Turmeric-Crusted Salmon with Forbidden Rice & Tropical Recovery Salsa

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Salmon fillets
• 0.5 cup Black Forbidden Rice
• 1 tsp Ground Turmeric
• 0.5 tsp Ground Cumin
• 0.25 tsp Garlic Powder
• 0.25 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
• 0.5 tsp Sea Salt
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 medium Ripe Mango
• 1 medium Ripe Avocado
• 2 tbsp Red Onion
• 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro
• 1 whole Lime
• 2 cups Baby Spinach or Arugula

Instructions

1. Cook Black Rice: Rinse black forbidden rice thoroughly under cold water. In a small saucepan, combine 0.5 cup rinsed rice with 1 cup water and a pinch (approx. 1/8 tsp) of sea salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes or until all water is absorbed and rice is tender with a slight chew. Let stand, covered, off the heat for 5 minutes, then fluff gently with a fork.
2. Prepare Spice Rub: While the rice cooks, pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine ground turmeric, ground cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and 1/4 tsp of the sea salt. Mix well to create the spice rub.
3. Season Salmon: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the salmon fillets, then generously coat both sides with the prepared spice rub, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Cook Salmon: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down (if skin-on). Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through, flakes easily with a fork, and has a beautiful golden-brown crust.
5. Make Tropical Recovery Salsa: While the salmon cooks, prepare the salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the diced ripe mango, diced ripe avocado, finely diced red onion, chopped fresh cilantro, and the juice of the whole lime. Add the remaining 1/4 tsp of sea salt. Gently toss all ingredients together to combine without mashing the avocado.
6. Assemble and Serve: Divide the cooked black forbidden rice between two plates. Create a bed of fresh baby spinach or arugula on top of the rice. Carefully place one turmeric-crusted salmon fillet on top of the greens on each plate. Generously spoon the tropical recovery salsa over the salmon. Serve immediately and enjoy your performance-boosting meal!

Nutrition (per serving)