Salmon Bowls

 Ingredients

 

US Customary

Metric

Servings: 4 servings

Air Fryer Salmon

1 1/2 lb salmon filet, skin-on or skinless

1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

1 tsp toasted sesame oil, optional but adds great flavor

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

3/4 tsp fine sea salt

½ tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp onion powder

For the Bowls

4 cups cooked Jasmine rice, from 1 1/3 cup of raw rice

3-4 Persian cucumbers, or English cucumbers, sliced

2 avocados, diced

1/4 cup green onions, sliced, or chives

1 Tbsp sesame seeds, optional

1 cup shelled edamame, cooked to package instructions, optional

Lemon wedges for serving

Sriracha Mayo Sauce

½ cup mayonnaise

1 Tbsp sriracha sauce, or more to taste

1/2 Tbsp honey, or maple syrup

Instructions

Prepare the rice – Cook the rice or use the package instructions. You’ll need about 1 1/3 cups of Jasmine rice to yield 4 cups of cooked rice.

Season Salmon – Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel, remove the skin if desired, and cut into 1 to 1 1/2-inch cubes. Transfer to a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil and sesame oil. In a small bowl, stir together the seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Sprinkle over the salmon and toss gently until evenly coated.

Cook Salmon – Arrange salmon pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket – cook in batches if needed. Air fry at 400˚F for 7 to 9 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking. *See notes for cooking salmon on the stovetop or in the oven.

Make the Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Add more heat or sweetness to taste if desired.

Assemble the Bowls – Divide the warm rice between serving bowls. Top with salmon, cucumber, avocado, and edamame if using. Drizzle generously with the salmon sauce (*see nutrition label note for sauce) and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

*Alternate Cooking Methods:

Pan-Seared Salmon – Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Add salmon in a single layer and cook for 4 to 6 minutes total, turning once or twice, until golden and cooked through.

Baked Salmon – Spread salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until flaky in the center. This works well when doubling the recipe.

*Additional toppings: sliced mango, julienned fresh carrots, roasted veggies, brown rice, hard-boiled egg, and a drizzle of soy sauce.

*Nutrition Label Note for Sauce: Includes 2 Tbsp of sauce per serving, which equals 162 calories per serving. 

Make-Ahead and Storage: Store the salmon, rice, sauce, and toppings separately in airtight containers. Cooked salmon is best within 3 days but can be refrigerated up to 4 days. Dice the avocado just before serving. Reheat the rice in the microwave and warm the salmon gently in the air fryer at 350°F or in short intervals in the microwave.

Italian Herb Pork Tenderloin

Ingredients:

– 1.5 lbs  pork tenderloin

– 2 tbsp olive oil

– 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

– 1 tsp salt

– ½ tsp black pepper

– 1 cup low sodium chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Rub the  pork with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

2. Turn the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ and sear the pork for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.

3. Remove the pork and pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.

4. Place the pork back in, seal the lid, and set to ‘Manual’ for 15 minutes.

5. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.

6. Slice the pork and serve with the broth drizzled over.Fruits & Vegetables

Pair this with a fresh salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal.

FAQs:

– Can I use fresh herbs? Absolutely! Fresh herbs will add even more flavor to the dish.

Strawberry Cookie Boats

Ingredients

200g all-purpose flour

100g unsalted butter, softened

80g granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons strawberry powder or freeze-dried strawberries, crushed

1/4 teaspoon salt

250g mascarpone cheese or cream cheese

150ml heavy cream

75g powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

300g fresh strawberries, sliced

3 tablespoons strawberry jam or preserve

1 tablespoon water

Shortbread cookie crumbs for garnish

Instructions

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined. Mix in the strawberry powder to achieve a pink color.

Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into boat shapes or use an oval cookie cutter. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.

Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create an indentation in the center of each cookie, forming a boat-like shape. Bake for 12-15 minutes until set but not browned. Cool completely.

Beat mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and thick. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.

In a small saucepan, heat strawberry jam with water until melted and smooth. Allow to cool slightly.

Pipe cream filling into the cookie boats. Arrange sliced strawberries on top of the cream. Brush strawberries with the jam glaze.

Sprinkle shortbread cookie crumbs around the dessert for garnish. Refrigerate until ready to serve, but bring to room temperature about 15 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Notes

For the best pink color, use freeze-dried strawberry powder rather than food coloring for natural flavor and color.

The cookie dough can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.

If you don't have a piping bag, you can use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.

Assembled cookie boats are best enjoyed within 24 hours, but unfilled cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

For a quicker version, you can use store-bought shortbread cookies and just add the filling and toppings.

