Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to create your delicious Honey Glazed Salmon with Quinoa:

Step 1: Prepare the Quinoa

1. Rinse the Quinoa: Place the uncooked quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water for about 1-2 minutes. This step removes saponins, which can give quinoa a slightly bitter taste.
2. Combine Quinoa and Liquid: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable broth or water. Add a pinch of salt.
3. Bring to a Boil and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is cooked through. The quinoa is ready when the grains are translucent and the germ ring (the little white ring around each grain) has separated.
4. Fluff and Set Aside: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the quinoa with a fork and set it aside to keep warm.

Step 2: Prepare the Honey Glaze

1. Combine Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. If using, add red pepper flakes at this stage.
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the glaze and adjust the flavors as needed. You can add a little more honey for sweetness, soy sauce for saltiness, or rice vinegar for acidity.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon

1. Preheat Oven (Optional – for baking): If you prefer to bake the salmon, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Salmon Fillets: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps to get a nice sear if pan-frying or a better glaze adhesion if baking. Season the salmon fillets on both sides with salt and black pepper.
3. Pan-Fry Salmon (Option 1 – Recommended for Crispy Skin):
   • Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
   • If using skin-on salmon, place the fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet. Sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. If using skinless salmon, sear for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned.
   • Flip the salmon fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
   • Pour the honey glaze over the salmon in the skillet. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken slightly and coat the salmon evenly.
   • Optional Baking Finish (for extra even cooking): If you want to ensure the salmon is perfectly cooked through, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness. Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is no longer translucent.
4. Bake Salmon (Option 2 – Easier and Less Splatter):
   • Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
   • Brush the honey glaze generously over the top of each salmon fillet.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
   • For a more caramelized glaze, you can broil the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

1. Plate the Quinoa: Spoon a generous portion of the cooked quinoa onto each plate.
2. Top with Salmon: Carefully place a honey glazed salmon fillet on top of the quinoa.
3. Garnish: Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if using).
4. Serve Immediately: Serve the Honey Glazed Salmon with Quinoa immediately while it’s hot and flavorful.