Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious, healthy, and easy meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This canned salmon rice recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a simple, satisfying lunch. It's packed with protein and flavor, making it a fantastic choice for both beginners in the kitchen and experienced cooks looking for a quick and healthy dinner idea. This recipe showcases how homemade cooking can be incredibly simple and rewarding.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 (14.75 ounce) cans salmon, drained and flaked
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill (or 1 tbsp dried dill)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a delicious base for your salmon rice.
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Toast the Rice: Add the uncooked rice to the saucepan and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, until lightly toasted. This step helps to enhance the rice's flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy.
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Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
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Incorporate Salmon and Peas: Gently stir in the flaked salmon, frozen peas, and dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the peas are heated through.
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Serve: Remove from heat and let stand for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness and acidity if desired.
Tips for the Best Canned Salmon Rice:
- Don't overcook the rice: Overcooked rice can become mushy. Follow the cooking time closely and check for doneness.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of your dish will be enhanced by using fresh herbs and good quality canned salmon.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like chopped bell peppers, carrots, or corn.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Variations:
- Creamy Salmon Rice: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a richer, creamier texture.
- Spicy Salmon Rice: Add a diced jalapeño or some sriracha sauce for a spicy kick.
- Lemon-Herb Salmon Rice: Increase the amount of dill and add the zest of one lemon for a brighter, more herbaceous flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Nutritional values will vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This canned salmon rice recipe is a simple, healthy, and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. It's a great example of how easy and satisfying homemade cooking can be. Enjoy!