ToolsYou'll Need

Mixing bowls

Electric mixer or stand mixer

Rolling pin

Cookie cutters (oval or boat-shaped)

Baking sheets

Parchment paper

Piping bag with star tip

Small saucepan

Pastry brush

Asian Sesame Pork Tenderloin

 In the mood for something unique? This Asian Sesame Pork Tenderloin is filled with umami flavors and perfect for a quick, healthy dinner. The sweet and savory sesame marinade soaks into the meat, ensuring it’s tender and full of flavor. It’s like bringing a taste of Asia right to your dinner table!

Ingredients:

– 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin
– ¼ cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp sesame oil
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and rice vinegar in a bowl for the marinade.
2. Marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for better flavor.
3. Heat the Instant Pot on ‘Sauté’ and brown the tenderloin on all sides for 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour remaining marinade over the pork, seal the lid, and set to ‘Manual’ for 15 minutes.
5. Allow natural release for 10 minutes before quick releasing.
6. Slice and garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

FAQs:

– Can I use chicken instead of pork? Yes, chicken works well with this marinade too!

Whipped Goat Cheese & Pomegranate Sweet Potato Rounds

 

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 4 oz goat cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss sweet potato rounds with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and lightly browned.
3. While potatoes bake, whip goat cheese, Greek yogurt, and honey in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
4. Spread a dollop of whipped goat cheese onto each sweet potato round once cooled slightly.
5. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and fresh thyme leaves before serving.

Vanilla Panna Cotta with Passion Fruit Sauce

 Ingredients:

– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup whole milk
– ½ cup sugar
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 2 ½ teaspoons unflavored gelatin
– 1 cup fresh passion fruit pulp
– 2 tablespoons sugar (for sauce)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the panna cotta base as per the classic recipe.
2. Blend fresh passion fruit pulp with sugar until smooth.
3. Strain to remove seeds, creating a sauce.
4. Once panna cotta has set, drizzle passion fruit sauce over the top.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for an extra touch.

FAQs:
– Can I use canned passion fruit? Yes, just adjust the sugar based on sweetness.
– Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, it can stay in the fridge for a couple of days.

Juicy Grilled Pineapple with Ice Cream

Ingredients

For the fruit:

• 1 large pineapple (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick rings)
• 1/2 lime, juiced (to brush on pineapple before grilling)

For the assembly:

• 8 scoops premium vanilla ice cream
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream (whipped to soft peaks)
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt (to enhance caramel)
• 1/3 cup toasted almond slivers
• 1/2 cup toasted shredded coconut
• 12 fresh mint leaves
  

Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple and Heat the Grill

• 1 large pineapple, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick rings
• 1/2 lime, juiced

Peel the large pineapple and cut it into 1/2-inch thick rings (note: the original steps mention 1/4 inch, but 1/2-inch rings hold up better to grilling and provide a more substantial base for toppings).

Heat your grill to high heat, aiming for around 400-450°F.

While the grill preheats, juice the lime and have it ready to brush on the pineapple—this acid will caramelize beautifully on the hot grill and add brightness to balance the sweetness.

Step 2: Grill the Pineapple Rings

• pineapple rings from Step 1
• lime juice from Step 1

Once the grill is hot, brush both sides of each pineapple ring lightly with the lime juice.

Place the rings directly on the grill grates and cook for 2 minutes without moving them—this creates those beautiful caramelized char marks.

Flip carefully and grill the other side for another 2 minutes until the pineapple develops deep golden-brown marks and becomes slightly translucent at the edges.

I find that pineapple releases its natural juices when heated, creating a wonderful caramelized exterior while staying tender inside.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

• grilled pineapple rings from Step 2
• 8 scoops premium vanilla ice cream
• 2 cups whipped heavy cream
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt
• 1/3 cup toasted almond slivers
• 1/2 cup toasted shredded coconut
• 12 fresh mint leaves

Transfer each warm grilled pineapple ring to a serving plate.

Working quickly while the pineapple is still warm, place 2 scoops of premium vanilla ice cream in the center of each ring—the warmth of the fruit will begin melting the ice cream slightly, creating a wonderful contrast in temperatures.

Dollop a generous spoonful of whipped cream over the ice cream, then drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt.

I like to add the salt right after the caramel because it enhances the caramel’s depth and cuts through the sweetness.

Top with toasted almond slivers and toasted shredded coconut, then finish with a few fresh mint leaves for color and a cool, aromatic accent.

Serve immediately.