Salmon & Noodle Bowl with Teriyaki Sauce

When you want a quick, healthy and great-tasting meal, consider salmon fillets baked in a homemade teriyaki sauce, served with noodles and vegetables in a bowl.  To make the teriyaki sauce, you'll need mirin and cooking sake, which are used extensively as seasoning ingredients for that umami flavour in Japanese dishes.  I use instant noodles in this recipe as they take little time to cook.  Broccolini is my choice of vegetable for ease of preparation.  Follow my steps and dinner for two can be on the table in 30 minutes.

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

• 2 skinless salmon fillets
• 2 instant noodle cakes, about 140g / 5oz
• 1 bunch broccolini
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped spring onions, for garnishing
• 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds, for garnishing

For Teriyaki sauce:

• 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 tablespoon sake
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 160°C/320°F.
2. Place sesame seeds in a medium frying pan.  Toast over low heat for 1 minute until the seeds are fragrant, swirling them in the pan with a spoon to avoid burning.  Remove toasted seeds immediately to a plate to cool.
3. Slice 1cm / ½" off broccolini ends and discard.  Cut the rest into 3 sections.
4. Place fish in an ovenproof dish.  In a jug, make Teriyaki sauce by combining soy sauce, vinegar, mirin, sake, sugar, sesame oil, garlic and ginger.  Pour over fish.  Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until the flesh begin to flake.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the noodles.  Bring a saucepan of water into a boil.  Add instant noodles and cook for 1-2 minutes or according to packet instructions.  Drain and retain the cooking water.  Cover noodles to keep warm. 
6. Bring the reserved cooking water back to a boil.  Pop the broccolini in and cook for 1-2 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.  Drain and coat with a little olive oil for gloss.
7. When the fish is done, divide the noodles up into 2 bowls.  With gloved hands, pour the sauce from the ovenproof dish equally over each bowl and mix to combine with noodles.  Place fish on top of the noodles and broccolini on the side.
8. Garnish with spring onions and sesame seeds.