From the Kitchen of Dr. Bonnie Brock, NMD, RD, MPH
Research suggests that one the most important amino acids for optimal athletic recovery is leucine. Leucine is an “essential” branched-chain amino acid, meaning we as humans are not able to synthesize this amino acid and must obtain it from the diet. Leucine -rich foods include tuna, salmon, legumes, eggs and nuts. Leucine has been shown to enhance muscle recovery, improve endurance, and build muscle mass more efficiently.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated (about 1 tablespoon)
1 garlic clove, finely grated
1 pound broccoli, trimmed and cut into florets, thick stems discarded
2 scallions, trimmed and cut diagonally into 1½-inch segments
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for brushing the salmon
Kosher salt and black pepper
4 (6-ounce) skin-on salmon filets
½ lime, for serving
Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 425 degrees. In a small bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons sesame oil with the soy sauce, vinegar, honey, ginger and garlic until smooth. Set the glaze aside.
- Place the broccoli florets and 1½-inch scallion segments on a sheet pan. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and the remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, toss well and roast for 5 minutes.
- While the broccoli and scallions roast, place the salmon fillets on a plate and pat dry with paper towels. Brush all over with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Toss the broccoli and scallions and move to the edges of the pan, clearing spaces in the center for the salmon fillets. Place the salmon fillets, evenly spaced, on the center of the pan. Brush the fillets generously with the glaze.
- Return the pan to the oven and roast until the salmon is cooked through but still slightly rare in the center, about 12 minutes.
- Squeeze the lime over the broccoli and sprinkle with salt. Scatter the sliced scallions and sesame seeds over the salmon, and serve hot.
