Ruby sockeye gets smoky on the grill with saffron-colored Persian spices, paired with charred summer zucchini and juicy Sungold tomato rice for a bright July dinner.
Total time: 45 minutes
Estimated cost: About $24–$31 using the listed sale ingredients, depending on salmon fillet weight and pantry items on hand.
Health notes: Serves 2; about 620 calories per serving with high protein, moderate carbs from rice, and heart-healthy fats from salmon and olive oil.
Drink pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc highlights the lemon and herbs, while a light Pinot Noir also works with the grilled salmon.
Details
Ingredients
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Alaskan Sockeye Salmon Fillet12 ounces, cut into 2 portions $20.44
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Organic Zucchini Squash2 medium, sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch planks $2.77
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Indian Basmati White Rice3/4 cup dry $4.99
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Organic Sungold Cherry Tomatoes1 cup, halved $5.99
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Organic Red Onion1/4 small, finely diced $2.99
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Organic Cilantro1/3 cup chopped, divided $1.99
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Organic Lemons1 large, zested and juiced $1.29
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Organic Garlic, 3 CT1 clove, finely grated $2.89
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Extra-virgin olive oil3 tablespoons, divided
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Ground turmeric1 teaspoon
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Ground cumin1/2 teaspoon
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Honey1 teaspoon
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Kosher salt1 teaspoon, plus more to taste
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Black pepper1/2 teaspoon
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Unsalted butter1 tablespoon, optional for rice
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: rinse the rice, halve the tomatoes, finely dice the red onion, chop the cilantro, zest and juice the lemon, grate the garlic, pat the salmon dry, and slice the zucchini into planks.
- Combine the diced red onion with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and a pinch of salt in a small bowl; let it macerate for 10 minutes while you start the rice to mellow its bite.
- Cook the basmati rice with 1 1/4 cups water and a pinch of salt: bring to a boil, cover, reduce to low, cook for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let stand covered for 10 minutes.
- In a measuring cup, whisk the lemon zest, remaining lemon juice, garlic, turmeric, cumin, honey, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper; divide it into three clean portions—one for raw salmon, one for zucchini, and one reserved for finishing.
- Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high and oil the grates; brush the salmon only with the raw-salmon marinade portion, toss the zucchini with the zucchini marinade portion plus the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, and keep the finishing portion separate and clean.
- Grill the zucchini for 3 to 4 minutes per side until charred and tender-crisp, then transfer to a board and cut into large pieces; grill the salmon skin-side down if skin-on for 4 to 5 minutes, then flip and cook 2 to 3 minutes more, until it reaches 125–130°F for medium or flakes easily, and rest 5 minutes.
- Stir 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro into the reserved clean finishing marinade to make a drizzle; fluff the rice with the optional butter, then fold in the tomatoes, macerated red onion with its lemony juices, remaining cilantro, and salt to taste.
- Plate the tomato-herb basmati rice with the grilled zucchini and salmon on top, then spoon the clean cilantro-lemon drizzle over the fish and vegetables.