Super Simple Asian Salmon
When I first started cooking for others, I’d search for the most extravagant, impressive recipe I could find (which I’d never attempted before, of course), then I’d stress myself out preparing it while my guests enjoyed each other’s company in the other room.
Half of the time my hard work would pay off with lavish compliments.
The other half of the time, my friends would choke down the food while trying to force relaxed, satisfied facial expressions and tell me, “It’s really — errrr — interesting.”
I’m finally starting to learn my lesson. Now I save the challenging recipes for my BF/guinea pig and stick to trusted favorites with company.
With my parents in town this weekend, I followed my new rule (especially considering my Dad is not too keen about most of my “weird food”), and made a very Simple Asian Salmon for Sunday night’s dinner.
Despite the fact that this tasty little number only requires three ingredients besides the salmon, it’s huge on flavor — important for people who aren’t the biggest fish lovers.
While my Dad wasn’t so keen about having fish for dinner, my mom was thrilled. After a long bike ride in Santa Monica earlier in the day, she was ready to relax and not be responsible for the cooking for once.
Before I jump into that incredibly easy recipe, I’ll give you a rundown of the rest of the day.
We kicked off the morning with an amazing meal at Blu Jam Cafe, a local L.A. fav. I love having my family in town because it gives me an excuse to diverge (a little) from my usual breakfast at home.
One of these tasty meals was my Dad’s, and one was mine.
I’m sure you can guess whose was whose.
After breakfast we headed down to the sand, me with my new favorite green “Smuice” in hand.
What’s a “smuice” you ask? It’s a smoothie/juice.
Pronounced “ssss-moose.”
I’m feeling pretty stoked about my new creation (stay tuned next week for the recipe).
While my Dad pulled a beached whale in the sand, my mom and I went for a cruise. You can rent bikes at any of the Perry’s along the coast for $10 an hour.
After a few hours catching rays, it was back to WeHo so I could catch Beauty Frosting‘s fabulous 2nd Birthday Party.
I enjoyed a glass of One Hope Wine’s Sauvignon Blanc (half of their proceeds go to charity), snagged a cupcake, and caught up with a few blogger babes (E! Online’s Jennifer Chan and of Jessica Garvey of The Hostess Handbook) before heading back home to the parental units.
After a day of semi-indulging, a simple salmon dish was just what my bod was craving.
Simple 2-Step Asian Salmon
Ingredients:
4, 3-4 oz Salmon Fillets
4 T. Coconut Aminos
4 Tsp. Honey (or Stevia)
1 tsp. Garlic Powder
1 T. Coconut Oil
Directions:
1. Marinate the fillets in the coconut aminos, honey, and garlic powder for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat coconut oil on medium-high in a skillet.
3. Add fillets, skin-side down, and cook for about 6 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Enjoy!
Total Calories: about 200 (serves 4)
This goes great with steamed or sauteed veggies doused in a little coconut aminos as well, or a side of brown rice.
My Dad — who I mentioned despises salmon — even said, “Not bad.”
I’ll take it!
*This post is linked to Recipe Friday on CandyFit, What I Ate Wednesday on Peas & Crayons, Real Food Wednesday on Kelly the Kitchen Kop, and Waste Not Want Not Wednesday on Poor and Gluten Free.
Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says:
There was a time in my life that I hated salmon…like I totally despised it. Then one day (within the last few years), I gave it another chance and now I love it. My husband grills it for me with a maple syrup marinade. It’s so tasty!
GiGi Eats Celebrities says:
HOLLY – I HATED salmon too!! For the longest time. I even ran away from HOME when my mother made salmon for dinner one night – because I didn’t want it… I was gone for 24 hours! How stupid is that? And you won’t believe me when I tell you think now but……… Now I eat salmon every day! bah aha ha ah!
I’m coming over for dinner the next time your hubs makes salmon – lol
Whitney English says:
You would run away from home over food wouldn’t you :)
Kristina @ Damn Ten Pounds says:
I learned the hard way to keep it simple when entertaining. Now I keep it as simple as possible so I can actually enjoy my guests without stressing. I loved when it was cooler outside cause I could get away with chilli, chicken tortilla soup and lentil soup. That + a salad was literally a fool proof meal, even for me :) , and always went over well. Glad you’re having a good time with your parents. Love your W necklace BTW. Where’s it from??
Whitney English says:
Oh yeah, soups/chili are a great idea. I’ll have to break out my crock pot next time! The necklace is from Lord & Taylor. I got it for Christmas, however I think it was on sale then.
Kristina @ Damn Ten Pounds says:
Love it! Thank you!!
Ashley @ Brocblog says:
Sounds delicious! Where do you buy coconut aminos?
Whitney English says:
I get it at Whole Foods but you can also buy from Amazon. I have a link above!
Kathryn @ Illustrated Nutrition says:
Looks like you had a great time with your family! I love when friends and family come to visit because it gives me an excuse to get out of my routine and enjoy Arizona. I didn’t know you could rent bikes along the coast, thanks for sharing that lovely tidbit! My fiance and I usually head to california every summer to escape the heat. Now that I know you can rent bikes we’re going to have to take advantage of that!
Whitney English says:
Yes you definitely should! It’s so refreshing :) And give me a holler if you need any more recs while you’re here!
Jenny @ The Wellness Journey says:
LOVE Salmon!! Especially since we catch it ourselves. :)
Whitney English says:
Ah, so jealous of that!! You’re very lucky :)
Brittany @ Barr & Table says:
Love this! I had so much fun exploring with my parents when they visited and cooking for them too. I went with a couple favorites that I’d made for the hubs in the past and my parents loved em!
Whitney English says:
So nice when you get your parents seal of approval, right?!
Allie Mackin says:
Haha sounds like a smart plan! And this really sounds good not like geek food at all!
Allie of ALLIE NYC
allienyc.com
Whitney English says:
Thanks Allie!
Kim says:
Salmon isn’t my favorite but I made some the other night for my husband and youngest son since they both love it. I thought it was still not that great but they enjoyed it. Next time I will try this recipe – I figure if I keep trying I will find one I like!
Whitney English says:
That’s what I did! I didn’t like Salmon the first few times I made it at home, then I finally found a cooking method I liked.
Courtney @ http://www.harnessyourenergy.wordpress.com says:
This post may have given me the courage to try salmon again. After several really terrible attempts, I swore salmon off altogether. But maybe I have found a way to make it as appetizing as you have.. maybe… or perhaps my cooking skills along with salmon are a lost cause ;)
Whitney English says:
Yay, so happy to hear that! Let me know what you think :)
MPaula says:
I make a similar recipe called Salmon Sukiyaki, however it is poached not fried. I made it for a dinner with a friend, forgetting she didn’t like salmon. She had seconds! I pinned this recipe as an alternative.
Whitney English says:
Oh, I’m intrigued! Where can I find the recipe?!
GiGi Eats Celebrities says:
OH HECK YES! Dad approves, life is good! :)
And I haven’t been to Blue Jam is SO LONG!!! I miss the Olympus! ;)
Whitney English says:
#SadFace
Kierston says:
I love salmon. I’m sure you know that ;)
Lots of happiness in this post! Love it!
Whitney English says:
Haha, yes I do :)
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says:
I love salmon – I can’t wait to try this! Pinning it right now!
Whitney English says:
Thanks Michelle!
Julie says:
I love salmon anyway & that looks delicious. It looks simple enough for me to try! Thanks for the recipe.
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says:
Ooooh, this sounds fabulous. I love salmon recipes… seriously can’t get enough of it.
Pinning to make… soon!
Wishing you a lovely day.
xoxo