High-Heat Seared Salmon with Ghee-Tempered Grain Salad
15min
20min
4
545
Chef's Note
This recipe demonstrates the three tiers of fat usage: we use avocado oil for its high smoke point during the sear, ghee for a flavorful high-heat tempering of spices, and unrefined extra virgin olive oil as a finishing touch to preserve its delicate antioxidants and flavor.
Tags
Ingredients
4 6-ounce portions Salmon fillets
2 tablespoons Avocado oil
1 cup Quinoa, rinsed
2 cups Vegetable broth
1 tablespoon Ghee (clarified butter)
1/2 teaspoon Cumin seeds
2 cloves Garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
2 cups Baby spinach
to taste N/A Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- 1
In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
- 2
While the quinoa cooks, pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- 3
Place a heavy stainless steel or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the avocado oil and wait for it to shimmer—a sign it is hot enough but hasn't reached its 520°F smoke point.
- 4
Carefully place salmon in the pan, skin-side down. Press gently with a spatula to ensure even contact. Sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until desired doneness is reached. Remove salmon from the pan and set aside.
- 5
In a small skillet, heat the ghee over medium heat. Once melted, add the cumin seeds and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is golden and fragrant. This 'tempering' technique uses the high smoke point of ghee to toast spices without burning the fat.
- 6
In a large bowl, fluff the cooked quinoa. Fold in the spinach (it will wilt slightly from the heat), the ghee-tempered garlic and cumin, the extra virgin olive oil, and the lemon juice.
- 7
Divide the grain salad among four plates and top each with a seared salmon fillet. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
545
39g
28g
31g
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