Creamy Pesto Rice w/ Lemon Pepper Salmon

Ingredients

• 1 Salmon filet (cut into cubes)
• Paprika (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Garlic powder (to taste)
• 0.5 lemon Lemon juice (juice of half a lemon)
• 2 tsp Lemon zest
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper (for the glaze)
• 1 tbsp Butter (for the glaze)
• 1 Garlic (clove, chopped, for the glaze)
• 1 tbsp Honey
• Salt (pinch, for the glaze)
• 1 Garlic (clove, chopped, for the rice)
• 1 tsp Butter (for the rice)
• 0.625 cup Heavy cream (1/2 cup + 2 tbsp)
• 0.375 cup Parmesan (1/4 cup + 2 tbsp)
• 3 tbsp Pesto
• 1.75 cup Cooked rice (1.5-2 cups)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 9 Asparagus spears (8-10 spears, chopped)
• Chili flakes (for garnish)
• Oil (a little for sautéing)

Steps

1. 1

   Cut the salmon filet into bite-sized cubes. Season with paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder to taste.

2. 2

   Place the seasoned salmon cubes in the air fryer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes.

3. 3

   While the salmon cooks, prepare the glaze. In a pan, sauté 1 chopped clove of garlic in 1 tbsp of butter. Add 1/2 lemon juice, 2 tsp lemon zest, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp honey, and a pinch of salt. Stir until well combined.

4. 4

   Once the salmon is finished air frying, add the cubes to the glaze pan and toss until thoroughly coated. Set aside.

5. 5

   To prepare the pesto rice, sauté another chopped clove of garlic in a little oil in a separate pan.

6. 6

   Add the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese to the pan. Stir over low heat until the mixture becomes creamy.

7. 7

   Stir in 3 tbsp of pesto until fully incorporated into the cream sauce.

8. 8

   Add the chopped asparagus spears to the sauce and cook for a few minutes until slightly tender.

9. 9

   Add the cooked rice to the pan and stir until the rice is evenly coated and heated through.

10. 10

    Plate the creamy pesto rice and top with the glazed lemon pepper salmon cubes. Garnish with additional lemon zest and chili flakes as desired.

Notes

For a low-carb option, substitute cauliflower rice for the cooked rice. You can also use different vegetables in place of asparagus if preferred.

Nutrition per serving

• main dish
• seafood
• salmon
• pesto
• rice
• air fryer
• dinner
• quick meal