and back, you can adjust the lumbar support, and the nylon mesh backrest keeps you nice and cool during those long workdays.
Union & Scale FlexFit Hyken Ergonomic Task Chair
Photograph: Staples
This is the best price we’ve ever tracked on our favorite budget office chair. The Hyken is breathable thanks to its mesh design, with a sturdy body and reliable lumbar support. It’s not the best option if you need a wider seat or if you like to pull your legs up on your chair, but for most home offices, this might be the most affordable good office chair you can find.
The Branch Verve is an upgrade over the Branch Ergonomic Chair. It comes in a few more interesting colors, has a more elegant design, and does a better job of keeping your back upright. WIRED senior reviews editor Julian Chokkattu says the Verve has most of the same adjustment options the Ergonomic offers, but the armrests only go up and down not forward and back. This might not be a dealbreaker for most of you but it’s important to note, because office chairs should be comfortable, and if you need to move the arms forward and back to get comfy, you should look at the Ergonomic instead of the Verve.
Autonomous Ergochair Pro
Photograph: Autonomous
If you’re looking for an office chair with a wider seat than the ones above, the Autonomous Ergochair Pro might be a good pick. I love a wider seat; I like to sit like a goblin in just about any office chair, so I need that extra room for my feet. WIRED senior editor Julian Chokkattu tested the Autonomous Ergochair Pro and noted that the mesh back helps keep you cool, but the foam seat (though comfy) can get pretty warm after a while. It’s adjustable in all the ways an office chair should be, but the knobs and levers under the seat aren’t exactly intuitive to use. Julian recommends checking out this video from Autonomous to figure out exactly which lever does what.
The Steelcase’s Gesture is comfortable no matter how you sit in it. That’s high praise coming from the WIRED gear team. It’s not as breathable as some of the other chairs we’ve tested, but you can climb on this thing however you want and it’ll find a way to make sure you’re supported while you do it. The fabric has shown some wear and tear over time, but it has one of the best warranties you’re likely to find on an office chair: 12 years. This thing will outlast your computer.
Herman Miller Embody
Photograph: Herman Miller
You’ll need to choose certain customizations to see the lowest price (graphite frame, medley fabric). This is as luxe as office chairs come, but the Embody is a chair often imitated but rarely surpassed. WIRED senior reviews editor Julian Chokkattu says the Embody is the chair against which he tests all other chairs. Sitting down in it feels like taking a breath of fresh air. The mechanical supports kept his back well-rested and even soothed some chronic back pain. At full price it’s a great chair, and at a discount it’s a great deal.
The Herman Miller Aeron is the other office chair you’ll see other companies trying to imitate. it has an iconic design, emphasizing airy breathability, minimal bulk, and stylish modernism. On our office chairs buying guide, we recommend most buyers shop for a used Aeron—they’ve been around for a long time, and they hold up well. But with a decent discount for this weekend, getting a factory-fresh Herman Miller Aeron is a pretty good deal. Even if you aren’t as lucky as WIRED senior editor Michael Calore, who managed to snag one for free when a San Francisco startup closed one of its offices.
Whenever I’m at the beach, I can feel my entire system reset. Our family’s schedule is cleared of most commitments, so the time allows us to downshift into a more relaxed state of mind. When we’re in Malibu, my favorite time of day is just before sunset, when everything’s dipped in golden light and you can find us gathered around the grill prepping ingredients from the farm stand, cold drink in hand. And this summer, our MVPs have been these grilled shrimp tacos with grapefruit-avocado salsa, also know as the best shrimp tacos on the planet. Call us obsessed.
Now, when I’m back in Austin, I’m committed to bringing that relaxed Cali vibe home. (Yes, even as I’m juggling the realities of a busy work schedule combined with carpooling our kids from one activity to another.) For me, the best way to lean into the summer spirit is to cook (and eat!) as many meals outside as possible. This shrimp taco recipe is the perfect excuse to enjoy an al fresco meal any night of the week. Let’s dive in—I’ll show you how easily they come together.
Join the Club
Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Grapefruit-Avocado Salsa:
Camille’s Cooking Club July Recipe
Make this recipe then comment on this post and leave your star review before 8/1/24 for a chance to win a $100 Casa Zuma gift card! By opting in you agree to receive emails from Camille Styles and Casa Zuma.
