This One-Pot Spring Dinner Combines Italian Rice With Japanese Fish (2024)

The perfect pairing of teriyaki glazed salmon atop a creamy mushroom risotto with peas and mushrooms is the best spring recipe combination: creamy, indulgent yet healthy. A delicious and easy everyday food option with simple ingredients!

I love experimenting in the kitchen. Part of that experimentation results in me playing mad scientist, combining cuisines that probably have no business being on the same plate together.

This Teriyaki salmon risotto was the result of just such dinner experimentation, combining Italian cuisine — risotto — with Japanese cuisine — teriyaki-marinated fish. When it all came together for dinner in under 45 minutes, and my kids licked their plates clean and asked for more, I knew I had a winner. I make it with Tamari sauce to keep it gluten-free, but you can use coconut amino acids or regular soy.

Teriyaki salmon risotto is one of those unlikely dishes that beautifully combines distinctive flavors. It's a hearty meal where the savory sweetness of teriyaki sauce meets the creamy texture of risotto, resulting in a comforting dish that still manages to taste fresh and surprising.

But be warned, the key to this dish is patience and attention. As the rice slowly cooks, it absorbs the warm, seasoned broth. Meanwhile, I take the time to sear the marinated salmon. It's not exactly a one-pot meal where you throw everything together, and there are some stages involved but trust me - it's going to taste better than most of those quick meals, with just a fraction more work.

The combination of flaky fish and velvety risotto creates a nuanced, balanced bite in every forkful. Whether I'm aiming for a comforting weekday dinner or a fancy weekend meal, this dish always feels like the right choice.

The Perfect Spring One-Pot Dinner

I love the simplicity and rich flavors that come with this one-pot dinner, especially during spring, when the days are getting longer but rain is often hitting the window. This dish is the ideal blend of savory and sweet, and it captures the essence of the season in every bite.

Ingredients

For the salmon:

• Salmon fillets: This star ingredient brings a burst of flavor with its rich, omega-3-packed flesh. You can swap it out for trout or mahi-mahi if you're feeling adventurous. Not only is it low in saturated fat, but it's also a nutrient powerhouse.
• Soy sauce: This classic Asian condiment is the secret behind the marinade's savory kick. If you're watching your sodium intake, opt for a low-sodium version. Despite its saltiness, soy sauce offers a dose of antioxidants. I make this dish with Tamari sauce to keep it gluten-free, but you can use coconut amino acids or regular soy.
• Sugar: A touch of brown sugar adds a delightful sweetness to the marinade, perfectly balancing its flavors. For a healthier twist, you can try substituting it with honey. While it's calorically dense, brown sugar does provide some essential minerals.
• Toasted Sesame seed oil: This aromatic oil brings a nutty depth to the marinade, elevating its aroma and taste. Packed with healthy fats and antioxidants,oil is a flavorful and nutritious addition.
• Rice vinegar: With its tangy acidity, rice vinegar adds a refreshing zing to the marinade. You can experiment with other types of vinegar like apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile. Low in calories, rice vinegar also offers digestive benefits.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a delightful spiciness to the marinade, infusing it with warmth and complexity. If you're short on time, ground ginger works just as well. Beyond its flavor, ginger is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Garlic: This aromatic bulb enhances the marinade with its savory notes, tying all the flavors together. Whether you choose fresh garlic or the convenience of garlic powder, you'll enjoy its nutritional perks. Low in calories yet rich in vitamins and minerals, garlic adds both taste and health benefits to your dish.

For the risotto:

• Chicken broth: Provides savory flavor and moisture. You can use homemade or store-bought broth. Low in calories and high in nutrients.
• Mushrooms: Add earthy texture and flavor. You can use different varieties for variation, but shiitake mushrooms are my go-to for shiitake risotto.
• Butter: Adds richness and creaminess. Can be substituted with olive oil.
• Onion and garlic: Form the aromatic base, enhancing flavor. Both offer health benefits such as immune support.
• Arborio rice: Creates the creamy texture characteristic. Higher in starch, gluten-free.
• White wine: Adds brightness and acidity. Choose a dry variety for best results. Enhances flavor and aids in deglazing.
• Peas: Bring freshness and color. Fresh or frozen, they're nutritious and add vibrancy.
• Parmesan cheese: Provides salty, nutty flavor. Freshly grated is best. Adds richness and protein.
• Green scallion: Garnish for color and freshness. Can be substituted with other herbs.

See recipe card for exact quantities.

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• 1Large pan
• Small saucepanfor broth
• Baking sheet(if oven method is preferred)

Step-By-Step Instructions to Make Teriyaki Glazed Salmon Recipe

Prepare the salmon

To start, combine the marinade ingredients for the salmon. Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, half a tablespoon of soy sauce, oil, rice vinegar, water, ginger, and garlic toa large bowl and whisk them together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Add salmon in large bowl with the concoction, coating it well, and refrigerate.

Remove salmon from refrigerator, prepare a skillet, and set heat to medium. Then, remove salmon from the mix, pat dry, and broil on low heat. Note that depending on the size of the fillet, it might take longer to cook. Pour the remaining mixture into a pan, cook, and keep warm while preparing risotto. Pour the remaining marinade into a small bowl to use later.

Make the risotto

Next, preheat the chicken broth in a large frying pan until it is nice and hot. In a large pan, sauté mushrooms in butter until golden brown on medium heat and make sure to cook until the butter is absorbed, then set aside. Now, sauté minced garlic and onion on the pan over medium-high heat until the onion is translucent but not browned.

Add rice and white wine. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the wine is absorbed into the rice. Add hot broth in parts, stirring continuously until broth is absorbed after adding the next scoop.

When rice is tender, stir in mushrooms, peas, and Parmesan cheese.

Combine and serve

All the pieces are finally ready! Plate the risotto and place the salmon onto the rice. Pour a few tablespoons of the reserved teriyaki sauce over the top. Finally, garnish with diced green scallion and enjoy.

Storage And Freezer Instructions

If you store leftovers in the refrigerator, be sure to keep leftovers of your teriyaki salmon recipe in a sealed container and consume them within 2 days.

It's best not to freeze the cooked salmon. However, the dishcan be frozen for up to one month. Defrost it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Top Tips for Success

When I make this easy recipe, I focus on a few essential steps to ensure delicious results every time:

Marinate Thoroughly:
I always make sure to marinate my salmon well. I aim for at least 20 minutes to really let those flavors soak in and season the salmon properly. The teriyaki glaze melds beautifully with the salmon during cooking, creating a rich, umami-packed crust.

Use Quality Broth:
The risotto rice absorbs the broth as it cooks. So, a flavorful, high-quality chicken or vegetable broth makes all the difference. I like to keep it simmering on the side so it's ready to pour in, ladle by ladle. This allows the rice to release its starches gradually, resulting in that creamy texture we all love in risotto.

Stir Regularly, but Not Constantly:
Stirring too often can make the risotto gummy, while not stirring enough might cause it to stick to the pan. I've found the sweet spot to be stirring every couple of minutes.

Cook Mushrooms Perfectly:
Before adding them to the risotto, I sauté my mushrooms until they're golden brown. This step not just intensifies their flavor but also adds a beautiful texture contrast to the creamy risotto.

Let the Risotto Rest:
Once I’ve stirred in that final ladle of broth and the risotto is al dente, I take it off the heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. It thickens up just a bit more and the flavors meld beautifully.

Serving Suggestions:
For the presentation, I like to have the glazed salmon served over a bed of the creamy risotto. I might add some steamed asparagus or a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions for an extra pop of color and texture. Then the perfect dish for lunch or dinner is ready for the table!

Accompanying Dishes And Serving Suggestions

When I think about what to serve with my teriyaki salmon risotto, I aim for sides that complement the rich flavors. Here's a quick guide on making your dish a memorable meal:

Vegetables:

• Steamed or air fried asparagus gives a bright crunch.
• A side of miso soup adds a traditional Japanese touch.
• Glazed carrots for a touch of sweetness.

Salads:

• A simple sesame noodle salad offers a delightful cold contrast.
• A light cucumber salad refreshes the palate.

Appetizers:

• Edamame sprinkled with sea salt is a perfect start.
• Spring rolls offer a savory bite.

I also appreciate a good drink pairing. A glass of dry white wine or a light sake can enhance the teriyaki flavors wonderfully. It goes very well with sauvignon blanc!

Recipe