Irresistible Sumac Salmon with Golden Rice Recipe

The moment you bite into the perfectly seared salmon, kissed by the tangy warmth of sumac, you enter a world where flavor dances like it’s at a disco party. The golden rice beneath is fluffy and aromatic, whispering tales of saffron and spices that beckon you to keep digging in. This dish, Sumac Salmon with Golden Rice, isn’t just food; it’s an experience that sweeps you off your feet and leaves your taste buds singing.

I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends. Their eyes widened as they inhaled the delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, and we were all lounging around, eagerly awaiting a feast that would mark the day as unforgettable. Little did they know that this salmon would become our go-to dish for gatherings.

My roommate couldn’t stop raving about how fancy it felt while still being easy enough to whip up after a long day.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Salmon Fillets: Look for fresh fillets with bright color and minimal odor for the best taste.

• Sumac Spice: This tangy spice adds depth; choose high-quality sumac for maximum flavor.

• Golden Basmati Rice: Use fragrant basmati rice for its fluffy texture and nutty flavor.

• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic enhances flavor; opt for firm cloves with no sprouting.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish splendidly.

• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness to the salmon and rice.

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley brings a refreshing pop of color and flavor to the plate.

• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate every ingredient used in this recipe.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Sumac Salmon with Golden Rice

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients before diving in. Rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear; this helps achieve fluffiness.

Cook the Golden Rice: In a medium pot, combine rinsed rice with double the amount of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and cover until tender—about 15 minutes.

Season Your Salmon: Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Rub both sides generously with olive oil, sumac, salt, and pepper—trust me; this is where the magic happens!

Sear the Salmon: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place seasoned salmon skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until crispy before carefully flipping it over.

Add Garlic & Lemon: Toss minced garlic into the pan around cooking salmon during the last minute of cooking. Squeeze lemon juice over everything just before removing from heat—it’s pure bliss!

Fluff & Serve: Once rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork—add chopped parsley if desired! Plate your gorgeous salmon on top of golden rice and garnish with more parsley for that Instagram-worthy effect.

Enjoy each glorious bite as flavors meld together beautifully!

You’ve now transformed ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary—a culinary masterpiece!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the salmon in sumac and lemon juice while cooking the golden rice. This allows flavors to meld beautifully before searing the salmon to perfection.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the salmon for trout or chicken if desired. Adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers will enhance both flavor and nutrition, making it more colorful.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the salmon.

Cooking this sumac salmon with golden rice has become a family favorite over time. I remember one dinner when my cousin declared it “the best thing I’ve eaten all year,” and I can’t help but smile at that memory.

FAQ

What does sumac taste like?

Sumac has a tangy, lemony flavor that adds brightness to dishes, enhancing their overall taste.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed before marinating and cooking for best results.

What side dishes pair well with sumac salmon?

Roasted vegetables or a simple salad complement sumac salmon beautifully, balancing flavors and textures.

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Sumac Salmon with Golden Rice

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Sumac Salmon with Golden Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish that transforms your dining experience into something extraordinary. The crispy salmon, seasoned with tangy sumac, pairs perfectly with fluffy golden basmati rice infused with saffron and spices. Ideal for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, this recipe will impress your guests while being quick and easy to prepare.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Pan-searing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 2 tsp sumac spice
• 1 cup golden basmati rice
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until clear. In a medium pot, combine the rice with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
2. While the rice cooks, pat salmon dry and season both sides with olive oil, sumac, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until crispy. Carefully flip and cook an additional 3-4 minutes.
4. In the last minute of cooking, add minced garlic around the salmon and squeeze lemon juice over the top.
5. Fluff cooked rice with a fork and mix in chopped parsley if desired. Serve salmon on a bed of golden rice and garnish with more parsley.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 fillet (170g)
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 260mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: For enhanced flavor, marinate the salmon in sumac and lemon juice before cooking. Feel free to substitute salmon with trout or chicken; adding vegetables like spinach can boost nutrition.