Five-Spice Salmon

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 tsp finely grated lime zest
• 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 tsp finely chopped fresh ginger
• 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
• 1/2 tsp granular sugar substitute
• 1 lb salmon steaks, cut into 4 equal-size pieces
• 8 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Makes 4 Servings

1.  In a 2-quart dish, combine the lime zest, lime juice, 1 teaspoon of the oil, the ginger, five-spice powder and sugar substitute. Add the salmon and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. In a 3-quart microwavable dish, combine the spinach, garlic and the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil, tossing gently. Cover the plastic wrap and microwave for for 2 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted. Drain and keep warm.
3. Lightly oil a grill rack. Preheat the grill to medium-high.
4. Remove the salmon from the  marinadeand place on the grill rack. Brush the salmon with additional marinade. Close the grill cover and cook for 4 minutes. Open the grill cover, turn the salmon, and brush with marinade. Close the cover and cook for 4 minutes longer, or until the salmon flakes easily. Discard any remaining marinade.
5. To serve, evenly divide the spinach among 4 plates and center the salmon on the spinach beds.

WW POINTS VALUE: 6 pts

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Cookbook. Chinese New Year is around the corner and yet you don't want to order Chinese take-out or go to a restaurant and get MSG in your food. This meal is a great way to kick-start your diet because it's colorful to look at and has every flavor on your palate thanks to the five-spice powder. Chinese five-spice powder includes cinnamon, fennel, cloves, star anise and szechuan peppercorns and you get to taste sour, bitter, sweet, salty and pungent all at once. Five-spice powder will really wake up your taste buds and get you in the mood for the Chinese New Year.