Coconut Lemongrass Wild Salmon
Enjoy this recipe recently featured in Clean Eating Magazine! Photo by Ronald Tsang.
Yield: 4 servings
1 large shallot, peeled and diced small (3 tablespoons)
6 3-inch pieces lemongrass, bruised with the back of a knife
1 large 3-inch piece of fresh ginger (3-ounces), peeled and cut into 1/8-inch slices
3 medium garlic cloves, peeled and crushed with the back of a knife
2 large makrut lime leaves, ribs removed
1 small Thai chili, cut in half widthwise
1 13.5-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk (not lite, no guar gum)
1 cup water
1 cup low sodium chicken stock
8 ounces grape tomatoes, halved (approximately 25 grape tomatoes)
½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided, plus more to taste
1¾ pound head cauliflower, core and leaves discarded, cut into bite-sized florets
8 ounces baby bok choy, cleaned and quartered
1¼ pound skin-on wild sockeye salmon, 1-inch thick, pin bones removed and cut into 4 equal sized pieces *
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
In a large pot (which fits a steamer basket), add the shallot, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, lime leaves, chili, coconut milk, water, chicken stock, grape tomatoes and ¼ teaspoon salt.
Insert steamer basket. Add cauliflower in an even layer to basket.
Cover with a lid. Turn heat to high and set a timer for 25 minutes.
Once you see steam, reduce heat to medium-low.
After 25 minutes, remove the insert (careful, hot!) and transfer to a plate. (Heat is still set to medium-low.) Add the bok choy evenly atop the cauliflower. On top of the bok choy, add the salmon pieces, evenly spaced, skin side down. Season the salmon with ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper.
Re-insert the steamer basket, cover with a lid and set a timer for 4 minutes. After 4 minutes, your salmon should be opaque and lighter in color. Turn off the heat.
Remove steam basket and place on plate again. Add the lime juice to the steaming liquid, stir and season to taste with salt as needed. Strain liquid, pressing on the solids with the back of a spoon to get all the delicious broth!
To serve, place some cauliflower and bok choy in the center of a shallow bowl. Remove skin if you prefer and place salmon filet on top of the steamed vegetables. Spoon over ¼ cup of the broth per bowl.
*Salmon note * If your salmon has a slight fishy smell to it – not a problem, give it a quick rinse in cold water and pat it dry.