Salmon with Quinoa & Asparagus Recipe: Bits & Pieces - Season 2, Ep. 7

quinoa

🥗Healthier: farro

💰Cheaper: rice

Farro offers a similar texture and is often less expensive than quinoa.

salmon fillets

🥗Healthier: trout

💰Cheaper: canned salmon

Canned salmon is a budget-friendly alternative with similar flavors.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Vegetable oil is a cost-effective substitute for sautéing.

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Water with seasoning is a low-cost alternative to broth.

Start by dicing one small shallot finely for the dressing.

Cut another shallot into a small dice for the quinoa.

In a bowl, combine 5 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of Agave, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to make the dressing.

Add the minced shallot to the dressing and season with kosher salt and black pepper.

Slice 3 cloves of garlic into thin pieces for the asparagus.

Trim the woody ends off 8 oz of thick asparagus.

Heat a pot and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then add the diced shallot and a sprinkle of salt; sauté for about 2 minutes until softened.

Add 1/2 cup of quinoa to the pot and toast it for a few minutes until it changes color.

Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, season with salt and pepper, bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low; let it simmer for about 14 minutes.

Preheat a pan and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil; season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.

Sear the salmon fillets for 3 to 5 minutes on the first side until the sides turn opaque, then flip and cook for 2 to 4 minutes on the second side until flaky and juicy in the center.

Tent the cooked salmon with aluminum foil to keep warm and allow for carryover cooking.

Check the quinoa; it should have craters forming and most of the liquid should be evaporated. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and then the lid to retain heat.

In the same pan used for the salmon, add the sliced garlic and sauté until golden brown, creating garlic chips.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens