Grilled Salmon with Beans and Corn Recipe

Imagine a meal that combines the robust flavor of smoky spices with the delicate taste of grilled salmon. Now, couple that with a side of hearty black beans and sweet corn. This smoky spice-rubbed grilled salmon with black beans and corn recipe brings together these diverse flavors in a harmony that will excite your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Smoky-sweet-spice-rubbed-grilled-salmon-with-black-beans-and-corn-recipe

Photos of Smoky Spice Rubbed Grilled Salmon with Black Beans and Corn Recipe

While most of the ingredients in this recipe are pantry staples, there are a couple that might need a special trip to the grocery store. Smoked paprika and chipotle chili powder are key to achieving the deep smoky flavor in this dish. The smoked paprika is made from pimiento peppers that have been dried and smoked, giving it a unique flavor profile. Chipotle chili powder, on the other hand, is made from dried, smoked jalapenos and adds both heat and smoky depth. Don't substitute these with regular paprika or chili powder, the flavor won't be the same.

Ingredients for Smoky Spice-Rubbed Grilled Salmon with Black Beans and Corn

Smoked paprika: This spice is made from smoke-dried red peppers and brings a deep, smoky flavor to dishes.

Brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the heat in the spice rub.

Chipotle chili powder: Made from dried and smoked jalapenos, it brings a smoky heat to the rub.

Ground cumin: A warm spice that adds a layer of complexity to the mix.

Kosher salt: Used for seasoning the salmon.

Black pepper: Adds a sharp, pungent flavor to the mix.

Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a subtle depth to the spice rub.

Lime: Its juice is used to moisten the salmon before the rub is applied. Extra wedges are served with the dish.

Salmon fillets: The main star of this dish. The rub and grilling bring out its flavor.

Black beans: A filling and nutritious base for the side dish.

Corn kernels: Adds a sweet crunch to the side dish.

Red onion: Brings a sharp and slightly sweet flavor to the side dish.

Cilantro: A fragrant herb that freshens up the side dish.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing the side dish.

One reader, Egor Humphries says:

This smoky spice-rubbed grilled salmon with black beans and corn recipe is a game-changer! The blend of spices on the salmon is divine, and the black beans and corn complement it perfectly. The flavors are rich and satisfying. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a delicious, healthy meal.

Egor Humphries

Mastering the Techniques for Smoky Spice-Rubbed Grilled Salmon

How to prepare the spice rub: Combine smoked paprika, brown sugar, chipotle chili powder, ground cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, and unsweetened cocoa powder in a small bowl.

How to marinate the salmon: Squeeze lime juice over the salmon fillets, then rub the spice mixture onto the salmon to completely coat. Allow the salmon to rest for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.

How to cook the black beans and corn: In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté for 2 minutes, then add black beans, corn, and salt. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, until heated through. Remove from heat and toss in cilantro and lime juice.

How to grill the salmon: Heat a clean outdoor grill or a lightly oiled grill pan over high heat. When hot, grill the salmon for about 5 minutes on each side or until the fish is opaque throughout.

How to serve: Serve the grilled salmon with the black beans and corn, and garnish with lime wedges.

How To Make Smoky Spice Rubbed Grilled Salmon with Black Beans and Corn

This grilled salmon recipe makes use of a rich and dark spice rub with brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, and cocoa powder for a sweet-smoky dish.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Rest Time: 5 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Salmon:

1tspsmoked paprika
1½tspbrown sugar
½tspchipotle chili powder
½tspground cumin
½tspkosher salt
¼tspblack pepper
½tspunsweetened cocoa powder
1lime,juiced
4ozsalmon fillets,(Alaskan wild pink or chum)
olive oil spray
lime wedges,for serving

For Black Beans and Corn:

15½ozblack beans,(1 can), drained and rinsed
2cupsfrozen corn kernels,or fresh corn
¼cupred onion,minced
3tbspcilantro,finely minced
1tspolive oil
2tbsplime juice,freshly squeezed
kosher salt,to taste

Instructions

Combine all the spices in a small bowl.
Squeeze lime juice over salmon then rub in the spices to completely coat; set aside to rest about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large saute pan, heat oil over medium heat.
Add onions and sauté 2 minutes; add beans, corn and salt and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, until heated through,.
Remove from heat and toss in cilantro and lime juice.
Heat a clean outdoor grill (make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled) or if cooking indoors, a lightly oiled grill pan over high heat.
When hot, grill the salmon for about 5 minutes on each side or until the fish is opaque throughout.
Serve with black beans, corn and lime wedges.

