Grilled Salmon with Wild Rice and Steamed Asparagus

Ingredients

• salmon fillet 150 g
• wild rice 3/4 cup cooked
• asparagus 1 cup steamed
• olive oil 1 tbsp
• lemon juice 1 tbsp

Method

1. Prepare the Wild Rice. If your wild rice is not yet cooked, start by rinsing 1/4 cup of dry wild rice under cold water. Then, add it to a pot with 3/4 cup water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45-50 minutes until the rice is tender and water is absorbed. Drain any excess water if needed. Set aside 3/4 cup cooked wild rice for your serving.
   Tip: You can cook the rice ahead of time and refrigerate it to save time.
2. Prepare the Asparagus. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus stalks. Place the asparagus in a steamer basket over boiling water and cover. Steam for about 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Remove from heat and set aside.
   Tip: Do not overcook asparagus to maintain its vibrant color and crisp texture.
3. Preheat the Grill or Grill Pan. Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the salmon fillet lightly with half of the olive oil to prevent sticking.
   Tip: Make sure the grill is hot before placing the salmon to get nice grill marks.
4. Grill the Salmon. Place the salmon fillet skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving it to allow grill marks to form. Flip carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
   Tip: Use a fish spatula to flip the salmon gently to avoid breaking it.
5. Finish with Olive Oil and Lemon Juice. Remove the salmon from the grill and drizzle the remaining olive oil and fresh lemon juice evenly over the top. This adds flavor and moisture.
   Tip: Add lemon juice just before serving to keep its fresh taste.
6. Plate and Serve. Arrange the grilled salmon fillet on a plate alongside the steamed asparagus and 3/4 cup cooked wild rice. Serve immediately while warm.
   Tip: Garnish with a lemon wedge or fresh herbs if desired.

Pro tips

• Pat the salmon dry with paper towels before grilling to get a better sear.
• If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the salmon in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.