Living in close quarters with neighbors can present unique challenges, especially when it comes to cooking. One family found themselves in a peculiar situation where their upstairs neighbors could strongly smell the salmon they cooked in their kitchen. The neighbors appreciated the aroma but found it difficult to fall asleep. This led to an eight-year hiatus from cooking salmon at home, although the family would still enjoy it when visiting relatives.
Just before a summer trip, the family discovered a flavor-packed non-recipe recipe from Jenny Rosenstrach of Dinner: A Love Story. This recipe promised to deliver a delicious meal while potentially being less disruptive to their neighbors. The solution? Grilled maple-soy salmon bowls with a variety of fresh ingredients.
Grilled maple-soy salmon bowls: a neighbor-friendly recipe
The recipe begins with a simple glaze made from a 1:1 ratio of maple syrup and soy sauce. For a one-pound salmon filet serving two, use two tablespoons of each ingredient. The salmon is then grilled over medium-hot coals for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The glaze is brushed onto the salmon during cooking to enhance its flavor.
If grilling isn’t an option, the salmon can be baked at 400°F for 15 minutes, with the glaze brushed on halfway through. For a nice color, broil the salmon for the last minute, adding another brush of glaze. The salmon is served with rice drizzled with rice wine vinegar, topped with sliced fresh cucumbers, cooked green beans, and pickled red onions.
Quick-pickled red onions: a tangy addition
To prepare the pickled red onions, bring two cups of water, 1/4 cup of vinegar, two tablespoons of sugar, and one teaspoon of salt to a boil in a medium heavy saucepan. Once the sugar has dissolved, add a thinly sliced medium red onion and simmer uncovered on low heat until the onions have wilted, about four minutes. Remove the pan from heat and let it cool to room temperature. The onions can be used immediately or stored in their pickling liquid for later use.
The joy of cooking and sharing
This recipe not only provides a delicious meal but also offers a solution to the family’s cooking dilemma. By grilling the salmon outdoors, the strong aroma is less likely to disturb their neighbors, allowing everyone to enjoy their meals without disruption. The family can now look forward to cooking salmon again, thanks to Jenny Rosenstrach’s inspired recipe.
What have you been cooking lately? Share your favorite recipes and cooking tips with us. And if you’re looking for more summer favorites, consider trying crispy fish sandwiches, lazy man’s ratatouille, shrimp rolls, corn and tomato with sausages, chilled gazpacho, dumpling salad, or the easiest fruit galettes.
