Are you craving a delicious and healthy meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Salmon Bok Choy recipe is the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch. It's packed with flavor, brimming with nutrients, and surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. This recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, offering a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices or hassle. Get ready to impress yourself (and maybe some dinner guests!) with this simple yet elegant dish.
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 2. Feel free to double or triple it depending on your needs!
- 2 (4-6 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 1 pound bok choy, trimmed and chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you prefer pan-searing your salmon, skip this step and proceed to the pan-searing instructions below.
Oven-Baked Salmon & Bok Choy:
- Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil, season generously with salt and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, toss the chopped bok choy with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the bok choy around the salmon fillets on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the bok choy is tender-crisp.
Pan-Seared Salmon & Bok Choy:
- Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down (if using skin-on fillets). Sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the salmon and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the bok choy mixture to the skillet.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (400°F/200°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the bok choy is tender-crisp.
Finishing Touches:
- Garnish with sesame seeds (optional).
- Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy and delicious meal!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Salmon Bok Choy:
- Don't overcook the salmon: Overcooked salmon will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Adjust the seasonings: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, ginger, or red pepper flakes to your liking.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this recipe, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve this dish with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or couscous for a more filling meal.
Variations:
- Lemon-Garlic Salmon Bok Choy: Add the zest and juice of 1 lemon to the bok choy mixture.
- Spicy Salmon Bok Choy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Honey-Glazed Salmon Bok Choy: Drizzle a honey-soy glaze over the salmon during the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This easy salmon bok choy recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy and delicious meals. It's quick, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy!