Nourishing Quinoa Pilaf with Pan-Seared Salmon, Spinach & Savory Mushrooms
Take your meal to the next level with this delightful and nutrient-dense Quinoa Pilaf featuring perfectly pan-seared wild salmon, vibrant spinach, and earthy mushrooms. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins, and minerals, this dish not only satisfies the taste buds but also supports your health. Ideal as a main course, this versatile recipe can also shine as a side dish or a bright addition to your brunch table. Pair it with a fresh green salad for a wholesome dinner that will leave you feeling energized and nourished. Discover more exciting gluten-free and low-GI recipes at www.InnerHarmonyNutrition.com.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
wild salmon fillets
5 ounces (seasoned with salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp of white wine or sake)
quinoa
1 cup (rinsed)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
large onion
1/4 (diced)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
mushrooms
7 (sliced)
spinach
3 bunches (roughly chopped)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you prefer to bake the salmon.
2
Season the wild salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper, then drizzle with white wine or sake. Allow it to marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.
3
Rinse the quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear to remove any bitterness. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
5
While the quinoa is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
6
Stir in the sliced mushrooms and continue to sauté until they release their moisture and become tender, approximately 5 minutes.
7
Add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Sauté until the spinach wilts completely, about 2-3 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
8
Once the quinoa is done, fluff it with a fork and set aside. If using the oven, place the salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet skin-side down and bake for 12-15 minutes until cooked through and flaky.
9
If pan-searing, place the seasoned salmon fillets skin-side down in the same skillet used for vegetables over medium heat. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked to your liking.
10
Remove the salmon skin and flake the salmon into pieces. Combine the flaked salmon, quinoa, and sautéed vegetables in a large bowl. Mix gently to combine.
11
Season the mixture with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm, infused with love!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Nourishing Quinoa Pilaf with Pan-Seared Salmon, Spinach & Savory Mushrooms.
How many servings does this quinoa pilaf yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Is this salmon and quinoa recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this is a gluten-free and nutrient-dense recipe.
What are the primary health benefits of this dish?
It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
What type of salmon is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 5 ounces of wild salmon fillets.
How should I season the salmon?
Season the fillets generously with salt and pepper, then drizzle with white wine or sake.
What can I use to marinate the salmon?
You can use 1 tablespoon of white wine or sake as a marinade.
If I choose to bake the salmon, what temperature should I use?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
How long does it take to bake the salmon?
Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes until it is cooked through and flaky.
How long should I pan-sear the salmon?
Cook the salmon skin-side down for 4-5 minutes on each side.
How much quinoa is required for the recipe?
You will need 1 cup of rinsed quinoa.
Why do I need to rinse the quinoa before cooking?
Rinsing the quinoa under cold water helps to remove any bitterness.
How long does the quinoa take to cook?
It takes approximately 15 minutes of simmering for the quinoa to absorb the water and become fluffy.
How much water is needed to cook the quinoa?
You will need 2 cups of water for 1 cup of quinoa.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
How much onion is used in the pilaf?
The recipe requires 1/4 of a large onion, diced.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
Use one minced garlic clove.
How many mushrooms are included in this recipe?
You will need 7 sliced mushrooms.
How much spinach is used?
The recipe calls for 3 bunches of spinach, roughly chopped.
How do I prepare the spinach for the skillet?
Roughly chop the spinach and sauté it until it wilts completely, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
How long should I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté the onion and garlic for about 2 minutes until they are fragrant.
How long should the mushrooms be sautéed?
Sauté the sliced mushrooms for approximately 5 minutes until they release moisture and become tender.
Should I keep the skin on the salmon when mixing the pilaf?
No, remove the salmon skin and flake the meat into pieces before combining.
How do I assemble the final dish?
Combine the flaked salmon, cooked quinoa, and sautéed vegetables in a large bowl and mix gently.
Is this recipe considered low-GI?
Yes, this dish is identified as a low-GI recipe.
Can this quinoa pilaf be served as a side dish?
Yes, while ideal as a main course, it can also be served as a side dish or brunch addition.
Is this dish suitable for brunch?
Yes, it is a bright addition to any brunch table.
What is a good side pairing for this meal?
A fresh green salad pairs perfectly for a wholesome dinner.
Where can I find more recipes like this one?
You can discover more gluten-free and low-GI recipes at www.InnerHarmonyNutrition.com.
What is the final seasoning step?
Season the final mixture with additional salt and pepper if needed and serve warm.