Spicy Peanut Salmon and Bok Choy Stir-Fry is a vibrant, flavorful dish that fuses savory, spicy, and creamy elements. This dish centers around tender, bite-sized pieces of salmon, cooked to perfection and paired with fresh, crisp bok choy and earthy shiitake mushrooms. The vegetables and the salmon create a balanced and satisfying meal, complemented by the bold flavors of the spicy peanut sauce.
The sauce, made from a combination of peanut butter, soy sauce, chili oil, honey, lime juice, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes, gives the dish its signature flavor. The richness of the peanut butter pairs beautifully with the umami depth of the soy sauce, while the chili oil provides a gentle heat that is balanced by the sweet honey and zesty lime juice. The rice vinegar adds a subtle tang that brightens the dish, making each bite dynamic and flavorful.
The preparation of the stir-fry begins with cooking the salmon, which is seared until golden and cooked through. The salmon’s tender texture complements the fresh, wilted bok choy and sautéed shiitake mushrooms. The addition of ginger, garlic, and shallots enhances the aromatic qualities of the dish, creating a mouthwatering base that is then brought together by the creamy, spicy peanut sauce.
The use of fresh herbs and garnishes like cilantro, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes adds layers of flavor and texture to the dish. The cilantro provides a burst of freshness, while the sesame seeds add a slight crunch, and the red pepper flakes bring an extra kick of spice for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Served over jasmine rice, this stir-fry is not only visually appealing with its vibrant colors, but also a satisfying and nutritious meal that’s rich in protein and vegetables. The combination of textures, from the crispy vegetables to the creamy sauce, ensures that each bite is a unique experience.
This stir-fry is perfect for quick weeknight dinners, offering an easy preparation without sacrificing flavor. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with additional vegetables or adjusted in spice level to suit personal preferences. The balance of rich, nutty peanut butter, spicy chili oil, and zesty lime juice ensures that it will be a favorite for anyone who loves bold, flavorful meals with a touch of Asian-inspired flair.
Spicy Peanut Salmon and Bok Choy Stir-Fry provides a healthy meal full of bold flavors and comforting textures. Whether enjoyed as a quick dinner or a more indulgent weekend meal, it promises to impress with its rich flavors and ease of preparation.
What type of salmon should I buy?
Salmon is widely available and affordable, making it a popular choice among consumers. Its versatility, great taste, and ease of cooking are the reasons behind its popularity. When purchasing salmon, it’s important to consider factors such as the type, origin, and how it was raised.
The following are the most commonly available salmon types:
- King (Chinook): Known for its high fat content, it’s the most luxurious and rich-tasting salmon variety.
- Sockeye: Offers a robust, deep flavor with a firmer texture.
- Coho: A more delicate option with a milder taste and moderately fatty texture.
- Atlantic: Generally farm-raised, it has a mild flavor and a fatty, tender texture.
When stir-frying salmon, it’s best to use a firmer type such as King, Coho, or Atlantic. These types can withstand the high heat and quick cooking. However, Sockeye can also be used for its distinct flavor, but be mindful of its shorter cooking time as it is leaner.
Farm-raised salmon is a significant industry, and it’s crucial to make informed purchases as not all farms are the same. Whenever possible, opt for wild-caught salmon.
Look for salmon certified by responsible fisheries. Labels such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for wild-caught or the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) for farm-raised indicate sustainable practices.
Spicy Peanut Salmon and Bok Choy Stir-Fry
4
servings20
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minutesSpicy Peanut Salmon and Bok Choy Stir-Fry brings together tender salmon, sautéed bok choy, and shiitake mushrooms in a rich, creamy peanut sauce with a kick of chili oil. Finished with fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes, this dish perfectly balances bold flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- For the Stir-Fry:
1 pound salmon meat
1 pound bok choy, roughly chopped
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 cup shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 shallot, finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
for garnish, sesame seeds
for garnish, red pepper flakes
for garnish, fresh cilantro leaves
for cooking, vegetable oil
for serving, cooked jasmine rice
- For the Sauce:
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1 tablespoon chili oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
to taste, salt and ground black pepper
Directions
- Prepare the Sauce:
Whisk together the soy sauce, peanut butter, chili oil, honey, lime juice, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, and set aside. - Cook the Salmon:
Heat 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the salmon pieces, searing and stir-frying them for 4-5 minutes until cooked through. Season lightly with salt and ground black pepper, and remove from the skillet or wok. - Sauté the Vegetables:
Add another tablespoon or two of vegetable oil to the skillet or wok. Add the bok choy to and cook for 2-3 minutes until it wilts but still retains some crunch. Add the thinly sliced onion and shiitake mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened. - Add the Aromatics and Sauce:
Add the grated ginger, garlic, and shallot, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the salmon and vegetables, tossing everything together until evenly coated. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. - Garnish and Serve:
Serve the stir-fry over cooked jasmine rice. Garnish with sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, and fresh cilantro leaves.