Print

Sweet & Spicy Salmon with Dirty Quinoa

Sweet & Spicy Salmon with Dirty Quinoa
Print Recipe

Sweet & Spicy Salmon with Dirty Quinoa is a vibrant, nutritious dish combining tender salmon glazed with a tantalizing sweet and spicy sauce alongside a nutty, protein-packed blend of white, red, and black quinoa mixed with lentils and spices. Quick to prepare and packed with balanced flavors and wholesome ingredients, this meal is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

  • 4 fresh skin-on salmon fillets
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Dirty Quinoa

  • 1 cup dirty quinoa (a mix of white, red, black quinoa, lentils, and spices)
  • 2 cups water or broth

Sweet & Spicy Glaze

  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • Juice of half a lime

Garnishes

  • Chopped green onions
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dirty Quinoa: Rinse 1 cup of dirty quinoa thoroughly under cold water to remove any bitterness. Simmer it in 2 cups of water or broth for 15-20 minutes until the quinoa is fluffy and tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside while you prepare the salmon.
  2. Make the Sweet & Spicy Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari, 1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust according to your preferred spice level), 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, and the juice of half a lime. This glaze will enhance the flavor of the salmon.
  3. Cook the Salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place the fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden. Flip the fillets and cook another 3-4 minutes, spooning the sweet & spicy glaze over the top as the salmon finishes cooking.
  4. Combine and Garnish: Plate a generous scoop of dirty quinoa, place the glazed salmon on top or beside it, and drizzle any remaining glaze over everything. Sprinkle chopped green onions and cilantro for a fresh, vibrant finish. Add lime wedges on the side as desired.

Notes

  • Use wild-caught salmon if possible for better flavor and omega-3 content.
  • Rinse quinoa thoroughly to prevent bitterness and ensure a clean taste.
  • Adjust sriracha quantity gradually to control the heat level.
  • Use skin-on salmon fillets for crispy texture and to help hold the fillet together during cooking.
  • Let the salmon rest for a minute after cooking to keep it tender and juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, sweet and spicy, dirty quinoa, gluten free, healthy dinner, quick recipe, protein-packed, pescatarian

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