Ingredients for Grilled Shrimp Tacos
This is a short and sweet ingredient list—which I consider to be a baseline requirement for any great summer recipe. Here’s what to grab at the grocery:
limes
grapefruit
honey
garlic
chili Powder
mayo
shrimp (peeled and deveined)
cabbage
corn Tortillas
avocados
cilantro
jalapeños
How to Make the Best Shrimp Taco Recipe
Marinate the shrimp
The key to keeping this recipe simple is letting our ingredients do double duty. The marinade is also used as the base for the creamy sauce, and the grapefruit salsa uses several of the ingredients in the marinade. Because again—I like a short grocery list.
To make the marinade, you’ll whisk together the zest and juice from your citrus with honey, garlic, chili powder and olive oil. Then you place the shrimp in a bowl and pour half the marinade over it. You only want this shrimp to marinate for 30 minutes to an hour at most—longer than that, and you’ll risk starting to “cook” the shrimp in the citrus. (We’re not making ceviche here.)
Make the quick crema
This sauce plays a major role in giving this shrimp taco recipe tons of flavor. All you need for the creamy sauce is your reserved marinade that gets combined with either mayo or sour cream. You’ll toss a bit of it with our shredded cabbage for a five-second slaw, then reserve the rest to drizzle over the top of the finished tacos.
Toss together your salsa
I made grapefruit the star ingredient in this addictive salsa. It’s incredibly easy and takes these tacos to the next level. Simply toss together chunks of avocado and grapefruit, then add cilantro and adjust the jalapeño to add as much heat as you like. Double the recipe and serve it as an appetizer alongside tortilla chips.
How to cook shrimp for tacos
Trust me on this: the key to the most delicious shrimp is getting that char, which means that a quick cooking method is the way to go. I like to cook shrimp on high heat in a cast-iron skillet set over the grill grates. It allows you to get that quick sear, while also ensuring that your shrimp don’t fall through the grates.
Once you’ve placed the shrimp into the pan and heard that sizzle, resist the temptation to move or flip the shrimp until the first side is nice and caramelized.
Assemble your tacos
To serve, top a charred corn tortilla with some of your cabbage slaw, grapefruit salsa, and then the grilled shrimp. Garnish with cilantro and a drizzle of crema, and serve with lime wedges. Voila—the best shrimp tacos you’ve ever had.
Tips for Shrimp Taco Success
Change up the toppings
If you want to skip the salsa, just add slices of creamy avocado, bits of fresh cilantro and a few squeezes of fresh lime. Pico de gallo is always welcome!
Switch up the protein
You could turn these into fish tacos, using the same marinade, sauce, and salsa. Cod or halibut filets work great for this recipe.
Make it easy
I rely on a few key shortcuts when I make this shrimp taco recipe:
Use a bag of pre-shredded cabbage.
Buy raw shrimp that’s already peeled and deveined.
Char the corn tortillas right on the grill, so you can keep all the cooking outdoors (with minimal clean-up!).
These shrimp tacos are simply the best. With a citrus-honey marinade and zesty grapefruit salsa, it’s a quick summer dinner that’s prepared almost entirely on the grill—and perfect for entertaining.
Zest of 1 lime and 1 grapefruit
1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 cup grapefruit juice
1/2 cup honey
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for pan
1/4 cup mayo or sour cream
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds large or jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined
2 cups shredded green cabbage
Corn tortillas, charred over grill
For serving: cilantro leaves and lime wedges
For the grapefruit salsa:
1 grapefruit, peel and pith removed, and cut into segments
1 avocado, cut into chunks
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 jalapeño, seeds and ribs removed, chopped
Kosher salt, to taste
Make the marinade: whisk together zest, juice, honey, garlic, chili powder, and olive oil.
Place shrimp in a bowl, then pour half the marinade over it. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, mix ¼ cup of the reserved marinade with ¼ cup of mayo or sour cream. This is your quick & creamy sauce. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Make the grapefruit salsa: gently toss all ingredients in a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Preheat grill to medium heat (375 F), and place a cast-iron skillet directly on the grates to preheat.
