Description
This Cilantro Lime Salmon recipe offers a vibrant, flavorful twist on classic baked salmon. Marinated in a zesty honey-lime garlic sauce and seasoned with smoked paprika and chili powder, the salmon is baked to perfection and finished under the broiler for a caramelized top. Garnished with fresh cilantro and lime slices, it’s a quick and healthy meal perfect for any weeknight.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasoning
- 2 pounds salmon fillet (1 large fillet)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lime, cut into slices
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Marinade
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and arrange lime slices evenly across the foil to create a bed for the salmon.
- Make Rub and Marinade: In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to create the spice rub. In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, lime juice, honey, and minced garlic to make a flavorful marinade.
- Season and Bake: Rub the salmon thoroughly with the prepared spice mix on both sides. Place the salmon fillet on top of the lime slices on the baking sheet. Pour the honey-lime marinade evenly over the salmon. Fold up the edges of the foil to form a shallow well, ensuring the marinade stays contained.
- Broil and Serve: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Then switch your oven setting to broil and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the salmon is fully cooked and has a slightly caramelized top. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve immediately for a delicious, fresh-tasting meal.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh wild-caught salmon if possible.
- You can adjust the honey to make the marinade sweeter or more tart by balancing lime juice accordingly.
- Make sure to fold the foil sides carefully to prevent marinade leaking.
- Allow the salmon to rest for a few minutes after baking before serving to let the juices redistribute.
- This recipe pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, rice, or a crisp green salad.
