Crispy-crusted Thai-style salmon with salsa recipe

Healthy fats, like the omega-3s found in salmon, are omega-3s might lower levels of inflammation in the body. Photo / Claire Winfield

Dr Linia Patel, renowned nutrition expert and cookbook author, adores the flavours in this dish.

Salmon is a great source of omega-3s, healthy fats that are important at any age, but especially during the menopause. Many studies suggest increasing your omega-3 intake can support your mood, in part because omega-3s might lower levels of inflammation in the body.

Crispy-crusted Thai-style salmon with salsa recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Gluten-free

Dairy-free

Serves 4

Ingredients

4 x 120g salmon fillets

1-2 tbsp red curry paste

2 tsp olive oil

2 Tbsp pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

1 Tbsp gluten-free soy sauce

Salsa

1 cucumber, deseeded, finely chopped

1 small red onion, finely chopped

Seeds from a pomegranate

Juice of a lime

1 green finger chilli, finely chopped

Handful of coriander (cilantro) leaves, chopped (optional)

Method

1. For the salsa, combine the cucumber, red onion, pomegranate seeds, lime juice, chilli, coriander, if using, and seasoning in a bowl and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, coat the salmon fillets all over in the red curry paste. Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat and fry the fish skin-side down for 3–4 minutes until golden and crisp, then turn and continue cooking for 1 minute more.
3. Add the pumpkin seeds and soy sauce. Cover and cook for 3 minutes until the fish is just cooked through. Serve with the salsa.

Food for Menopause by Dr Linia Patel, $45, published by Murdoch Books.