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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, nutritious dish featuring tender salmon fillets glazed with a luscious sweet chili and soy sauce blend, paired with a hearty and flavorful mix of white and black quinoa sautéed with vegetables. This quick and simple recipe balances bold sweet heat with earthy, nutty textures, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon and Glaze

  • 4 fresh salmon fillets (about 1 to 1.5 inches thick; wild-caught recommended)
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (gluten-free or tamari for gluten free)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh chili (optional, adjust for spice preference)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking salmon and sautéing vegetables)

Dirty Quinoa

  • 1 cup quinoa blend (white and black quinoa), rinsed thoroughly
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup bell peppers, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon or lime

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dirty Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa blend thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness, then cook it in vegetable or chicken broth according to package instructions. While the quinoa cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté finely chopped onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms until tender and fragrant. Stir the cooked quinoa into the sautéed vegetables, season with salt, pepper, and fresh lemon or lime juice. Keep warm.
  2. Make the Sweet & Spicy Glaze: In a small bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili if desired. Mix well to create a sticky, vibrant glaze that balances sweet and heat perfectly.
  3. Cook the Salmon: Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and drizzle with olive oil. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden. Flip the fillets and brush the sweet & spicy glaze all over the top. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, basting occasionally with the glaze, until salmon is cooked through but still tender and juicy.
  4. Plate and Serve: Spoon a generous portion of dirty quinoa onto each plate, place the glazed salmon fillet on top, and drizzle any remaining glaze over the fish. Garnish with fresh herbs or toasted sesame seeds as desired for a restaurant-style presentation.

Notes

  • Choose salmon fillets about 1 to 1.5 inches thick for even cooking and optimal juiciness.
  • Always rinse quinoa before cooking to remove saponins and avoid bitterness.
  • Do not overcook salmon; it should flake easily with a fork but remain moist.
  • If glaze is too thick, thin with a splash of water or citrus juice before applying.
  • Allow cooked salmon to rest a few minutes to let flavors settle and juices redistribute.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet and spicy salmon, dirty quinoa, healthy salmon recipe, gluten free dinner, quick salmon dish, quinoa salad, weeknight dinner

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