Pan-seared Salmon over Quinoa with Honey Orange Glaze

Ingredients

2 cups quinoa, cooked 
1/2 tablespoon grated fresh ginger 
3 tablespoons fresh orange juice plus zest 2 tablespoons honey 
1 tablespoon soy sauce 
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Siracha sauce 
1 teaspoon ground  cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander 
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil 
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on 
2 tablespoons roughly chopped parsley 
2 tablespoons chopped scallion 
1/2 cup bean sprouts for garnish, divided (optional)
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper 

Directions

Bring the salmon to room temperature before cooking.

Cook 2 cups of quinoa according to packaged instructions. Set aside. 

In a bowl, whisk together the ginger, orange juice, 1 teaspoon orange zest, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, Siracha, cumin, and coriander together until well incorporated, then whisk in the sesame oil. Set aside. 

Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a medium cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until the skillet begins to smoke, about 2 minutes. Meanwhile, season the salmon with salt and some pepper on both sides. Add the salmon to the skillet, skin side down. Cook until you get a nice crust on the salmon, about 2-3 minutes. Turn the fish and cook for another until it feels slightly firm to the touch, about 2 minutes more. 

Serve skin side up. Spoon over the sauce and garnish with parsley, scallions and bean sprouts. 

Serve the salmon skin-side up. Spoon the sauce over the salmon and garnish each piece of fish with 1/4 cup  fresh bean sprouts or scallions. 

Helpful Hints 

When searing protein, I NEVER touch it while it's cooking (as tempting as it can be)- that's to make sure I get a really crisp skin. Let the natural cooking chemistry happen to really develop a good crust. You'll be amazed at the results. 

I like to serve this dish with quinoa or brown rice. Serve 1/2 cup of whatever grain you like per piece of protein. Barley or couscous would also be nice! I also like to serve this dish with a handful of tender greens like arugula or mixed greens!

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