Nutrition

Calories: 598.08kcal
Fat: 12.28g
Saturated Fat: 2.20g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5.59g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.79g
Carbohydrates: 92.94g
Fiber: 20.26g
Sugar: 6.87g
Protein: 32.64g
Cholesterol: 15.59mg
Sodium: 606.04mg
Calcium: 160.68mg
Potassium: 2011.65mg
Iron: 6.53mg
Vitamin A: 31.03µg
Vitamin C: 11.70mg

Expert Technique Tips for Grilling Smoky Spice-Rubbed Salmon

When grilling salmon, it's important to avoid overcooking as it can make the fish dry and tough. To check for doneness, insert a fork or knife into the thickest part of the fillet. If it flakes easily and the flesh looks opaque, it's done. If it's still translucent, give it a bit more time. Remember, the salmon will continue to cook a bit more once it's off the heat due to residual heat, so it's better to err on the side of slightly underdone than overdone.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Grilled Salmon Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the spice rub and marinate the salmon the night before. This will save time and allow the flavors to meld together for a more delicious dish.

One-pan cooking: Opt for a grill pan to cook the salmon and a large sauté pan for the black beans and corn simultaneously, reducing the number of dishes to clean up later.

Canned beans: Use canned black beans instead of dried beans to save time on cooking and preparation. Just make sure to rinse and drain them before using.

Frozen corn: Utilize frozen corn instead of fresh corn to save time on shucking and cutting, while still enjoying the sweet and crisp texture of corn.

Prep station: Organize all the ingredients and equipment needed for the recipe before starting to cook to streamline the cooking process and minimize time spent searching for items.

Substitute Ingredients For Smoky Spice Rubbed Grilled Salmon with Black Beans and Corn Recipe

smoked paprika - Substitute with regular paprika: Smoked paprika has a distinct smoky flavor, while regular paprika will provide a milder flavor without the smokiness.
chipotle chili powder - Substitute with ancho chili powder: Ancho chili powder has a similar mild heat and smoky flavor, making it a suitable substitute for chipotle chili powder.
cocoa powder - Substitute with mole sauce: Mole sauce contains cocoa and other spices, providing a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
salmon fillets - Substitute with arctic char fillets: Arctic char has a similar texture and flavor profile to salmon, making it a suitable substitute for this recipe.
black beans - Substitute with pinto beans: Pinto beans have a creamy texture and mild flavor, making them a suitable alternative to black beans in this recipe.
frozen corn kernels - Substitute with fresh corn kernels: Fresh corn kernels will provide a sweet and crunchy texture, enhancing the overall freshness of the dish.

Elevate Your Presentation of Grilled Salmon with Black Beans and Corn

Elevate the salmon fillets: Gently place the perfectly grilled salmon fillets on the plate, ensuring they are positioned with precision and care.
Create a vibrant black bean and corn bed: Arrange the flavorful black beans and corn mixture in a neat and visually appealing manner, ensuring it complements the salmon without overpowering it.
Garnish with fresh cilantro: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped cilantro to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Accent with lime wedges: Place the lime wedges strategically around the plate to add a touch of brightness and a hint of citrus to the dish.
Drizzle with a hint of olive oil: Add a subtle drizzle of high-quality olive oil to enhance the flavors and add a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Use minimalist plating: Embrace a minimalist approach to plating, allowing the vibrant colors and textures of the dish to take center stage.
Incorporate negative space: Utilize negative space on the plate to create a visually striking presentation that highlights the beauty of the dish.
Ensure symmetry and balance: Pay attention to the placement of each element on the plate, striving for symmetry and balance to create a visually appealing presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Smoky Spice-Rubbed Grilled Salmon

