
Crispy Sesame-Crusted Salmon with Coconut Lime Rice
An original, elegant dinner featuring golden salmon fillets coated in a sesame crust, served over fragrant rice cooked with coconut milk, fresh lime, and sautéed spinach. It offers contrasting textures, citrusy flavor, and a glossy honey-soy finish.
Ingredients
- 4 150 g each skinless salmon fillets (approx. 600 g en total)
- 200 g jasmine rice (enjuagado)
- 240 ml coconut milk (without sugar)
- 180 ml water (for the arroz)
- 1 unit lime zest (solo the zest)
- 30 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 24 g white sesame seeds (for the crust)
- 8 g black sesame seeds (for the crust)
- 30 ml honey (divided)
- 45 ml soy sauce (divided)
- 10 g fresh grated ginger (divided)
- 9 g minced garlic (divided)
- 30 ml olive oil (divided)
- 120 g fresh spinach (lavadas)
- 30 g sliced scallions (for terminar)
- 4 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs almost clear. Place it in a saucepan with the coconut milk, water, half of the lime zest, and 1 g salt. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- 2
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook the rice for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 more minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in 15 ml (1 tbsp) lime juice.
- 3
While the rice cooks, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season them on both sides with 2 g salt and the black pepper.
- 4
In a small bowl, mix the white and black sesame seeds. In another bowl, combine 15 ml (1 tbsp) honey, 15 ml (1 tbsp) soy sauce, half of the grated ginger, and half of the minced garlic. Brush this mixture over the top of each fillet and press them into the sesame seeds to create an even crust.
- 5
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat with 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil. Place the fillets crust-side down and sear for 2 minutes without moving them so the sesame adheres well.
- 6
Carefully flip the salmon and transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C). Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through but still juicy in the center.
- 7
While the salmon bakes, heat another skillet with the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil over medium heat. Add the remaining garlic and ginger, cook for 30 seconds, and add the spinach. Sauté for 2 minutes until wilted.
- 8
Add the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) soy sauce, the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) honey, and the rest of the lime juice to the spinach. Cook 30 seconds more to lightly glaze.
- 9
To serve, divide the coconut lime rice among four plates. Top with a mound of sautéed spinach and then a crispy salmon fillet. Finish with the sliced scallions and the remaining lime zest.
Chef tips
For an even stronger crust, press the sesame firmly onto the salmon and chill the fillets for 10 minutes before searing. Use a properly hot skillet to get better color without overcooking the fish.
Substitutions
You can swap jasmine rice for basmati rice. Honey can be replaced with maple syrup for a different flavor profile. If you do not have spinach, use bok choy or young chard. Salmon can be replaced with trout for a similar result.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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