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Pan-Seared Salmon with Coconut Quinoa and Snap Peas

This spring recipe is simple but packs a ton of flavor.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Marinating Time2 hours
Total Time35 minutes
Keyword: main courses, seafood, spring recipes, weeknight dinners
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the marinade

  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • 3 inches ginger, thinly sliced
  • 2 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 shallot bulb, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon of honey

For the salmon

  • 1 fillet of salmon, about 1 pound, deboned and cut into four 3-inch-wide fillets*
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the quinoa

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 13.5-ounce can coconut milk
  • ½ cup water

For the peas

  • 1 pound sugar snap peas
  • 1 teaspoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Dash flake salt

Instructions

  • Combine marinade ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine.
  • Place salmon in shallow bowl or zip-top bag and pour marinade over fish, turning pieces to coat. Put salmon in fridge and marinate for at least 2 hours.
  • Combine quinoa, coconut milk and water in small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce to low, stir, cover and simmer until liquid is gone and quinoa is fluffy, about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, steam or saute peas over medium heat for 5 minutes. Run peas under cold water, drain and set aside.
  • Heat a 12-inch cast-iron pan over high heat for 3 minutes. Add oil and swirl to coat. Wait 1 more minute, until oil shimmers, and add salmon, skin-side down. Take care not to move fish after you place it on the pan. Reduce heat to medium-high and cook until skin is browned, about 4 minutes. Flip fish flesh-side down, and cook 3-4 more minutes, until salmon is opaque. Remove fish from pan and set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, toss peas with butter and lemon juice and finish with a pinch of flake salt.
  • To serve, spoon quinoa into large bowls or onto plates and place the salmon on top. Serve peas on the side. Green onions or sesame seeds also make great garnish.

Notes

Deboning a salmon is not as daunting as it sounds. There are sometimes just a few, and they're easy to find by touch. All you need is a pair of tweezers or pliers. Read this handy article for step-by-step instructions.