The perfect balance of sweet and heat in a quick, healthy, and delicious seafood dinner.
EASY SALMON RECIPE
Here’s an easy salmon recipe you’ll come back to time and time again! 3 Ingredient Sweet and Spicy Salmon is the kind of dish you make when you want a quick and healthy meal with minimal fussing around in the kitchen. You can literally have dinner on the table in about 20 minutes. This recipe works with any kind of salmon (fillet) and produces a delicious glaze with the perfect balance of sweetness and spiciness. For an additional boost of flavor consider topping or serving the cooked salmon with:
- A squeeze of lime juice and/or some freshly grated lime zest
- Aioli or other flavored mayonnaise
- Freshly chopped cilantro
A COMPLETE DINNER
I like to serve 3 Ingredient Sweet and Spicy Salmon with asparagus and quinoa (as pictured) because they’re simple, single-ingredient side dishes that take about the same amount of time to cook as the salmon. Here’s how to tackle preparing this complete meal:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Combine the quinoa with water (using the measurements/quantities on the package) and bring to a boil.
- While you’re waiting for the quinoa to come to a boil, prepare the salmon (per the recipe below) and place it on a baking sheet.
- Add some trimmed pencil thin asparagus to the baking sheet next to the salmon. Sprinkle a little olive oil and salt on top of the spears and place the pan in the oven.
- By now the quinoa should be boiling so reduce the heat and let it simmer.
In about 10-15 minutes everything will be done! Easiest healthy dinner ever! (Be sure to use pencil thin asparagus. Thicker stalks will take longer than 15 minutes to cook. Check out this video on how to easily and quickly trim asparagus.)
GOVERNMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EATING SEAFOOD
Just in case I haven’t convinced you to try 3 Ingredient Sweet and Spicy Salmon, here’s another very good reason to make it. More than 10 years ago the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S Department of Health and Human Services released its Dietary Guidelines (as required by congress every 5 years) and began recommending that all Americans eat seafood twice per week. Prior to that, the recommendation was limited to those with pre-existing heart conditions, but the latest scientific research at the time indicated that moderate consumption of seafood was associated with reduced cardiac deaths even among people WITHOUT pre-existing heart conditions. That simple recommendation has stayed in place since 2010 with various organizations using the “eat seafood twice per week” slogan in their marketing campaigns. The message is resonating, particularly among health and environmentally conscious consumers, many of whom are striving to reduce their meat consumption.
While most seafood is beneficial from a health perspective, some choices are better than others as shown in this handy chart published jointly by the Food & Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Notice that salmon is in the “Best Choices” category.
For other healthy and delicious salmon dishes check out: Super Simple Salmon Cakes, Apricot Pistachio Crusted Salmon, Chickpea Pasta with Salmon in Light Lemon Cream Sauce, Black Rice Salmon Salad with Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette, and Farro Salmon Salad.
If you make 3 Ingredient Sweet and Spicy Salmon don’t forget to snap a pic and tag me over on Instagram @QueenofMyKitchen. I’d love to see your creation!
3 Ingredient Sweet and Spicy Salmon
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds salmon fillet
- 5 teaspoons brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- Pinch of salt
- Lime wedges - optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the salmon on it, skin side down.
- In a small bowl combine the sugar, chili powder, and salt. Sprinkle the mixture on the salmon and rub it around to evenly coat the salmon.
- Roast on the bottom rack of the oven for 10-15 minutes until glazed.
- Serve with lime wedges if desired.
Notes
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