Grilled Salmon with Barley and Steamed Broccoli

Ingredients

• salmon fillet 170 g
• cooked barley 150 g
• broccoli florets 150 g
• olive oil 15 ml
• lemon wedge 1 wedge

Method

1. Prepare the Barley. If you don't have cooked barley ready, start by cooking barley according to package instructions. Generally, rinse 50g dry barley under cold water, then simmer in 150ml water for about 25-30 minutes until tender. Drain any excess water and set aside 150g cooked barley for serving.
   Tip: Cooking barley ahead of time and refrigerating it can save time.
2. Steam the Broccoli. While the barley cooks, rinse the broccoli florets. Place them in a steaming basket over boiling water and cover. Steam for about 5-7 minutes until bright green and tender but still crisp. Remove from heat and set aside.
   Tip: Avoid overcooking broccoli to keep nutrients and color vibrant.
3. Prepare the Salmon. Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels. Brush lightly with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking and season with salt and pepper if desired.
   Tip: Dry salmon ensures better browning when grilling.
4. Grill the Salmon. Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-side down and grill for about 4-5 minutes. Flip carefully and grill the other side for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
   Tip: Use a spatula to flip gently to keep the fillet intact.
5. Assemble the Plate. Place the cooked barley on the plate, add the steamed broccoli, and top with the grilled salmon fillet. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the broccoli and barley for added flavor. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon just before serving.
   Tip: Lemon juice brightens the flavors and balances the richness of salmon.

Pro tips

• Cook barley in advance and store in the fridge to speed up meal prep.
• Use a meat thermometer to check salmon is cooked to 145°F (63°C) for safety.