Description
Succulent cilantro lime honey garlic salmon brings Mediterranean coastal flavors dancing across dinner plates with elegant simplicity. Rich marinades blend zesty citrus and sweet honey, creating perfect harmony that leaves diners craving another delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces/170 grams each), skin on or off
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 limes (juice and zest)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly blot salmon fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfect sear. Season generously with salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika on both sides.
- Craft a vibrant sauce by whisking together honey, finely minced garlic, freshly squeezed lime juice, zesty lime zest, and soy sauce in a small mixing bowl.
- Warm olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place salmon fillets skin-side down, allowing them to develop a crisp, golden exterior for 3-4 minutes.
- Gently flip the salmon and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes to create an even crust.
- Lower the skillet’s temperature to medium and cascade the prepared honey-garlic-lime sauce over the fillets. Use a spoon to ensure complete and even coating.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully transfer the skillet directly into the heated oven, allowing the salmon to finish cooking for 5-7 minutes until it reaches desired doneness and easily flakes with a fork.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish the salmon with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve immediately, drizzling any remaining sauce over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Select fresh, high-quality salmon fillets with vibrant color and minimal fishy smell for the best flavor and texture.
- Pat salmon completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy exterior and prevent steaming during cooking.
- Adjust cooking time based on salmon thickness, checking for doneness when fish flakes easily and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Customize sauce sweetness by balancing honey and lime juice, tasting and adjusting before adding to the pan.
- Transform into a low-carb option by replacing honey with sugar-free maple syrup or using a keto-friendly sweetener alternative.
- Make dish meal-prep friendly by preparing salmon in advance and storing in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg