Teriyaki Salmon and Coconut Rice

Have I mentioned how much I love salmon? I really love salmon! I love serving it with a sauce made from the marinade and a side of coconut rice. This is a bit of splurge meal for us, but it is worth every penny. I mean, look at that. I'm drooling just looking at the picture!

It doesn't take a ton of ingredients, but it is packed with flavor.

First step is to marinate the salmon in soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, fresh ginger, and a little sesame oil for at least 30 minutes.

While the salmon marinates, get the rice going. I used a rice cooker, but if you don't have one, I'll include instructions for that too.

Heat a pan with some oil and get that salmon in, skin side down.

Let it get pretty crispy  and then flip it over carefully. The sugar on mine got a little burnt because I had the pan too hot.

Look at that caramelization! That is pure flavor. I use the leftover marinade to make a quick sauce and serve it over the rice and salmon.

Teriyaki Salmon with Coconut Rice

• 1 lb skin on salmon
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cups jasmine rice (white works fine too)
• 1 (15 ounce) can coconut milk (make sure it is unsweetened)
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt

Start by marinating the salmon in the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, cornstarch, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes, in the fridge.

If you are using a rice cooker, use the recommended amount of liquid for 2 cups of rice. Just use the coconut milk and add water as needed. If you are making the rice in a pot, it is 2 cups of rice, the coconut milk, garlic, salt, and 1.5 cups of water. Put it in the pot, bring it to a boil, then turn it down to a simmer and cook, covered, for 20 minutes.

Heat a pan with a tablespoon or so of oil, don't go much higher than medium heat or the brown sugar will burn. Put the salmon in, skin side down and let it cook for 3-4 minutes to get the skin nice and crispy, then carefully flip it. Give it another 3-4 minutes or until it is cooked to your liking, I like mine a little on the rare side, so I always cook it less. When it is done, put it on a plate to rest while you make the sauce.

Once the pan is clear of the salmon, pour the marinade into the pan and let it simmer until it thickens up. Portion the salmon and serve it with the rice and sauce.

My Favorite One Pot Meal

So, this is my first post on this new blog. I have had a surprising amount of requests to explain how I feed my family of four on a reasonable budget and how I make such amazing looking, and tasting, food. I figured I would start off with one of my best one pot meals. It is fast, easy, and cost effective. I use it as a catch-all for frozen and fresh veggies and whatever meat or beans I have on hand. We always have leftovers for my the hubby to take to school the next day which is way better than him eating out (I'm looking at you, Chipotle!). It isn't a very pretty meal, but it sure tastes delicious! Feel free to skip straight to the recipe at the bottom of the post. I won't judge you. I do that all the time! Here is how I made it today.

One Pot Rice Skillet

What's in it tonight?
1 small onion
1 lb ground beef
4 small carrots
leftover smoky black beans and corn
1 box of Beef Rice-a-Roni
2.5 cups water
a handful of frozen broccoli
a handful of frozen cauliflower

1 clove of garlic

First, brown your meat. 

Then you throw in your fresh veggies and let them cook for 3-5 minutes

Toss in your frozen veggies, if you are using them, the water, and the seasoning for the Rice-a-Roni. 

Bring it to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and stick a lid on it. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes. The veggies and rice should be cooked nicely and the liquid will be gone.

Ingredients

• 1 small onion
• 4 small carrots
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground beef (you can easily sub chicken, pork, sausage, beans, mushrooms, etc)
• 1 cup frozen veggies (use whatever your family will eat, we like cauliflower and broccoli)
• 1 box Rice-a-Roni (I usually buy store brand or make my own)
• 2.5 cups water
• Optional toppings: fresh herbs, cheese, fried egg, hot sauce, or whatever you like

How to cook it

1. Brown the meat over medium high heat
2. Add the onions, garlic, and carrots and cook for 3-5 minutes
3. Pour in the water and add the frozen veggies and the seasoning packet if you are using a boxed mix.
4. Bring the liquid to a boil
5. Reduce to a simmer and cover the pan
6. Cook for 15-20 minutes until rice and veggies are cooked through
7. Eat the delicious, filling goodness!