One-Pot Oven-Baked Salmon with Aromatic Basmati Rice
Let the oven do all the work while you relax and enjoy a delicious, wholesome meal ready in under an hour. This recipe pairs tender salmon with fragrant basmati rice infused with ginger, garlic, and a hint of heat for a balanced, elegant dish.
🕒 Prep Time: 15 min
🍳 Cook Time: 30 min
🍽️ Servings: 2
🥄 Ingredients
- 1 salmon fillet (approx. 250 g, even thickness preferred)
- 200 g basmati rice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 250 ml boiling water
- 3–4 green onions (scallions), sliced
- 1/2 red chili pepper (or a slice of red bell pepper for less heat), thinly sliced
- 1 tsp grated ginger paste
- 1 tsp crushed garlic (about 2 large cloves)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (preferably light and salty)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- 1 tbsp butter
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon:
Run your fingers over the salmon fillet to feel for any bones and remove them with tweezers. Massage the fillet with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and let it marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes. - Prepare the Rice Base:
Rinse the basmati rice several times until the water runs clear. Bring 250 ml water to a boil. - Sauté Aromatics:
In a wide pot or oven-safe dish (about 26 cm diameter), melt butter over low heat. Add sliced green onions and chili pepper, sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds, then add ginger and sauté another 30 seconds. - Make the Sauce:
Remove half of the aromatics mixture carefully (try to avoid excess fat) and place it in a small cup. Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce, lemon juice, and toasted sesame oil to this cup and stir well. Set aside. - Cook the Rice:
Add the rinsed rice to the pot with remaining aromatics and stir over low heat for a few minutes to coat the rice with flavors. Add salt and boiling water. Place the salmon fillet on top of the rice. Immediately cover with a lid or aluminum foil. - Bake:
Bake in a preheated oven at 250°C (480°F) for 15 minutes. Turn off the oven and leave the covered pot inside without opening the lid for another 15 minutes. - Finish and Serve:
Remove the lid and pour the reserved sauce over the salmon and rice. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve the dish straight from the pot for a rustic presentation. Before eating, gently flake the salmon with a fork, mix it into the rice, and then portion onto plates.
💡 Tips
- Use an oven-safe pot with a tight-fitting lid for best results.
- Adjust chili amount based on your spice preference.
- Allow resting time after baking to let rice finish steaming perfectly.
- Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
🎉 Perfect For
- Quick, elegant weeknight dinners
- Meal prepping balanced protein and grains
- Dinner parties with minimal fuss
📝 Final Thoughts
This one-pot salmon and basmati rice recipe is a flavorful, fuss-free meal that blends aromatic spices and fresh ingredients. Baking everything together locks in moisture and layers of taste, making it a comforting yet refined dish that’s perfect anytime you want effortless cooking with impressive results.