🍽️ Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa and Rice
🐟 Ingredients:
For the Salmon:
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4 salmon fillets (skin on or off, as preferred)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp lime juice
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp ground cumin (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mango Salsa:
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1 ripe mango, diced
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1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
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1/4 red onion, finely chopped
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1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
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2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
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Juice of 1 lime
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Salt to taste
For the Rice:
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1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
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2 cups water or chicken/vegetable broth
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1 tbsp butter or oil
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Pinch of salt
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Optional: 2 tbsp chopped cilantro or lime zest for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
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Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear.
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In a medium pot, bring water/broth to a boil.
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Add rice, butter/oil, and salt.
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Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
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Let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
2. Make the Mango Salsa:
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In a bowl, combine mango, red bell pepper, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice.
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Mix gently and season with salt.
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Refrigerate until ready to serve (best chilled for 15–30 mins).
3. Marinate the Salmon:
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In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin (if using), salt, and pepper.
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Rub over salmon fillets.
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Let sit for 15–30 minutes (refrigerated if longer).
4. Grill the Salmon:
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Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
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Lightly oil the grill grates or pan.
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Grill salmon skin-side down for 4–5 minutes.
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Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
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Remove and rest for a couple of minutes.
5. Assemble:
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Place a scoop of rice on each plate.
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Top with a grilled salmon fillet.
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Spoon mango salsa generously over the top.
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Garnish with extra lime wedges or cilantro if desired.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I bake the salmon instead of grilling?
A: Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes depending on thickness.
Q: Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?
A: Yes, it can be made up to 1 day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Q: What other fish can I use if I don’t have salmon?
A: Try mahi-mahi, tilapia, or cod. Just adjust cooking time based on thickness.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: Only if you include the jalapeño. Omit it for a mild version.
Q: Can I use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice?
A: Absolutely. Just follow the cooking instructions for your chosen grain.
Q: How do I know when salmon is done?
A: It should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Internal temp should reach 145°F (63°C).
Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Yes, just skip the butter in the rice or use a dairy-free alternative.
Q: What can I serve with this meal?
A: Steamed veggies, grilled asparagus, or a side salad pair well.