Seared Citrus Salmon with Herbed Quinoa

Elevate your dining experience with this exquisite Seared Citrus Salmon dish that tantalizes your taste buds with a burst of unexpected flavors. By incorporating vibrant citrus notes and pairing it with a bed of herbed quinoa, this recipe transforms the classic salmon dish into a culinary masterpiece. Get ready to surprise and delight your senses with each bite!

Cooking Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets, skin-on, about 6 ounces each
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 2 cups quinoa, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

Prep Work:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. Set aside.
3. Chop the fresh parsley, dill, and chives. Keep them separate as they will be added at different stages.

Cooking the Quinoa:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable or chicken broth to a boil.
2. Add the rinsed quinoa to the boiling broth.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
4. Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork and stir in the chopped parsley. Keep warm.

Preparing the Salmon:

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
2. Season both sides of the salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Once the skillet is hot, add the salmon fillets, skin side down, and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
5. Carefully flip the salmon fillets using a spatula.
6. Arrange lemon and orange slices on top of each salmon fillet.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Finishing Touches:

1. While the salmon is baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Once melted, stir in the chopped dill and chives, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Remove the skillet from the oven and brush the herb butter mixture over the cooked salmon fillets.

Serving:

1. Divide the herbed quinoa among serving plates.
2. Place a seared citrus salmon fillet on top of each bed of quinoa.
3. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Variations/Substitutions:

• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free broth instead of regular broth.
• Substitute other grains like brown rice or couscous for quinoa if preferred.
• Experiment with different herbs and citrus fruits for a unique flavor profile.
• You can omit the butter for a lighter version of the dish or substitute it with olive oil for a dairy-free option.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even and proper cooking.

Q: How can I tell if the salmon is cooked through? A: The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: While the salmon is best served immediately after cooking, you can prepare the quinoa and herb butter mixture in advance. Simply reheat the quinoa and brush the herb butter over the salmon before serving.