Sesame Salmon
A savory sesame-crusted salmon baked with fresh vegetables and lemon, delivering a balanced mix of flavors perfect for a healthy, elegant meal suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 6 Salmon steaks ⓘ
- 2 green peppers, seeded and cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 2 leeks, cut into strips ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced ⓘ
- 1 red chili pepper, seeded and minced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons sugar
- 6 tablespoons water ⓘ
- 2 small shallots ⓘ
- 1 medium bunch spinach ⓘ
- 2 lemons ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons corn oil ⓘ
- Lemon-pepper seasoning ⓘ
- 4 sheets of cooking parchment or foil (12-inch squares) ⓘ
Instructions
- Thinly slice shallots and separate into rings. Wash and dry spinach well, removing tough stems. Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Arrange one-quarter of spinach leaves on half of each parchment square. Lightly brush both sides of salmon steaks with corn oil and season with lemon-pepper seasoning.
- Place salmon steaks, skin side up, over the spinach leaves on the parchment squares.
- Sprinkle with shallots and drizzle with lemon juice. Fold the other half of the parchment paper over the salmon and spinach.
- Seal the packets by folding the edges over about 1/2 inch all around, overlapping the folds.
- Place the packets on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes until the paper puffs up and browns. Check that the fish flakes easily with a fork when done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, you can substitute the salmon with trout or even tofu for a vegetarian option. If you don't have sesame oil, a light olive oil can work as a substitute. Consider adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat if you enjoy spiciness. You can also mix in some chopped herbs like cilantro or basil for added freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sesame salmon with a side of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious juices. A fresh cucumber salad or roasted asparagus pairs wonderfully, enhancing the meal's freshness. For an Asian-inspired touch, consider serving with a soy sauce-based dipping sauce or sesame dressing to elevate the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven at 350°F wrapped in foil to prevent drying out. This method helps maintain the salmon's moisture and flavor, ensuring a delightful meal even on the second day.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sesame Salmon contains roughly 715 calories, with 9g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), iron (22% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1452mg per serving (63% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon steaks; just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from being too watery. Pat them dry with a paper towel before seasoning and cooking for the best results.
What can I substitute for spinach?
If you don't have spinach on hand, you can use kale or Swiss chard as alternatives. Both greens provide a similar texture and flavor profile. Just make sure to remove the tough stems and chop them into smaller pieces to ensure they cook evenly with the salmon.
How do I know when the salmon is done cooking?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an opaque appearance. You can also check the internal temperature, which should reach 145°F for safe consumption. If using parchment, the packets will puff up and lightly brown, indicating that the fish is likely cooked through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).