Grill: A cooking appliance used to cook food over direct heat, typically using gas, charcoal, or electricity.
Saute pan: A wide, flat-bottomed pan with relatively tall sides, used for sautéing, searing, and frying foods.
Outdoor grill: A grill designed for outdoor use, typically using gas or charcoal for cooking.
Grill pan: A stovetop pan with raised ridges, used to simulate the grilling effect on food cooked indoors.
Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, grating, and pureeing ingredients.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients, typically made of glass, ceramic, or stainless steel.
Tongs: Kitchen utensils with two arms and a pivot near the handle, used for picking up and manipulating food.
Spatula: A flat, broad kitchen tool with a long handle, used for lifting, flipping, and spreading food.
Knife: A sharp-edged utensil used for cutting and preparing food.
Cutting board: A durable board used for cutting and preparing food.
Measuring spoons: Utensils used to measure an amount of an ingredient, either liquid or dry.
Measuring cups: Utensils used to measure an exact volume of liquid or dry ingredients.
Grater: A kitchen utensil with sharp-edged holes used to shred or grate foods.
Lime squeezer: A tool used to extract juice from limes.
Olive oil spray: A cooking spray used to apply a fine mist of oil to food and cooking surfaces.

Storing and Freezing Your Smoky Spice-Rubbed Grilled Salmon

To store leftover smoky spice-rubbed grilled salmon, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The black beans and corn mixture can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
To freeze the grilled salmon, wrap each fillet individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date and contents. Frozen salmon can be stored for up to 2 months.
When ready to eat the frozen salmon, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat the salmon in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.
The black beans and corn mixture does not freeze well due to the high water content in the corn, which can cause the texture to become mushy upon thawing. It is best to make a fresh batch when needed.

How To Reheat Leftover Smoky Spice-Rubbed Grilled Salmon

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover salmon on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Brush the salmon with a little olive oil or melted butter to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the salmon is heated through and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
For a quicker option, you can reheat the salmon in the microwave. Place the salmon on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the salmon is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the salmon to become dry and tough.
To reheat the black beans and corn, place them in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture is heated through, about 5-7 minutes. If the mixture seems dry, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to help moisten it.
Alternatively, you can reheat the black beans and corn in the microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until the mixture is heated through.
For a crispy texture, you can reheat the salmon under the broiler. Preheat your broiler to high and place the salmon on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Brush the salmon with a little olive oil and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the salmon is heated through.
To maintain the best flavor and texture, it's important not to overcook the salmon when reheating. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) without overcooking.
When reheating the black beans and corn, you can add a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro to brighten up the flavors and add a fresh twist to the leftover dish.

Fascinating Facts About Smoky Spice-Rubbed Grilled Salmon

Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and can help reduce inflammation in the body.

Budget-Friendly: Smoky Spice-Rubbed Grilled Salmon for Home Cooking

This smoky spice-rubbed grilled salmon with black beans and corn recipe is a flavorful and nutritious option for households. The use of salmon provides essential omega-3 fatty acids, while the black beans and corn offer fiber and essential nutrients. The spices add depth of flavor without requiring expensive ingredients. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25, making it a reasonably cost-effective choice. Overall, this recipe earns a solid 8/10 for its balance of nutrition, flavor, and affordability.

Is This Smoky Spice-Rubbed Grilled Salmon Dish Healthy?

The smoky spice-rubbed grilled salmon with black beans and corn recipe is a healthy and nutritious dish overall. Here's why:

Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart and brain health
Black beans are rich in fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to the meal
Corn provides dietary fiber, antioxidants, and several essential nutrients
The spice rub used on the salmon contains a variety of beneficial spices, such as smoked paprika, cumin, and chipotle chili powder, which offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties
The recipe uses minimal added fat, with just a small amount of olive oil for sautéing the onions and coating the grill pan

To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Opt for wild-caught salmon, as it tends to have a better omega-3 to omega-6 ratio compared to farmed salmon
Use low-sodium black beans to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish
Increase the amount of vegetables by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the black bean and corn mixture
Serve the salmon and black bean mixture over a bed of leafy greens, such as spinach or arugula, to boost the nutrient content and add more fiber
Replace the brown sugar in the spice rub with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup to minimize refined sugar intake

Editor's Take on This Smoky Spice-Rubbed Salmon Dish

The combination of smoky, spicy flavors in the rub for the grilled salmon creates a delicious and complex taste. The black beans and corn provide a hearty and flavorful accompaniment, complementing the salmon perfectly. The balance of flavors and textures in this dish is impressive, and the use of lime adds a refreshing citrusy note. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful blend of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors that will surely impress anyone who tries it.

