The most delicious salmon recipe in the world.

I know that’s quite a claim, but Matthew and I both agree on this, so that settles it.  I’ve been meaning to share this salmon recipe with you guys for a while now, because it’s so, so easy and so, so healthy… and amazingly delicious of course! 

Salmon is a tricky fish because it can often be strong and sometimes “fishy” (in a bad way), which is the criticism most people have for it.  But I swear, I make this dish about once every week or two, and for some reason the combination of flavors ALWAYS cancels out any fishiness.  Better yet, there's NO butter or fatty ingredients in either recipe I'm about to share! You must try them.  Betcha anything it will become a favorite go-to dish on busy nights when you still want to eat healthy!

Maple Glazed Salmon with Quick Skillet Asparagus and Jasmine Rice

For the Salmon:

(serves 2)

You need

2 Alaskan Salmon fillets, about 1/2 lb each (remove skin)

1/2 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp chili powder

1/4 tsp ground ancho chili powder

1/8 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp brown sugar

1/2 tsp salt

Maple syrup (I use whatever kind I have on hand for pancakes, etc)

***I always buy spices like the ancho chili powder in the bulk food section of my grocery store; you can fill a little bag of it for something like 16 cents!***

Preheat oven to 425 and line a baking dish with foil.  Place salmon in dish.

Mix all spices in a small bowl and sprinkle over salmon, coating it well. 

Bake salmon for 25 minutes or to desired doneness.  Once out of the oven, drizzle with maple syrup and serve!

For the asparagus:

(serves 2)

You need

About half a pound of asparagus, trimmed

2 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 tsp grated lemon rind/zest

A lemon wedge

salt and pepper to taste

Heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, swirl to coat.

Add asparagus to pan and cook about 3 minutes or until it's crisp-tender and slightly browned, stirring frequently.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper, the lemon zest, and squeeze in a little lemon juice.  Serve!

Jasmine rice is our favorite addition to this meal.  It's so fragrant and delicious!  But brown rice or any other rice would be great too.

I hope you make this and love it as much as we do! :)

PS - Fun fact: asparagus makes your pee smell exactly like asparagus.  Don't say I didn't warn you!

PPS - Both of these recipes were adopted from Cooking Light and slightly modified.  Original salmon recipe here and asparagus recipe here.