One Pot Salmon And Rice
If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, wholesome, and easy-to-make dinner, look no further! This One Pot Salmon And Rice recipe is not just a meal; it’s a complete experience that brings together fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and the comfort of a home-cooked dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish will have your family asking for seconds.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
This One Pot Salmon And Rice is a meal that checks all the boxes. It’s healthy, filling, and bursting with flavor. The combination of tender salmon fillets and perfectly cooked rice, infused with spices and fresh vegetables, creates a satisfying dish that is both nutritious and comforting. Plus, the one-pot aspect means less cleanup, allowing you to enjoy your meal without the stress of a messy kitchen. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to master.
What We’re Using
- 4 salmon fillets: Fresh and flaky, the star of the dish.
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt: Enhances flavor and brings everything together.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided): For sautéing and drizzling.
- 1 large onion (finely diced): Adds sweetness and depth.
- 1 medium green bell pepper (finely diced): For color and crunch.
- 1 medium red bell pepper (finely diced): A sweet flavor that complements the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Aromatic and flavorful.
- 1 cube chicken bouillon: Adds a savory depth to the broth.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: A hint of smokiness.
- 1 teaspoon turmeric: For color and health benefits.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings for balance.
- 1 cup long grain rice (rinsed): The perfect base for this dish.
- 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium, or vegetable broth): For cooking the rice and adding flavor.
- 1 lemon (zest and juice): Brightens up the dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish): A fresh touch to finish.
Hardware & Gadgets
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for one-pot cooking.
- Cutting board and knife: For chopping vegetables.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accuracy.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring.
- Serving plates: For plating your delicious creation.
One Pot Salmon And Rice in Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Start by seasoning the salmon fillets with the 1 teaspoon seasoning salt. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy, then carefully flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Once cooked, remove the salmon from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Spices and Rice
Next, crumble the chicken bouillon cube into the pot. Stir in the paprika, turmeric, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to coat the vegetables. Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to combine, ensuring that the rice is well-coated in the oil and spices.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
Pour in the 3 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the liquid.
Step 5: Add the Salmon Back
Once the rice is tender, gently fluff it with a fork. Place the cooked salmon fillets on top of the rice. Squeeze the juice of the lemon over the salmon and rice, and sprinkle with the zest. Cover the pot again and let it sit for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm, and enjoy this comforting One Pot Salmon And Rice with your loved ones!
How to Make It Lighter
- Use brown rice instead of white for added fiber and nutrients.
- Opt for skinless salmon fillets to reduce fat content.
- Replace some of the olive oil with broth for sautéing the vegetables.
- Increase the amount of vegetables for extra volume without adding many calories.
Easy-to-Miss Gotchas
When preparing this dish, keep the following tips in mind:
- Ensure the rice is thoroughly rinsed to remove excess starch, which can make it gummy.
- Don’t skip the step of letting the dish sit after adding the salmon; this helps the flavors meld and allows the salmon to warm through without overcooking.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste, especially if using a different broth that may have varying salt levels.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
This One Pot Salmon And Rice is excellent for meal prep! Here are some tips for storing and reheating:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to the pot and warm over low heat until heated through.
- This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reader Q&A
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just be sure to thaw it completely before seasoning and cooking.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or even water, though the flavor may be less rich.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables.
More from the Kitchen
Ready, Set, Cook
Now that you have the complete guide to making this delightful One Pot Salmon And Rice, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! This dish will not only satisfy your taste buds but also bring joy to your dining table. Whether it’s a family dinner or a meal prepped for the week ahead, this recipe will become a beloved staple in your home. Happy cooking!
One Pot Salmon And Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by seasoning the salmon fillets with the seasoning salt. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy, then carefully flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Once cooked, remove the salmon from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Next, crumble the chicken bouillon cube into the pot. Stir in the paprika, turmeric, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to coat the vegetables. Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to combine, ensuring that the rice is well-coated in the oil and spices.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the liquid.
- Once the rice is tender, gently fluff it with a fork. Place the cooked salmon fillets on top of the rice. Squeeze the juice of the lemon over the salmon and rice, and sprinkle with the zest. Cover the pot again and let it sit for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm, and enjoy this comforting One Pot Salmon And Rice with your loved ones!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to the pot and warm over low heat until heated through.
- This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
