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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, balanced dish featuring tender, omega-3-rich salmon glazed with a lively sweet and spicy mix, paired with earthy, nutty dirty quinoa. This wholesome, flavorful meal is easy to prepare, adaptable to different dietary needs, and perfect for a healthy and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon & Glaze

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), fresh and wild-caught if possible
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for cooking)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Dirty Quinoa

  • 1 cup dirty quinoa (mix of white, red, and black quinoa with hulls)
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth (or water)
  • Salt, to taste

Garnishes

  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dirty Quinoa: Rinse the dirty quinoa thoroughly under cold running water to remove bitterness. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions by simmering it in broth or water until fluffy, about 15–20 minutes. Fluff with a fork and keep warm while preparing the salmon.
  2. Make the Sweet & Spicy Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, chili powder, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and olive oil. Adjust sweetness and heat to your liking to create a vibrant, well-mixed glaze.
  3. Cook the Salmon: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Place salmon fillets skin-side down if applicable, and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving them to get a crispy skin. Gently flip the fillets, brush the glaze generously over the top, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until salmon is cooked through and the glaze caramelizes.
  4. Assemble the Dish: Serve each salmon fillet on a bed of warm dirty quinoa. Garnish with sliced green onions and lime wedges for extra freshness and zest. Let the salmon rest briefly before serving to retain juices.

Notes

  • Freshness Matters: Always choose fresh salmon to maximize flavor and texture.
  • Don’t Skip Rinsing Quinoa: Rinsing removes bitterness and ensures a clean, nutty taste.
  • Glaze Timing: Apply the glaze near the end of cooking to avoid burning the honey and achieve perfect caramelization.
  • Cook Skin-On for Crispiness: Keeping the skin adds a crispy texture and helps lock in moisture.
  • Rest Before Serving: Allow salmon to rest for a minute after cooking to lock in juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, dirty quinoa, sweet and spicy glaze, healthy dinner, gluten free, easy recipe, omega-3, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/sweet-spicy-salmon-with-dirty-quinoa/