Low-Carb Oven or Stovetop Ginger Teriyaki Salmon or Shrimp

This ginger salmon is perfect both for fish lovers and those who are trying to eat more fish and live healthier. Flavors like ginger, lime juice or vinegar, and teriyaki sauce complement the salmon while keeping the dish from being too fishy. It’s a low-carb, high-protein dish that’s high in heart-healthy omega-3 fats, and it comes together in only a few minutes of active work time.

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If you’d rather use a different protein, try any of these instead of salmon.

• Mahi-mahi: a firm, sweet fish to contrast with sharp ginger, acidic lime, and salty soy sauce
• Tilapia or swai: mild white fish that are lower in calories and fat, and take less time to cook
• Shrimp: a different flavor with a shorter marinade time
• Seitan or tofu: for a plant-based (vegan) source of protein
• Chicken: for an alternative protein; it may take longer to cook

Variations and Serving Suggestions: 

• For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

• For a source of vegetables, bake 2-4 cups of cut vegetables with the fish in the oven, or pan-roast 2-4 cups of vegetables. 
• A side salad is another option for vegetables. Try a green side salad, carrot and cucumber slaw, or edamame salad. 
• For a high-fiber carbohydrate, serve your salmon with ½ cup of cooked brown rice or quinoa, baked sweet potato fries, or a small baked potato.
• For a low-carb or keto meal, serve the fish with ½ ounce of nuts or some avocado and ½-1 cup of berries.
• Serve leftover salmon in a whole-grain wrap with chopped vegetables, over greens in a salad, or in a salmon bowl with raw or cooked vegetables, whole-grain pasta or brown rice, and chopped cilantro.

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Makes 4 servings

Ingredients: 

• 4 fillets of salmon, 4 ounces each
• 2 tablespoons of freshly grated ginger (or ½ teaspoon of dried ginger)
• 2-3 green onions or scallions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce or tamari 
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil, sesame oil, or peanut oil
• 1 tablespoon of lime juice or rice wine vinegar
• (Optional) 1 tablespoon of brown sugar or honey, or 1-2 packets of a low-calorie sweetener like monk fruit or stevia
• Salt and pepper to taste
• (Optional) red pepper flakes for heat
• 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds

Instructions: 

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the ginger, soy sauce, oil, lime juice or vinegar, red pepper flakes if using, and sugar or sweetener if using.
2. Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Add the ginger mixture and cover the dish or seal the bag. Place in the refrigerator to marinate for 20-25 minutes. Be sure the salmon is completely coated with the marinade. 
3. If using the oven, preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray. Remove the salmon from the dish or bag, and place the fillets on the pan in a single layer. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes with a fork. 
4. If using the stovetop, spray a skillet or pan with cooking spray, or use a nonstick pan. Cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes on each side or until it is cooked through, adding any extra marinade. 
5. Serve with green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.

Nutrition information per serving: 200 calories; 19 grams of fat; 3.5 grams of saturated fat; 65 mg of cholesterol; 300 mg of sodium; 6 grams of carbohydrates; 23 grams of protein

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