Drizzle olive oil on the bottom of the skillet, then place shrimp in the skillet and cook for 2 minutes. Baste the shrimp with the reserved marinade, then turn and cook for another two minutes, until opaque.
Remove from grill.
Toss the shredded cabbage with a couple tablespoons of the creamy sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
Assemble tacos: top a charred corn tortilla with slaw, salsa, and then shrimp. Garnish with cilantro and a drizzle of sauce, and serve with lime wedges. Enjoy!
July marks the middle of the year—a time when we’re reminded to reflect on all the past months have brought. It’s an opportunity to check in on our vision boards and intentions, making note of our progress and releasing what no longer resonates. Alongside this self-work, the sunshine seekers among us are out making the most of the longer days. We’re diving head-first into any body of water we can find and hiking our hearts out. When it comes to building a bucket list full of things to do in July, the month has so much fun and excitement in store.
31 Things to Do in July to Make Every Day Count
Some of us are beach bums, others are adventurers, and plenty of us simply enjoy a refreshing beverage poolside. Hiking, biking, and lazing about—however you choose to unwind, summer’s the season for it. And July’s the time to set the tone for the rest of the year to come.
So take this month day by day with the bucket list below. I have a feeling that by the time August comes around, we’ll all have long been riding our summertime groove.
July 1-8
1. Check in with your goals. We’re six months in and have six months left of 2024—there’s never a better time to reflect on the goals you set at the beginning of the year. What still resonates? Are there intentions you can let go of? Reframe and reset—and take this second half by storm.
2. Try a new hairstyle.Summer is a great time to experiment with new looks. Steal Camille’s secrets to perfect her breezy, beachy waves.
3. Cook a meal entirely outside.Even if you’re not a grill master, you can still cook a delicious dinner outside with picnic-friendly foods. If you can stand the heat and mosquitos long enough, set a pretty table and enjoy the al fresco vibes.
4. Celebrate the Fourth of July. Hit up your town’s parade, have friends over for a casual (but celebratory) meal, or spend the day on the lake. Kick back, relax, and enjoy your day off.
5. Commit to rest. Use the month of July to get in a good rest routine before the summer is over. Try taking naps, shoot for eight hours of sleep, and follow these tips for a good night’s snooze.
6. Invite friends over for a blind taste test.Y’all know we love a good blind taste test. We’ve tried everything from the best vanilla ice creams to pizza crusts to pancake mix. Now it’s your turn. Have some friends over, bake a few of your favorite sweets, and have everyone vote on their favorites. You can also do a blind taste test with something store-bought and something homemade to see if you can really taste a difference.
7. Have an intentional date night. While we love putting on a show and having a cozy night in with our S.O., 2024 is all about experiencing more novelty. These questions are designed to help you switch up your conversations and learn more about your partner.
8. Plan your outdoor space. Camille’s Mediterranean-inspired landscaping has motivated us all to make our backyards and patios an outdoor haven. Make your Pinterest dreams come true with these backyard landscaping ideas full of tips to fit any space.
July 9-15
9. Re-start your favorite book.While I’m all about picking up the best new read, there’s nothing more comforting than rereading your favorite books. There’s no pressure to focus too hard, no big commitments to make—just pure pleasure. Whatever book you can picture yourself laying out on the beach with for hours without pause, that’s the one to read. Head to the library, a bookstore, or your Libby app and make it happen.
10. Go night swimming. Some of my favorite childhood memories involve family night swims at the lake. Take the leap (literally) and discover the joy of it yourself this July.
11. Get your steps in. During the pandemic, my daily walks during the workday were my saving grace. Now that I know the simple beauty of a couple of daily walks, I can’t get enough. Prioritize at least a stroll around your neighborhood. Who knows, when the weather’s nice, you’ll likely be tempted to keep going.
12. Plan a road trip.The best part about road trips is that they require little planning, especially if you’re only taking a day trip. You have no excuse not to! Follow these expert tips on taking the ultimate road trip.
14. Spruce up your garden (or start one).Gardening is a great way to spend some time in the sun. Plant something new if you already have a garden going, or finally start one if you haven’t yet. Camille’s building her green thumb and can’t get enough. Steal her gardening tips and get growing!
