Mediterranean Grilled Salmon with Lemon-Broccoli Rice

Ingredients

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

  Substitute: Red pepper flakes (pinch)

• 1 cup broccoli floret

  Substitute: Asparagus

• 2 tbsp olive oil

  Substitute: Avocado oil

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

  Substitute: Dried thyme

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

  Substitute: Fresh minced garlic (1/2 clove)

• 2 (4 oz each) salmon fillet

  Substitute: Cod or other white fish

• 1/2 cup white rice

  Substitute: Brown rice (increase cook time)

• 1/2 lemon

  Substitute: Lime

• 1/4 tsp salt

  Substitute: Sea salt

Equipment Needed

• • Grill
• • Small saucepan
• • Chef's knife
• • Cutting board
• • Mixing bowl
• • Tongs

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C). This ensures the salmon cooks evenly without burning.

   ⏱️ 5 min

   Technique: Preheating

   
2. 2

   In a small saucepan, combine the white rice with 1 cup of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil (heat liquid rapidly until bubbles rise continuously), then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer (cook gently at a low temperature) for 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. This allows the rice to cook through without burning.

   ⏱️ 2 min prep, 15 min cook

   Technique: Simmering

   
3. 3

   While the rice is cooking, prepare the broccoli. Steam (cook by surrounding in steam) or boil the broccoli florets for 5 minutes until tender-crisp (slightly firm to the bite). Drain well.

   ⏱️ 7 min

   Technique: Steaming/Boiling

   
4. 4

   Zest (scrape off the outer colored part of the peel) and juice the lemon. Set aside. The zest adds intense flavor and the juice adds acidity.

   ⏱️ 2 min

   Technique: Zesting/Juicing

   
5. 5

   In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli, 1 tbsp olive oil, half of the lemon zest, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This creates the flavorful lemon-broccoli rice.

   ⏱️ 3 min

   Technique: Mixing

   
6. 6

   Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear (crisp outer layer).

   ⏱️ 1 min

   Technique: Patting Dry

   
7. 7

   In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, remaining lemon zest, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This is your marinade (a flavorful liquid used to soak food).

   ⏱️ 2 min

   Technique: Mixing

   
8. 8

   Brush the salmon fillets with the olive oil mixture. Make sure to cover both sides.

   ⏱️ 1 min

   Technique: Brushing

   
9. 9

   Place the salmon fillets on the preheated grill, skin-side down if applicable. Grill for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through (flakes easily with a fork). Be careful not to overcook, which will make it dry.

   ⏱️ 10 min

   Technique: Grilling

   
10. 10

    Serve the grilled salmon over the lemon-broccoli rice. Garnish with a lemon wedge, if desired.

    ⏱️ 1 min

    Technique: Serving