One-Pot Miso-Turmeric Salmon and Coconut Rice

One-Pot Miso-Turmeric Salmon and Coconut Rice

In this layered spinach, salmon and rice dish, a bed of greens layered on simmering coconut rice acts as a steamer basket for the fish nestled on top, allowing it to cook gently. The rice starts cooking while easy-to-eat salmon pieces are coated with savory miso and colorful turmeric. A bit of lime balances the rich flavors. It’s a recipe to play with, depending on whim and what you’ve got on hand: Swap the spinach for chopped chard or kale; stir in preserved lemon for brightness or sliced ginger for a warming kick; or serve with fresh avocado or radish slices.

Yield: 4 servings

2 cups white jasmine rice

1 (15-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk

Salt and pepper

4 scallions, light white and green parts thinly sliced

2 tablespoons white miso paste

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

1½ pounds skinless salmon fillets, cut into 2- to 3-inch pieces 

5 packed cups/5 ounces baby spinach

1 lime, quartered 

Cilantro leaves (optional), for garnish

In a large Dutch oven or other large heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid, combine the rice, coconut milk and 2 cups of water; season with 1 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, covered, over high.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the scallions with the miso, soy sauce, olive oil, turmeric and a few grinds of pepper to form a chunky paste. Add the salmon; toss to coat.

When the rice starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, adjusting it as needed to maintain a simmer. Stir to make sure nothing is sticking on the bottom.

Layer the spinach on top of the rice. Squeeze 2 lime quarters over the spinach. Nestle the salmon pieces on top in an even layer, scraping in any scallions remaining in the bowl. Cover and cook until the salmon is just cooked through, breaking apart the thickest piece to check, 12 to 16 minutes.

Squeeze the remaining lime quarters over the salmon. Top with cilantro, if using. Scoop into bowls or plates to serve.

TIP: I highly recommend soaking the rice for at least an hour before you cook it, which will soften it, allowing it to cook quicker, but even then I find you need at least 20-25 minutes to cook rice! It then has to stand off the heat for 5-10 minutes, so I would add the salmon after rice has been cooking for about 10-15 mins.

Fantastic recipe that is going into our rotation. All the right notes for a simple Asian dinner. Recipe should make it clear that spinach and salmon go into the pot immediately after rice comes to a boil and you give it a stir. I lowered temp when spinach and fish added. Thank you!!

 I cooked the rice for 10 minutes, then added spinach and salmon to cook another 12-15 minutes. I don’t like overdone Salmon and this worked well. However, next time, I will only add the spinach at the very end so it stays looking nice and green and slightly wilted. (Cooking it 15 minutes turned it kind of brown and lifeless).

 I’d suggest putting some of the marinade into the rice water, and add the salmon and greens after the first 10min. at least that’s what I’d do for a rice cooker version.