Infrared Oven Seared Salmon with Citrus-Infused Quinoa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Salmon seared using infrared and convection heat seals in moisture while paired with fluffy quinoa infused with fresh citrus flavors. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your NuWave oven to 400°F using its infrared, convection, and conduction heat combination to ensure fast cooking and moisture sealing.
  2. Step 2: Rub 4 salmon fillets with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp lemon zest evenly on all sides.
  3. Step 3: Place the salmon skin-side down on the oven tray and cook for 10-12 minutes until the salmon flakes easily and is moist inside.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, bring 2 cups water and 1/2 cup fresh orange juice to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is fluffy and liquid absorbed.
  5. Step 5: Fluff the quinoa with a fork and stir in 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
  6. Step 6: Serve the salmon fillets on a bed of citrus-infused quinoa, garnishing with extra lemon zest if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Infrared Oven Seared Salmon with Citrus-Infused Quinoa take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Infrared Oven Seared Salmon with Citrus-Infused Quinoa?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Infrared Oven Seared Salmon with Citrus-Infused Quinoa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Infrared Oven Seared Salmon with Citrus-Infused Quinoa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Infrared Oven Seared Salmon with Citrus-Infused Quinoa gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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