Grilled salmon with chili, sour cream sauce, and green beans

Grilled Salmon with Chili, Sour Cream Sauce, and Green Beans

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Are you tempted by the aroma of fresh fish, seasoned with a spicy kick, accompanied by a crunchy side of green beans? This grilled salmon recipe with chili, sour cream sauce, and green beans is perfect for a quick, easy, yet impressive dinner. You'll find that preparing this dish not only delights your taste buds but also adds a splash of color to your plate.

A Brief History of the Recipe:
Salmon is a versatile ingredient, cherished in kitchens around the world for its rich flavor and delicate texture. The combination of salmon with spicy sauces and fresh sides has become popular due to its perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and vegetables. This recipe blends modern influences with culinary traditions, offering you a healthy and delicious meal.

Ingredients:
- 6 unpeeled garlic cloves
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 1 chili pepper (seeded)
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 4 salmon fillets (about 150g each)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 200g sour cream
- Fresh coriander, finely chopped
- 250g small green beans
- 1 small red onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A few drops of vinegar for garnish

Preparation:

1. Prepare the spicy sauce: Start by heating a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the unpeeled garlic cloves and the chopped onion. Sauté them without oil, stirring occasionally, until they become golden and fragrant (about 5-7 minutes). Then let them cool slightly before peeling the garlic.

2. The magic blender: In a blender, add the chili pepper (seeded, of course), the cooled garlic, the sautéed onion, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Blend until you achieve a smooth and slightly creamy sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking – feel free to add more salt or pepper if needed. This sauce will add a spicy and sweet note to the salmon, awakening all your senses.

3. Preheat the grill: Heat the grill to medium-high. Make sure it’s well-heated to achieve that delicious crust on the salmon fillets.

4. Prepare the salmon: Brush each salmon fillet with the spicy sauce prepared earlier. Place the fillets on the grill and let them cook for 8 minutes. Don't flip them too early to allow for that perfect crust to form.

5. Crunchy green beans: Meanwhile, prepare the green beans. Trim the ends and boil them in salted water for exactly 3 minutes. Drain well, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This technique will help the beans stay crunchy and vibrant.

6. Finishing the side: Once the beans have cooled, drain them well and mix them with the finely chopped red onion, salt, and a few drops of vinegar. This will add a delicious contrast between sweet and sour.

7. Prepare the sour cream sauce: In a small bowl, mix the lime juice with the sour cream. Add a pinch of salt and mix well. This creamy sauce will enhance the flavor of the salmon and add a pleasant contrast.

8. Plate assembly: On a large plate, create a bed of green beans. Carefully place the salmon fillet on top, then add the sour cream sauce. Sprinkle finely chopped fresh coriander for an extra touch of freshness and an attractive appearance.

Serving suggestions:
This recipe pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or fresh lemonade. You can serve the salmon alongside basmati rice or roasted potatoes to complete the meal. If you want a more exotic touch, add a few slices of fresh mango or pineapple as a garnish.

Tips and useful advice:
- Choose fresh salmon fillets with the skin intact for a crispy texture.
- If you like a spicier sauce, you can add a few drops of chili sauce or some slices of jalapeño to the sauce mixture.
- Make sure the grill is well-oiled or clean before cooking to prevent the fish from sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use another type of fish?
Yes, you can substitute salmon with trout or tuna fillets, but the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.

2. Is this recipe healthy?
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins, while green beans provide fiber and antioxidants, making this recipe an excellent choice for a healthy meal.

3. Can I prepare the sauce a day in advance?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just make sure to mix it well before using.

4. How can I adapt the recipe for vegans?
You can use grilled tofu or mushrooms as an alternative to salmon and replace the sour cream with a nut or soy-based sauce.

This grilled salmon recipe with chili, sour cream sauce, and green beans is not just a meal, but an unforgettable culinary experience. Cook with love and savor every bite!