Introduction
This vibrant and healthy dish features tender salmon fillets paired with fresh vegetables, all enhanced by a flavorful marinade. The combination of asparagus, sugar snap peas, and a quick pickle of carrot, spring onions, and radishes creates a melody of tastes and textures, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
500g asparagus
320g sugar snap peas
Olive oil
1 tablespoon dark miso
2 tablespoons low-salt soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 limes
4 x 130g salmon fillets, skin on, scaled, pin-boned, from sustainable sources
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 carrot
2 spring onions
4 radishes
4 sprigs of fresh mint
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
12 minutes
Total Time
27 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
This delightful dish balances the richness of salmon with the crispness of seasonal vegetables, ensuring a satisfying and nutritious meal. Pair it with noodles or fluffy rice for a complete dining experience. Enjoy the freshness and vibrant flavors!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Asparagus and Sugar Snap Peas
Preheat the grill to high. Snap the woody ends off the asparagus and place it in a 25cm x 35cm roasting tray with the sugar snap peas. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and shake to coat evenly.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a shallow bowl, mix the dark miso, low-salt soy sauce, and sesame oil. Finely grate the zest of 1 lime into the mixture and squeeze in the juice to create a flavorful marinade.
Step 3: Prepare the Salmon
Slice the salmon fillets in half lengthways. Toss the salmon in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated, then drape them over the vegetables in the tray. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the top and scatter the sesame seeds on top.
Step 4: Grill the Dish
Place the tray under the grill and cook for 12 minutes, or until the asparagus and sugar snap peas are blistered and the salmon is golden and just cooked through.
Step 5: Make the Quick Pickle
To prepare the pickle, peel and matchstick the carrot. Trim and finely chop the spring onions, finely slice the radishes, and pick and roughly chop the mint leaves. Combine all the vegetables in a bowl and dress with lime juice, sea salt, and black pepper.
Step 6: Serve the Dish
Scatter the prepared pickle over the salmon and vegetables in the tray. Serve immediately, accompanied by noodles or fluffy rice if desired.
Notes
Note 1: Vegetable Preparation
Ensure the asparagus is trimmed properly to remove any tough ends for better texture.
Note 2: Marinade Timing
For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the salmon for a longer period if time allows.
Note 3: Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs excellently with rice or noodles, which can soak up the delicious juices from the grilled salmon and vegetables.
Note 4: Sustainability
Always choose salmon that is sourced sustainably for the best flavor and environmental impact.
Cook techniques
Grilling
Grilling is a fast cooking technique that creates a charred flavor and crispy texture. In this recipe, the salmon fillets and vegetables are grilled until tender and slightly blistered, providing a delicious contrast.
Marinating
Marinating enhances the flavor of protein by allowing it to absorb the flavors from the marinade. Here, the salmon is marinated in a mix of miso, soy sauce, sesame oil, lime zest, and juice before cooking.
Slicing
Slicing the salmon fillets in half lengthways increases the surface area for marinating and cooking. This ensures the fish absorbs more of the marinade and cooks evenly.
Pickling
Making a quick pickle involves preparing fresh vegetables with acidic ingredients like lime juice. This technique adds brightness and crunch to the dish, balancing the richness of the grilled salmon.
Coating
Coating vegetables with olive oil before grilling helps them cook evenly and enhances their natural flavors. It is important to ensure that all pieces are evenly coated.
FAQ
Can I substitute salmon with another type of fish?
Yes, you can use other sustainable fish options like trout or sea bass. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets.
Is it necessary to grill the vegetables before serving?
Grilling the vegetables enhances their flavor and texture, but you can also serve them raw or lightly steamed if preferred.
Can I make the pickle in advance?
Yes, the pickle can be prepared ahead of time. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
What should I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with noodles, fluffy rice, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?
The salmon is done when it is golden on the outside and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking to maintain its moisture.
Conclusion
This vibrant dish featuring grilled salmon and colorful vegetables offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The marinated salmon, infused with miso and lime, pairs beautifully with the fresh crunch of asparagus and sugar snap peas. The quick pickle adds a tangy contrast, making it a perfect meal that is not only healthy but also visually appealing.
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