Velvety Microwave Teriyaki Salmon with Garlic Spinach
Indulge in a delectable, hassle-free meal with our Velvety Microwave Teriyaki Salmon, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests on special occasions. This recipe combines the rich umami of teriyaki with tender salmon, marinated to perfection in just one hour. Measuring in at only 30 minutes of prep and a mere 7 minutes of cooking, it's a go-to dish for families. With a luscious, silky texture that highlights the natural flavors of the fish, children and adults alike will savor every bite! Serve it on a vibrant bed of sautéed spinach infused with garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper, and you have yourself a healthful yet elegant meal that is low in calories, fat, and carbohydrates. It's an easy way to enjoy nutritious seafood without the fuss, making it a must-try in your weekly menu!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salmon steaks or fillets
4 (approximately 1 3/4 lb, skin side down in the dish)
Soy sauce
4 tablespoons (can be reduced-sodium)
Marsala or sherry wine
2 tablespoons (liquid)
Lemon juice
2 teaspoons (freshly squeezed)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (granulated)
Garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
Scallions
2-3 (sliced thinly (white and light green parts))
Spinach
4 cups (fresh, for sautéing)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a shallow microwave-safe dish, place the salmon steaks or fillets skin side down.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, marsala or sherry, lemon juice, sugar, and crushed garlic until well combined.
3
Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring an even coating.
4
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and let the salmon marinate at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes. If time allows, marinating longer will enhance the flavors.
5
Flip the salmon once or twice during marination, ensuring it’s skin-side up for the final turn.
6
Once marinated, ensure the plastic wrap is securely sealed, and microwave the dish on high for 7 minutes.
7
After microwaving, let the salmon sit covered for an additional 3 minutes—this allows it to finish cooking gently.
8
Check for doneness by testing the thickest part of a fillet. If you prefer it more cooked, cover and microwave it for another minute as needed.
9
While the salmon rests, prepare the spinach by sautéing it in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until wilted.
10
Plate the sautéed spinach and top it with the teriyaki salmon, garnishing with sliced scallions.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Velvety Microwave Teriyaki Salmon with Garlic Spinach?
It is a quick, healthy meal featuring tender salmon marinated in a teriyaki sauce and served on a bed of garlic-sautéed spinach.
How many pieces of salmon are used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 4 salmon steaks or fillets.
What is the total weight of the salmon needed?
You will need approximately 1 and 3/4 pounds of salmon.
How long should the salmon marinate?
The salmon should marinate at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes.
Does marinating longer than 60 minutes benefit the dish?
Yes, if time allows, marinating longer will further enhance the flavors of the fish.
How long does the salmon cook in the microwave?
The salmon is microwaved on high for 7 minutes.
Why should the salmon rest after microwaving?
Letting the salmon sit covered for 3 minutes allows it to finish cooking gently through residual heat.
What are the ingredients in the teriyaki marinade?
The marinade is made of soy sauce, marsala or sherry wine, lemon juice, sugar, and crushed garlic.
Can I use reduced-sodium soy sauce?
Yes, the recipe suggests that reduced-sodium soy sauce can be used if desired.
What kind of wine is used in the marinade?
You can use either Marsala or sherry wine.
Is fresh lemon juice recommended?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How should the salmon be placed in the dish initially?
The salmon should be placed skin side down in a shallow microwave-safe dish.
Do I need to flip the salmon while it marinates?
Yes, flip the salmon once or twice, ensuring it is skin-side up for the final turn.
What kind of dish should be used for cooking?
A shallow microwave-safe dish is required for both marinating and cooking.
Should the dish be covered while in the microwave?
Yes, the dish must be tightly sealed with plastic wrap during the cooking process.
How do I check if the salmon is fully cooked?
Check the thickest part of the fillet; it should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
What should I do if the salmon is undercooked after 7 minutes?
Cover and microwave for another minute as needed until it reaches your preferred level of doneness.
How is the garlic spinach prepared?
Sauté fresh spinach in a skillet with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until wilted.
How much spinach is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of fresh spinach.
What is used as a garnish?
The dish is garnished with 2 to 3 thinly sliced scallions.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, it is described as a healthful meal that is low in carbohydrates.
What is the texture of the salmon?
The salmon has a luscious, silky, and velvety texture.
Is this dish family-friendly?
Yes, it is a go-to dish for families that children and adults alike will enjoy.
How many garlic cloves are used for the marinade?
The marinade uses 2 crushed garlic cloves.
What type of sugar is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar.
Which parts of the scallions are used for garnish?
Use the white and light green parts, sliced thinly.
How much preparation time is needed?
Preparation takes approximately 30 minutes, excluding marinating time.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is an easy, hassle-free recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
Can this meal be served for special occasions?
Yes, it is suitable for both quick weeknight meals and for impressing guests on special occasions.
How much olive oil is used for the spinach?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used for sautéing the spinach.