15. Go strawberry picking.Take advantage of strawberry season! There’s nothing better than getting up early, beating the crowds, and heading home with baskets of fresh fruit. And of course, you have to make a sweet strawberry treat with your pickings.
July 16-22
16. Go to an outdoor concert. Most cities and larger towns host outdoor music events throughout the summer. Do a little research and come out to support local bands. Don’t forget the snacks!
17. Stargaze.Go stargazing on vacation, while camping out, or in your backyard. Download a free app like SkyView Lite to identify all of the stars and constellations you find. Keep your eyes peeled for shooting stars, too.
19. Visit an aquarium. When the weather’s hot, I’m either in a lake or staying cool somewhere that has AC. In the latter case, a museum or an aquarium will always win out. If there isn’t one in your area, explore the deep sea with this scrollable illustration. It’s seriously addicting.
20. Have a picnic. Prep and pack your favorite picnic recipes, whip up a pitcher of iced tea, and find the perfect spot to set out your blanket. Is there any better way to spend a summer evening?
21. Celebrate National Ice Cream Day.What better way to cool down than with ice cream? Pick up a few pints of thebest vanilla ice creams, try out one of these healthy ice cream recipes, or just grab a spoon and a bowl and celebrate by yourself.
22. Attend a block party. Bring some food and stop by. There’s no better way to get to know your neighbors.
July 23-31
23. Clean out your closet.If you’re looking for productive things to do in July, try cleaning out your closet. You probably feel like you just finished spring cleaning, but now is the perfect time to sell or donate the summer clothes from last season you never ended up wearing. And you can always reorganize to make room for the upcoming summer sales.
24. Take a family bike ride. My family just bought two electric bikes and I could not be more excited to go home and try them out. Pack a picnic and stop somewhere scenic for lunch along the way. (Yes, everything is just an excuse for a picnic.)
25. Make a seasonal bouquet. Whether you’re headed to Trader Joe’s or visit your favorite local florist, pick a few different blooms and craft an arrangement that’ll brighten up your home. Bonus points if you make an extra one to share with a friend.
26. Find a local farmer’s market and cook dinner with what you buy.Wondering what to do in July with all of summer’s finest foods? Check out our guide to what’s in season. Support local vendors by visiting your nearest farmer’s market and making a meal with what you find.
27. Have a 90s movie marathon when it’s too hot outside.Let’s face it: even though summers should be spent outside, sometimes it’s just too hot. Invite your friends over or cozy up in bed and have a 90s movie marathon to escape the heat.
28. Go wine tasting. It’s the ultimate Sunday girls’ day. Gather a few friends or invite other couples if you’d like to go with your partner. And if there are no wineries nearby, visit a wine bar or local brewery and keep your tasting close to home.
29. Go to a baseball game. Nothing screams summer quite like baseball and hot dogs. I just went to a Cubs game and while I wouldn’t call myself the biggest baseball fan, I had the best time getting outside and connecting with the energy of the game.
30. Get on the water. Grab a paddle board, take a surfing lesson, or head out on a boat. However, you enjoy the water, don’t be afraid to get your hair wet.
31. Reflect on the month and make new goals for August. Look back on all that this month brought into your life. Did you meet new people? Experience new opportunities? Learn new things? In your journal, write what went well and what you would have liked to happen differently this month. Then, take that positive energy and channel it into an amazing August ahead.
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At Camille Styles, our love of delicious, nourishing food runs deep. In-person and on Slack, our conversations inevitably gravitate to what we’re currently cooking in our kitchens across the country. From our best taco recipes to soups when the cozy season calls for it to our enduring passion for sweet potatoes—food is endless fodder for conversation. And the dish that’s in constant rotation in my kitchen right now? Sara Forte’s blackened salmon recipe with tropical pico from her new cookbook, Around Our Table: Wholesome Recipes to Feed Your Family and Friends.
As the creator behind the healthy cooking site Sprouted Kitchen, Sara is an expert at making fresh, delicious dishes accessible to an ever-expanding audience. Her recipes pair creativity with honesty—acknowledging that as much as we’d wish otherwise, our time in the kitchen is limited. Sara understands food as a core tenet of the larger pursuit of wellness. And though that translates to nutrition, nourishment also takes into account what’s possible with the resources we have.
