Description
This One Pot Salmon and Rice recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines perfectly seared salmon fillets with aromatic rice cooked in a savory broth infused with paprika, turmeric, and fresh lemon. It’s a wholesome meal that comes together quickly, ideal for a nutritious weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
Vegetables and Rice
- 1 large onion (finely diced)
- 1 medium green bell pepper (finely diced)
- 1 medium red bell pepper (finely diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1½ cups long grain rice (rinsed)
Seasonings and Broth
- 1 cube chicken bouillon
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium, or vegetable broth)
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Salmon: Begin by seasoning both sides of the salmon fillets with seasoning salt to enhance the flavor.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down if applicable, and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until nicely browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the finely diced onion and green and red bell peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Rice and Spices: Stir in the rinsed long grain rice along with the chicken bouillon cube, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Toast the rice and spices for a couple of minutes, stirring frequently to release the flavors.
- Simmer with Broth and Lemon Zest: Pour the chicken or vegetable broth and add the lemon zest to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to start cooking the rice.
- Cook Salmon and Rice Together: Carefully place the seared salmon fillets on top of the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low. Cook for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Finalize and Serve: Once cooked, drizzle fresh lemon juice over the salmon and rice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra zesty touch.
Notes
- Adjust Spice Levels: Increase paprika or add red pepper flakes to suit your preferred heat level.
- Choosing the Right Rice: Use long grain rice for an ideal texture; avoid short grain or instant rice to prevent mushiness.
- Salmon Skin: Cooking with skin on helps retain moisture; remove skin after cooking if preferred.
- Vegetable Variations: Add peas, carrots, or spinach for additional nutrition and color enhancements.
- Broth for Flavor: Use good-quality low sodium chicken or vegetable broth to control saltiness and deepen flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American