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One Pot Salmon and Rice Recipe

One Pot Salmon and Rice Recipe - Easy Meals To Cook

I’ve always believed that cooking should be about joy and ease. One pot salmon and rice embodies this philosophy perfectly. It’s a vibrant dish that doesn’t just fill your stomach; it fills your spirit. 
Imagine coming home after a long day, ready to whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe allows for just that.
Salmon fillets nestle neatly on a bed of seasoned rice. The fusion of flavors dances together in harmony. 
You get the richness from the salmon, the heartiness of the rice, and the freshness of added veggies. This dish is a meal in one pot, turning dinnertime into a celebration of flavors and a showcase of simple cooking techniques.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 478

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain basmati rice, rinsed thoroughly
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 4 salmon fillets skin-on or skinless, as preferred
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 large sweet onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 cube vegetable bouillon
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt blend with herbs and spices
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 lemon, zest and juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
  • 1/4 cup toasted almond slivers or pine nuts

Method
 

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
  1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. The sweetness of the onion adds depth to the dish.
Step 2: Add the Peppers and Garlic
  1. Next, toss in the diced green and red bell peppers. Stir and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant—about 1 minute.
Step 3: Incorporate the Rice and Spices
  1. Stir in the rinsed basmati rice, smoked paprika, ground turmeric, and the seasoned salt blend. Cook the rice for about 2 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors of the sautéed veggies and spices.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
  1. Now, add the vegetable broth along with the vegetable bouillon cube. Stir well, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 5: Add the Salmon
  1. Once the broth is boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Place the salmon fillets on top of the rice, skin-side down if using skin-on. Season the salmon with salt and pepper, then cover the pot with a lid.
Step 6: Cook Until Done
  1. Let the salmon and rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through, and the rice is tender. You may need to check if additional liquid is needed.
Step 7: Finish with Lemon
  1. Once the salmon is cooked, squeeze the lemon juice over the top. Sprinkle lemon zest and fresh herbs for an added flavor boost.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
  1. Gently fluff the rice with a fork, mixing in the salmon. Top with toasted almond slivers or pine nuts for crunch. Dig in!

Notes

  • Choice of Rice: Basmati rice works best, but jasmine rice is also a great option.
  • Cooking Time: Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the salmon fillets. Thinner fillets may cook faster.
  • Stuffing more veggies: Don’t hesitate to add zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition.
  • Storage Tip: This dish stores well. Make sure it’s completely cool before refrigerating.
  • Cost-effective: Use frozen salmon; it still tastes great and is often more affordable.