Salmon is considered one of the top 10 superfoods in the world, packed with nutrition and a rich flavor that everyone loves. It can be easily purchased in most areas of the United States.

Usually, when people think of salmon, they only consider sashimi, sushi, or steak, but with just a little creativity, you can create impressive dishes at home that are perfect for entertaining guests. I am a working professional who enjoys cooking as a hobby, and I often make three dishes that transform ordinary salmon into something special. They are not difficult to prepare, yet they elevate the dining experience.

The first dish is miso-glazed grilled salmon.

This is a truly foolproof recipe. The rich, fatty flavor of the salmon combines beautifully with the savory taste of miso, enhanced by a hint of sweetness, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Mix two tablespoons of miso (you can use Korean soybean paste if you don't have miso, but add more water) with one tablespoon of mirin, one tablespoon of oligo syrup, and a little minced ginger to make the marinade. Pat the salmon dry, coat it evenly with the marinade, and let it marinate for about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven or air fryer to 200 degrees and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes until the outside is slightly caramelized and browned. It pairs wonderfully with rice and some chives or stir-fried onions on the side.

The second dish is salmon tartare and avocado tower.

This is especially great for summer or home parties since it doesn't require cooking. Cut fresh salmon for sashimi into small cubes, and mix it lightly with diced onion, capers, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cut the avocado into similar-sized pieces and sprinkle with a little lemon juice and salt. Place a round mold on a plate, press the avocado into the bottom, then pile the salmon on top, carefully removing the mold to create a beautiful layered effect. Topping it with a few young greens gives it a restaurant-quality appearance. It's perfect served on crackers or baguette as a wine snack.

The third dish is salmon spinach cream pasta.

If you make this for lunch on the weekend, you won't need to go to a café. Season the salmon with salt and pepper, then sear it in a pan until crispy on both sides and set aside. In the same pan, sauté sliced garlic and peperoncino to release their aroma. Add cream and once it starts to boil, toss in the cooked pasta and spinach, seasoning with salt and parmesan cheese. Plate the pasta and top it generously with the seared salmon, breaking it up slightly with a fork as you mix it in for a truly gourmet restaurant taste.

The most important thing when cooking salmon is managing the fishy smell. Before cooking, applying lemon juice, white wine, or a mixture of vodka and cooking wine will help keep the aroma clean. Also, be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it can become dry; it should remain slightly pink in the center for the best texture and flavor.

Even trying just one of these dishes instead of a plain grilled salmon for dinner tonight will change the atmosphere at your table. Enjoy your meal!