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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, and nutritious dinner combining tender salmon fillets glazed with a balanced sweet chili and soy sauce, paired with a hearty and savory blend of white, red, and black quinoa mixed with sautéed vegetables. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknights or special occasions, offering a healthy dose of omega-3s, fiber, and colorful textures that please both the palate and the eye.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon and Glaze

  • 4 fresh skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

Quinoa Blend

  • 1 cup quinoa blend (white, red, and black quinoa)
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth (or water)
  • Pinch of salt

Vegetables and Flavorings

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime or lemon juice

Garnishes (Optional)

  • Fresh chopped cilantro
  • Sliced green onions
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Lime wedges
  • Chopped toasted almonds or cashews (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Quinoa Blend: Rinse the quinoa blend thoroughly under cold water. In a pot, combine the quinoa, broth or water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, until fluffy, about 15 minutes. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Make the Flavorful Quinoa Mix: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and fresh ginger until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add chopped bell peppers and spinach and cook until just tender but still vibrant, approximately 2-3 more minutes. Stir this vegetable mixture into the cooked quinoa, then season with soy sauce and a squeeze of lime or lemon juice to brighten flavors.
  3. Glaze the Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, and chili flakes to your desired spice level. Brush this glaze generously over each salmon fillet. Let them sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
  4. Cook the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Carefully flip the fillets and cook the other side for 3–4 minutes, until salmon is cooked through but still juicy and flakes easily.
  5. Plate and Serve: Serve each glazed salmon fillet on top of a generous bed of dirty quinoa. Garnish with fresh chopped herbs, lime wedges, and any other desired toppings such as toasted nuts, sesame seeds, or green onions for extra color and flavor.

Notes

  • Choose Fresh Salmon: Fresh or sushi-grade salmon provides the best texture and flavor.
  • Don’t Overcook: Remove salmon from heat when it flakes easily but remains moist to avoid dryness.
  • Toast Your Quinoa: Lightly toasting the quinoa before cooking deepens its nutty flavor.
  • Adjust Sweetness and Heat: Customize the sweet chili sauce and chili flakes to match your spice preference.
  • Rest After Cooking: Allow the salmon to rest for a couple of minutes to seal in the juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, sweet and spicy salmon, dirty quinoa, quinoa recipe, healthy dinner, omega-3 recipe, gluten free dinner, quick salmon recipe

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