Soy Glazed Salmon With Crunchy Hot and Sour Salad

Overview

Experience a delightful fusion of flavors with this Soy Glazed Salmon with Crunchy Hot and Sour Salad, a dish that not only impresses with its vibrant presentation but also tantalizes the palate with a blend of savory, sweet, and spicy elements. Ideal for entertaining friends or family, this meal can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to spend more quality moments with your guests. The quick cooking time makes it an accessible option for those busy evenings when you desire something special without the fuss.

Total Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: European
Keywords: Easy, < 4 Hours

Nutritional Information

Ingredients

For the Salmon Marinade

For the Hot and Sour Salad

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

To commence this culinary journey, begin by combining the marinade ingredients—soy sauce, honey, red chile, and caster sugar—in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved and all ingredients are well integrated, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 2: Marinate the Salmon

Next, take your salmon steaks and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. For optimal flavor infusion, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least two hours, although letting it marinate overnight will yield an even richer taste.

Step 3: Make the Hot and Sour Dressing

While the salmon absorbs the delicious marinade, focus on crafting the hot and sour dressing. In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, finely chopped red chile, and caster sugar. Heat the mixture gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once the sugar has melded with the vinegar and chile, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool. After cooling, incorporate the sunflower oil into the dressing, whisking to combine.

Step 4: Prepare the Crunchy Salad Topping

In a heavy frying pan, add a drizzle of oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, introduce the cashew nuts, allowing them to fry gently until they are lightly browned and aromatic. Sprinkle in the sea salt and black mustard seeds, frying for an additional minute or until the mustard seeds begin to pop. Once ready, set this mixture aside to cool.

Step 5: Cook the Salmon

Return to your salmon, and heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place the marinated salmon steaks in the pan, starting with the skin side down. Cook for approximately four minutes on each side, taking care not to overcook. The flesh should remain moist while achieving a lovely caramelized surface on the top, which adds both flavor and visual appeal.

Step 6: Assemble the Salad

While the salmon is cooking, it’s time to assemble the hot and sour salad. In a large bowl, combine the bean sprouts, snow peas, sliced water chestnuts, and the zest and juice of the lime. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture, tossing gently to ensure that everything is coated evenly.

Step 7: Serve the Dish

To serve, artfully pile the salad onto each plate, creating a vibrant base for the salmon. Top each serving with the perfectly cooked salmon steaks, allowing the colors and textures to shine. The combination of the savory, sweet, and slightly spicy salmon alongside the refreshing crunch of the salad creates a well-balanced meal that is sure to impress.

Final Touches

As a delightful accompaniment, consider serving this dish with fried rice, enhanced with fresh mint, coriander, and shiitake mushrooms to elevate the dining experience further. The marriage of flavors, textures, and colors makes this meal not just a feast for the palate, but also for the eyes, embodying the essence of a perfect gathering with friends.

Conclusion

This Soy Glazed Salmon with Crunchy Hot and Sour Salad is not just a meal; it’s an experience that captures the essence of fresh ingredients and bold flavors, ensuring that your gatherings are both memorable and delicious. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and adaptability, making it a fantastic choice for both casual weeknight dinners and festive occasions. Enjoy the cooking and dining experience, knowing that this dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering!