This elegant dish transforms standard salmon fillets into delicate, tender “scallops” by pounding them thin before searing. The result is a quick-cooking protein that retains moisture while developing a beautiful golden crust. Paired with fresh spinach wilted with garlic and onion, it offers a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile. The bright acidity of fresh lemon juice and the herbal notes of parsley cut through the richness of the olive oil, creating a balanced and sophisticated meal.
Sauteed Salmon Scallops With Greens
Description
This elegant dish transforms standard salmon fillets into delicate, tender "scallops" by pounding them thin before searing. The result is a quick-cooking protein that retains moisture while developing a beautiful golden crust. Paired with fresh spinach wilted with garlic and onion, it offers a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile. The bright acidity of fresh lemon juice and the herbal notes of parsley cut through the richness of the olive oil, creating a balanced and sophisticated meal.Ingredients
Directions
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Wash the spinach thoroughly and remove any tough stems. Cut the leaves into thin strips and set aside.
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Rinse the salmon fillets and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
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Slice the salmon into 4 to 8 equal pieces.
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Place each piece of fish between two sheets of waxed paper or plastic wrap. Gently pound with a mallet or rolling pin until the slices are about 1/8 inch thick.
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Season the salmon slices lightly with salt and pepper.
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Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large 5- to 6-quart pan over medium-high heat.
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Add the chopped onion and stir until tender but not brown, about 4 minutes.
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Stir in the pressed garlic and the prepared spinach. Cook, stirring constantly, until the greens are just wilted and tender, about 3 minutes.
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Transfer the spinach mixture to a bowl and keep warm.
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Heat 1 teaspoon of the remaining olive oil in the same pan (or a 10- to 12-inch frying pan) over medium-high heat.
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Add the salmon slices to the pan in a single layer. You may need to cook in several batches. Cook until the edges turn opaque, about 20 to 30 seconds.
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Flip the salmon and cook the other side for about 15 seconds.
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Lift the cooked salmon from the pan and keep warm. Repeat with remaining slices, adding a little more oil if necessary to prevent sticking.
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Once all salmon is cooked, add the lemon juice to the hot pan. Scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits.
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Stir in the minced parsley and set the sauce aside.
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Divide the spinach among warmed plates. Top each serving with one or two salmon scallops.
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Pour the lemon-parsley pan sauce over each serving and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12 servings
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 406.3kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 23.0g36%
- Saturated Fat 5.3g27%
- Cholesterol 93.6mg32%
- Sodium 279.8mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 8.2g3%
- Dietary Fiber 5.0g20%
- Sugars 0.9g
- Protein 40.6g82%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.