This Easy One-Pot Salmon and Rice Dinner is perfect for busy days! It combines tender salmon with fluffy rice and veggies, all cooked together for simple cleanup.
I love that I can make a full meal in just one pot. Less time washing dishes means more time to enjoy my food…and maybe sneak another piece of salmon! 🐟🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are ideal for this dish, but if you’re looking for alternatives, canned salmon or even trout work well too. Just adjust cooking times to ensure they’re heated through without drying out.
Rice: Using long-grain white rice gives a great texture. If you’re after something different, jasmine or basmati rice offer lovely flavor. Brown rice is a healthy option, but cooking time will be longer, so keep that in mind!
Broth: Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth adds depth. If you don’t have broth, water will do in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as rich. You can also use seafood broth for an extra burst of flavor.
Veggies: Frozen peas are convenient, but you can switch them out for other frozen mixed veggies. Fresh veggies like bell peppers or spinach can also enhance the dish. Just add them according to their cooking times so they remain vibrant.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Salmon and Rice?
The trick to getting the salmon perfectly cooked while keeping the rice fluffy is all in the timing and heat management. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start by sautéing the onions and garlic until they’re soft, which adds great flavor.
- When you add the rice and broth, bring it to a boil before reducing to low heat. A gentle simmer is key—it cooks everything evenly.
- Make sure to cover the pot tightly when placing the salmon on top. This traps steam, helping both the salmon to cook through and the rice to stay tender.
- Check the salmon after about 15 minutes; it should flake easily with a fork. If it’s not quite there, leave it covered for an extra minute or two. Be careful not to overcook!
Using these techniques will ensure a delicious one-pot wonder every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy One-Pot Salmon and Rice Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on or off
- 1 cup long grain white rice (or jasmine/basmati)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas (or mixed vegetables)
- 1 medium carrot, diced
Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or dill
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Fresh lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful one-pot dinner takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, making it a quick and satisfying meal option. Total time: approximately 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet or wide pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and diced carrot, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until everything is fragrant and tender.
2. Stir in the Rice:
Add the rice to the pot, stirring it well to coat with the oil and mix with the veggies. This helps enhance the flavor of the rice as it cooks.
3. Add the Liquid and Seasonings:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth next. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme or dill. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
4. Cook the Salmon:
Carefully place the salmon fillets on top of the rice mixture. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. During this time, the rice will cook through, and the salmon will become perfectly tender.
5. Add the Peas:
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the frozen peas over the salmon and rice without stirring. Cover and let everything continue cooking until the peas are heated through.
6. Rest and Fluff:
Once done, remove the pot from heat and let it stand, covered, for a few minutes to finish steaming. Then, gently fluff the rice around the salmon using a fork, being careful not to break apart the fish.
7. Serve:
Plate your delicious salmon and rice dinner, adding fresh lemon wedges on the side and garnishing with chopped parsley or dill for a burst of freshness.
Enjoy your easy and delicious one-pot salmon and rice dinner! It’s a simple yet impressive meal perfect for any occasion.
FAQ for Easy One-Pot Salmon and Rice Dinner
Can I Use Frozen Salmon Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets! Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for even cooking results. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Rice?
If you’re looking for an alternative to the rice, quinoa or couscous can work well, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking liquid and times according to the package instructions. Alternatively, cauliflower rice provides a low-carb option and cooks quickly!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to keep the rice moist.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in additional vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on their tenderness. Fresh vegetables should be added according to their cooking times—add quicker-cooking ones, like spinach, in the last few minutes.
