Functional Nutrition Recipe: Green Tea Poached Salmon and Braised Spinach

Welcome, Functional Nutrition foodies! Today, we're sharing a recipe by the Functional Nutrition Alliance in partnership with Megan Liebmann, of the Slow Medicine Collective. Developed for one of our signature nutrient-dense dinners, this dish was designed to nourish and detoxify.

Functional Nutrition: fueling your wellness journey

Functional Nutrition transcends the outdated notion of counting calories; instead it delves into the dynamic interplay between food and your unique physiology, fostering support and healing within the body. At Functional Nutrition Alliance, we embrace the power of food as medicine. 

The green tea advantage

Green tea, a superstar in the herbal world, takes center stage in this recipe. Bursting with antioxidants and polyphenols, green tea is known to support heart health, boost metabolism, and even aid in weight management. By poaching the salmon in a delicious green tea concoction, we infuse each bite with these incredible benefits.

Salmon: the Omega-3 powerhouse

Succulent salmon, a heart-healthy protein source, is brimming with omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties, benefiting everything from brain function to skin health. With a quick sear and a cozy poach, the salmon becomes a canvas for flavor and Functional Nutrition.

Braised Spinach: A nutrient-packed partner

Spinach, rich in iron, vitamins A and C, and a medley of antioxidants, supports immune function and promotes radiant skin. The brief cooking time required by this recipe ensures we retain nutrients and flavor.

Green Tea Poached Salmon with Braised Spinach Recipe

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 4 green tea bags or 4 heaping teaspoons loose green tea

• 2 cups gently boiling water

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger

• 2 tablespoons tamari

• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder

• 2 teaspoons water

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, divided

• 2 half-pound salmon steaks

• 5 cups baby spinach leaves (about 5 ounces)

• 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds

Preparation:

1. Steep tea bags or loose tea in boiling water for 4 minutes. Remove bags or strain tea leaves.

2. Combine tea, garlic, ginger, tamari, and sesame oil; set aside.

3. Dissolve arrowroot powder in water; set aside.

4. Sear salmon in 1 tbsp coconut oil for 1-2 minutes each side.

5. Add tea mixture, cover, and poach for 7-10 minutes.

6. In another skillet, heat 1 tbsp coconut oil. Add spinach and cook till wilted.

7. Divide spinach on plates, top with salmon, and keep warm.

8. Add arrowroot mixture to poaching liquid, thicken for 1 minute, and drizzle over salmon.

9. Sprinkle with black sesame seeds and serve immediately.

Indulge in a Functional Nutrition favorite, enriched with the goodness of green tea, omega-3s, and nutrient-packed spinach. This Green Tea Poached Salmon with Braised Spinach recipe isn't just a feast for your taste buds – it's food for holistic well-being, guided by the principles of Functional Nutrition. Cheers to your wellness journey with Functional Nutrition!

By: Andrea Nakayama, FxNA Founder & Functional Medicine Nutritionist

Functional Nutrition Alliance provides the comprehensive online Functional Nutrition training in the Science & Art of the Functional Nutrition practice. Learn to address the roots of your clients’ suffering with client education, diet & lifestyle modifications.