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Sweet & Spicy Salmon with Dirty Quinoa

Sweet & Spicy Salmon with Dirty Quinoa
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Sweet & Spicy Salmon with Dirty Quinoa is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines tender salmon glazed in a bold sweet and spicy sauce with hearty, protein-packed dirty quinoa made with black beans and spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, this nutritious and colorful meal is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests with a wholesome and exciting plate.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon and Marinade

  • 4 salmon fillets (fresh or thawed, about 6 oz each)
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp sriracha or chili sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for marinade and cooking)

For the Dirty Quinoa

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 cup black beans, cooked or canned (drained and rinsed if canned)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish

  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha, minced garlic, grated ginger, fresh lime juice, and a touch of olive oil until well combined to create a sticky, flavorful glaze.
  2. Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and generously brush or spoon the marinade over each piece. Let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  3. Cook the Dirty Quinoa: While the salmon marinates, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions until translucent, then add rinsed quinoa, black beans, cumin, and smoked paprika. Toast the quinoa lightly for a nuttier flavor, then add 2 cups of water or broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy and liquid is absorbed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Roast or Pan-Sear the Salmon: Heat a nonstick skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat with olive oil. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook until crispy, about 4 to 5 minutes. Flip the salmon, then baste with leftover marinade and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until the salmon is cooked through but still moist inside.
  5. Assemble the Plate: Serve each salmon fillet over a bed of fluffy dirty quinoa. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and cilantro for a vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and lime juice provide the best flavor intensity.
  • Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Aim for slight translucency in the center for moist, tender salmon.
  • Toast the Quinoa: Lightly toasting quinoa before cooking enhances its nutty flavor.
  • Marinate Time: 10 to 15 minutes is ideal; avoid longer marinating to prevent acid from altering the texture.
  • Use a Nonstick Pan: Helps prevent salmon from sticking and breaking apart during cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon recipe, sweet and spicy salmon, dirty quinoa, healthy dinner, quick dinner, gluten free, nutritious meal, seafood recipe

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