Enhance Your Smoky Spice Rubbed Grilled Salmon with Black Beans and Corn Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mango Salsa: A refreshing and tropical mango salsa with a hint of spice to complement the smoky grilled salmon.

Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus roasted with garlic and olive oil, adding a pop of green to the plate.

Pineapple Cilantro Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with sweet pineapple and fresh cilantro, providing a sweet and savory side to the spicy salmon.

Creamy Avocado Salad: A creamy and refreshing avocado salad with a zesty lime dressing, balancing out the smoky flavors of the grilled salmon.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with honey, adding a touch of sweetness to the meal.

Delicious Alternatives to Smoky Spice-Rubbed Grilled Salmon

Spicy Grilled Shrimp Tacos: Grilled shrimp seasoned with a spicy blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika, served in warm tortillas with avocado, cabbage slaw, and a zesty lime crema.

Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken: Tender chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze, then baked to perfection and served with roasted vegetables for a delicious and comforting meal.

Mango Salsa and Grilled Chicken Bowls: Grilled chicken breast topped with a fresh and vibrant mango salsa, served over a bed of fluffy rice and black beans for a healthy and satisfying dinner option.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: A rich and velvety tomato soup infused with fragrant basil, finished with a swirl of cream and served with a side of crusty garlic bread for a comforting and classic meal.

Berry Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream: Sweet and juicy mixed berries baked under a buttery, golden crust, served warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful and indulgent dessert.

Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Smoky Spice-Rubbed Salmon

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing large mushrooms with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a crowd-pleasing starter.

Crispy Coconut Shrimp: Transport your taste buds to the tropics with these crispy coconut shrimp. Dip jumbo shrimp in a light batter, coat with shredded coconut, and fry until golden brown. Serve with a tangy dipping sauce for a delightful appetizer.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a homemade apple crisp, with tender baked apples and a crispy oat topping. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

Why trust this Smoky Spice Rubbed Grilled Salmon with Black Beans and Corn Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delectable experience with its perfect blend of smoky spices and fresh ingredients. The salmon fillets are infused with a harmonious mix of smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, and a hint of cocoa powder, ensuring a rich and robust flavor. The black beans and corn are sautéed with red onions and cilantro, adding a burst of freshness to the dish. With the zesty lime juice enhancing the overall taste, this recipe promises a delightful and satisfying meal for all seafood enthusiasts.

If you want to share your own twist on this Smoky Spice Rubbed Grilled Salmon with Black Beans and Corn Recipe or discuss grilling techniques, head over to the Recipe Sharing section of the forum.

FAQ:

How can I adjust the spiciness of the salmon rub to my preference?

You can adjust the spiciness of the salmon rub by increasing or decreasing the amount of chipotle chili powder. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chipotle chili powder, and for a spicier kick, increase the amount.

Can I substitute the black beans and corn with other sides?

Absolutely! You can substitute the black beans and corn with other sides such as rice, quinoa, or a mixed green salad. Feel free to get creative and use your favorite sides to complement the smoky spice-rubbed grilled salmon.

Is it possible to grill the salmon indoors if I don't have an outdoor grill?

Yes, you can grill the salmon indoors using a lightly oiled grill pan over high heat. Make sure the grill pan is hot before adding the salmon, and cook it for about 5 minutes on each side or until the fish is opaque throughout.

Can I prepare the salmon rub in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the salmon rub in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This way, you can save time when you're ready to cook the salmon.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?

You can tell when the salmon is cooked through by checking its color and texture. The fish should turn opaque and flake easily with a fork when it's done. It's essential not to overcook the salmon to keep it moist and flavorful.