Ever find yourself stuck in a weeknight dinner rut, staring blankly into the fridge, willing something exciting to magically appear? Me too! That's precisely where this Arbol Chili Salmon Protein Bowl comes in. It's a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal that's also surprisingly easy to throw together. Imagine flaky, perfectly cooked salmon, kissed with a smoky, spicy arbol chili sauce, nestled on a bed of fluffy rice and topped with cool, creamy avocado and refreshing cucumber. My friend, told me how much easier it has been for her to get in shape after eating this meal on a daily basis. Sounds pretty divine, right?
This bowl isn't just about deliciousness, though; it's packed with goodness. Salmon is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health and reducing inflammation. Rice provides sustained energy, while avocado offers healthy fats and fiber. And that arbol chili sauce? Well, it not only adds a fiery kick but also boosts your metabolism. Think of it as a flavor explosion meets nutritional powerhouse. You could change the rice to cauliflower rice if you really want to watch those carbs, but I really think you should enjoy this recipe the way it is. What does this mean for you? You can finally eat healthy food without feeling guilty!
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it to your liking. Don't have salmon? Grilled chicken, tofu, or even chickpeas work beautifully. Want more veggies? Add roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed spinach, or grilled corn. And if you're not a fan of spicy food (gasp!), simply reduce the amount of arbol chilies or use a milder chili powder. The possibilities are truly endless. So, are you ready to ditch the boring dinners and embark on a flavor adventure? Let's get cooking!
Required Equipments
- Mixing Bowls
- Baking Sheet
- Whisk
- Food Processor
- Oven
- Serving Bowls
Arbol Chili Salmon Protein Bowl: Frequently Asked Questions
Arbol Chili Salmon Protein Bowl
The Arbol Chili Salmon Protein Bowl is a vibrant and flavorful weeknight dinner option, featuring flaky salmon with a spicy arbol chili sauce, served over rice with avocado and cucumber.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the salmon cooks evenly and gets that delightful slightly crispy edge. We've all been there forgetting to preheat the oven, don't worry happens to the best of us.
- Now, let's get that arbol chili sauce going. In a small saucepan, combine the dried arbol chilies, garlic, onion, and tomato paste. Add just enough water to cover the ingredients. Simmer over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chilies are softened. This step unlocks their smoky, fiery flavor.
- Carefully transfer the chili mixture to a blender or food processor. Add the honey, lime juice, cumin, oregano, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. If its too spicy, add a squirt more of honey, if it needs some kick, add a dash more salt. This sauce is seriously addictive.
- While the chilies are simmering, prepare the salmon. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps them get nice and crispy in the oven. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Place the fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you wanna be fancy, use a cedar plank for extra flavor.
- Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until it's cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your fillets, so keep a close eye on them. No one likes overcooked salmon!
- While the salmon is baking, cook the rice according to package directions. For extra flavor, try cooking it in broth instead of water. I promise you it tastes phenomenal!
- Prepare the avocado by dicing it into small cubes. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds. Chop the cilantro. These fresh ingredients add a cool, refreshing contrast to the spicy salmon.
- Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Flake it into bite-sized pieces with a fork. Now, let's assemble those bowls!
- Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls. Top with the flaked salmon, diced avocado, sliced cucumber, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle generously with the arbol chili sauce. Serve immediately and prepare to be amazed! If you want to get fancy, top with a fried egg or toasted sesame seeds.
📝 Notes
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 550 kcal
Protein: 35g
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 8g
Calcium: 80mg
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