Baked Salmon & Thai Rice

Oven-baked salmon with Thai rice - a simple and delicious recipe

When it comes to healthy and tasty dishes, oven-baked salmon is definitely a favorite. This recipe will not only satisfy your craving for fish but will also add a touch of elegance to your table. Additionally, Thai rice provides a perfect accompaniment, turning every meal into a memorable culinary experience. Let's prepare a lunch or dinner together that will impress anyone!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients

For the salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (approximately 200-250 g each)
- 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste

For the rice:
- 150 g of Thai rice (aromatic, with a slight nutty flavor)
- 375 ml water (2 + 1/2 measures)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the salmon:
Start by washing the salmon fillets well under cold water, then pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess water. This step is essential to achieve a nice crust in the oven.

2. Seasoning the salmon:
Place the salmon in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle salt and pepper over each piece. Let it sit for a few minutes to marinate slightly, allowing the flavors to intensify.

3. Preparing the oven:
Preheat the oven to 200°C. In the meantime, you can prepare the baking tray. Grease a baking tray with a little olive oil to prevent the salmon from sticking.

4. Baking the salmon:
Place the salmon fillets in the tray and put them in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the flesh becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork. You can check the salmon after 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet.

5. Preparing the rice:
In a pot, add the Thai rice and water, then add salt to taste. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once the water starts to boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the rice simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is completely absorbed. Do not stir the rice during cooking for fluffy grains.

6. Finishing the dish:
Once the salmon is ready, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. In the meantime, pour the sauce that formed in the salmon tray over the cooked rice, gently mixing. Season with pepper to taste.

7. Serving:
Place a generous portion of rice on a plate, and carefully top it with a piece of salmon. You can add a few lemon slices for a fresh look and a pop of color.

Useful tips

- Fresh ingredients: Choose fresh salmon from a trusted source. Wild salmon has a more intense flavor and better texture than farmed salmon.
- Herb variation: You can add fresh herbs like dill or cilantro for an extra flavor boost.
- Thai rice: If you can't find Thai rice, you can use basmati rice or long-grain rice, but the taste will vary.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This recipe offers a balanced meal, rich in quality protein from salmon and healthy carbohydrates from rice. One serving contains approximately 600-700 calories, depending on the amount of oil used. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for the heart and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I substitute salmon with another fish?
Yes, you can use trout fillets, tuna, or even white fish, but the cooking time may vary.

- What can I serve alongside this dish?
A fresh vegetable salad or steamed vegetables are excellent accompaniments. Additionally, a glass of white wine or a gin and tonic cocktail with lime can perfectly complement the meal.

- How can I store leftovers?
Cooked salmon can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. It is delicious cold, in salads or sandwiches.

Personal note

This oven-baked salmon with Thai rice recipe reminds me of family evenings spent enjoying a simple yet flavorful meal. It is a quick dish, ideal for days when time is limited, but you want to treat yourself to something special. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Bon appétit!