What’s more, food is also a means of connection. It’s the foundation for intimate moments spent in the company of family and friends. Sara’s latest cookbook, Around Our Table, creates space for this comprehensive understanding of food. It’s the sort of cookbook that evolves alongside of you. Instead of being steeped in shifting food trends, it serves as a guide for how food can support your life—no matter the season.
We sat down with Sara to talk about the intention behind her latest release. As she reflects, Sara’s passion for incorporating food into a full life is evident. Her recipes are on-the-fly friendly, bringing color and creativity to the table while keeping things simple and streamlined.
Blackened Salmon With Tropical Pico
“This is your salmon for a crowd,” Sara writes in her cookbook. Whereas other salmon recipes forgo flavor for simplicity, Sara leans on fresh, heavy-hitting ingredients to streamline the prep and deliver a delicious meal, every time.
We also love that this salmon—and its accompanying pico—can be served in endless ways. Sara tops fish tacos with the pico or adds a little heft to the salsa with avocado for a standout, standalone appetizer. (With crunchy, salty chips, of course.)
Serving tips for your salmon abound. She enjoys it best “[…] generously seasoned and served with some punchy pineapple pico and avocado.” (I.e., the exact recipe you’re getting below.) “I serve it with coconut rice, but it could just as easily be wrapped into a burrito or even served over greens. This dish makes for excellent lunch leftovers, so don’t overthink the suggested serving number.”
And contrary to popular belief, salmon isn’t a year-round dish. Sara notes that you’ll find the freshest fish between May and September. And while frozen fillets work in a pinch, she advises staying away from “thin, flimsy tail-end pieces.”
With those expert tips in mind, read on for Sara’s blackened salmon recipe with tropical pico. And be sure to pick up Around Our Table for more recipes to keep in your everyday arsenal.
Excerpted with permission from Around Our Table by Sara Forte published by Hardie Grant Publishing, April 2024, RRP $40.00 Hardcover.
A crowd-pleasing dish you can make in a pinch, this Blackened Salmon With Tropical Pico is the standout recipe of the summer.
For the Tropical Pico:
2 cups / 330 g chopped fresh pineapple
1 ripe mango, diced small
1 Roma tomato, seeded and chopped
1 bundle cilantro, chopped
1/4 of a red onion, minced
1 serrano, seeded to taste and minced
1 lime, zest and juice
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
A few grinds of freshly ground pepper
Pinch of sugar
For the Salmon:
2 tablespoons olive oil + more for the pan
2pounds / 900g center-cut slab of salmon
For the Blackened Seasoning:
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 teaspoon finely ground coffee
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
For the Coconut Rice:
1 cup / 200 g short-grain white rice, well rinsed
1cup / 240ml water
1cup / 240ml coconut milk
Pinch of sugar
Zest of 1 lime
Sea Salt
2 large avocados, cubed
Fresh cilantro and microgreens
For the Tropical Pico:
Put all the ingredients in a bowl and mix to combine. Keep covered in the fridge until ready to use.
For the Blackened Salmon:
Preheat the oven to 300°F / 150°C. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray or rub it with oil. Dry the salmon with a paper towel and place it on the oiled parchment sheet.
Mix all the blackened seasoning ingredients together. Mix in the oil and gently rub it all over the flesh of the salmon.
Start the rice. Combine the rinsed rice, water, coconut milk, sugar, lime zest, and salt together. Stir to mix. Bring the rice to a boil, then down to a simmer. Cover and cook for 18 to 20 minutes until cooked and tender. Set aside.
While the rice cooks, roast the salmon. Bake for 15 minutes, then turn the heat up to broil and cook another few minutes until the top starts to char. Timing will vary by oven, but assume somewhere in the 2-minute ballpark. The salmon should be cooked to about medium in that time; add 5 minutes to that first bake if you prefer it well done. Remove to rest.
Serve the slab of salmon over the rice on a platter, flaking it apart with a fork, with the avocado and pico over the top. Garnish with cilantro and microgreens.
