Grilled Salmon Strips with Wild Rice Pilaf & Soul-Warming Garlic Cream Sauce

Welcome to a culinary adventure that blends the rich flavors of grilled salmon with a hearty wild rice pilaf and a decadent garlic cream sauce. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that tantalizes the taste buds and warms the soul. Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly grilled salmon strips, marinated to perfection, paired with a nutty, chewy wild rice pilaf that adds texture and nutrition. And let’s not forget the soul-warming garlic cream sauce that brings it all together with a creamy, garlicky goodness that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a romantic evening, or simply indulging in a well-deserved treat, this recipe is the perfect choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This delightful dish is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that makes it a standout choice for any meal. Here’s why you’ll absolutely love making Grilled Salmon Strips with Wild Rice Pilaf & Soul-Warming Garlic Cream Sauce:

• Health Benefits: Salmon is known for its rich omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Coupled with wild rice, which is high in fiber and antioxidants, this meal is not only delicious but also nutritious.
• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15-30 minutes and a cooking time of around 20 minutes, this dish can easily fit into your busy schedule. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
• Versatile Pairing: The wild rice pilaf can be customized with your favorite vegetables, making it a versatile side that complements the salmon beautifully. You can even add nuts or dried fruits for an extra layer of flavor.
• Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors of the grilled salmon, the earthy tones of the wild rice, and the creamy white sauce make this dish visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests or loved ones.
• Comforting Flavors: The soul-warming garlic cream sauce adds a comforting touch that enhances the overall dining experience. It’s the kind of sauce you’ll want to drizzle over everything!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Trying out Grilled Salmon Strips with Wild Rice Pilaf & Soul-Warming Garlic Cream Sauce is more than just a culinary endeavor; it’s an invitation to explore new flavors and enjoy the process of cooking. Here’s why this recipe should be on your must-try list:

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, this recipe adapts to any occasion, providing a gourmet experience without the fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will appreciate the delicious flavors and fun presentation. The salmon strips are easy to eat, making it a family-friendly meal.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The marinade can be prepared the night before, and the wild rice pilaf can be made in advance. Simply reheat and grill the salmon when you’re ready to serve.
• Enhances Cooking Skills: By preparing this dish, you’ll enhance your grilling skills and learn how to make a creamy sauce from scratch, boosting your confidence in the kitchen.
• Flavorful Leftovers: If you happen to have leftovers, the salmon and wild rice make for a delicious lunch the next day. Simply reheat and enjoy!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

To prepare Grilled Salmon Strips with Wild Rice Pilaf & Soul-Warming Garlic Cream Sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Grilled Salmon Strips:

• 1 lb salmon fillet, cut into strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Wild Rice Pilaf:

• 1 cup wild rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Garlic Cream Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

Necessary Utensils

To successfully prepare this dish, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

• Mixing bowls for marinating and preparing ingredients
• Grill or grill pan for cooking the salmon
• Medium saucepan for cooking wild rice
• Saucepan for the garlic cream sauce
• Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
• Knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables
• Serving dish for plating

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have all your ingredients and utensils ready, let’s dive into the cooking process for Grilled Salmon Strips with Wild Rice Pilaf & Soul-Warming Garlic Cream Sauce. Follow these steps closely for a delicious outcome!

For the Grilled Salmon Strips:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon ginger powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until well blended.
2. Add the salmon strips to the marinade, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for 15-30 minutes for maximum flavor absorption.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This is crucial for achieving that beautiful grilled texture.
4. Once the grill is ready, place the marinated salmon strips on the grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and slightly charred. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
5. Remove the salmon from the grill and set aside. This is the star of your dish!

For the Wild Rice Pilaf:

1. Begin by rinsing the wild rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the rinsed wild rice and pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth (or water). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
4. Once done, season with salt and pepper to taste. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

For the Garlic Cream Sauce:

1. In a saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, around 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chives.

FAQs

Conclusion

In summary, Grilled Salmon Strips with Wild Rice Pilaf & Soul-Warming Garlic Cream Sauce is a delightful dish that combines healthiness with comfort food at its best. With easy-to-follow steps and a short prep time, this recipe is perfect for any occasion from weeknight dinners to special gatherings. I encourage you to try this recipe and indulge in the flavors of grilled salmon paired with a hearty rice pilaf and a creamy garlic sauce that’s sure to impress. Don’t forget to leave a comment to let us know how your dish turned out, and feel free to share this article with fellow food lovers!

For more delicious recipes, check out our Crispy Fish Strips Rice Bowls and Honey Sriracha Meatballs. Happy cooking!

For more culinary inspiration, visit our Pinterest page: Cheflora1 on Pinterest.

Grilled Salmon Strips with Wild Rice Pilaf & Soul-Warming Garlic Cream Sauce

Enjoy tender grilled salmon strips served alongside a flavorful wild rice pilaf and a creamy garlic sauce that warms the soul.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

• Grill
• Saucepan

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb Salmon fillet, cut into strips
• 4 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 tbsp Soy sauce
• 2 tbsp Honey
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Ginger powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup Wild rice
• 2 cups Vegetable broth or water
• 1 small Onion, diced
• 1 medium Carrot, diced
• 1 Celery stalk, diced
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• Fresh chives, chopped for garnish

Instructions

 

Instructions

• In a bowl, mix together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper. Add the salmon strips to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let marinate for 15-30 minutes.
• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the salmon strips for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Rinse the wild rice under cold water. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the rinsed wild rice and vegetable broth (or water). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley.
• In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chives.

Notes

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the rice pilaf for extra flavor and nutrition.

Keyword Garlic Sauce, grilled, rice pilaf, salmon