Imagine a dish that combines the rich, buttery flavor of perfectly cooked salmon with the comforting warmth of fluffy rice and the vibrant crunch of fresh broccoli. This Salmon Rice Pilaf is not just a meal – it's a gourmet experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that will have your family begging for seconds. In just 40 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious, proving that healthy eating can be both simple and exciting!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping the onion, measuring out rice and broccoli florets, and patting salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
- Season salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper on both sides, setting them aside to come to room temperature.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add rice to the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and allow rice to develop a light golden color.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, stir to combine with rice and onions, and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook rice for about 15 minutes.
- While rice is cooking, preheat another skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat for cooking salmon.
- Cook salmon fillets for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F and have a golden-brown crust.
- During the last 5 minutes of rice cooking, add broccoli florets on top of the rice, keeping them steamed but still crisp.
- Once rice is tender and broccoli is bright green, remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
- Plate the rice pilaf, top with salmon fillets, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Let your salmon sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking and a perfect golden crust.
- Rice Perfection: Toast the rice before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Salmon Searing Secrets: Use a hot pan and don't move the fish too much – this creates a beautiful crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and moist.
- Broccoli Brilliance: Add broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking to maintain its bright green color and crisp texture.
- Seasoning Hack: Don't be shy with salt and pepper on the salmon – it's the key to bringing out its natural flavors.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add lemon zest, fresh herbs like dill or parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to customize the dish to your taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 502kcal
Carbohydrates: 43g
Protein: 31g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 80mg
