Cilantro Lime Salmon
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
45 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
4 people
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cilantro Lime Salmon
Description
This recipe begins by combining lime juice, honey, fresh cilantro, garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and extra virgin olive oil into a bright, herbaceous dressing. The salmon filets are marinated in half of this mixture to absorb the fresh flavors and become tenderized. Pan-searing the salmon in butter over medium heat creates a golden, slightly crisp exterior and opaque, flaky interior.
The side of cilantro lime rice complements the salmon well, made by rinsing jasmine rice and cooking it in water or chicken stock with butter, lime zest, lime juice, and plenty of chopped cilantro to infuse the rice with bright, herbal notes. Tossed cubed avocado with some of the dressing adds creaminess and enhances the lime-cilantro profile. Pickled onions provide a tangy bite that's lively against the richness of the fish and avocado.
Together, this dish balances citrus freshness, mild sweetness, subtle heat, and herbal brightness, making it suitable for a fulfilling dinner. The methodical layering of flavors and textures helps achieve a coherent, flavorful plate without complexity.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 ½ tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup cilantro plus more for topping, fresh
- 2 garlic minced or pressed, cloves
- salt kosher salt
- black pepper kosher salt
- pinch red pepper flakes crushed
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 salmon filets
- 1 tablespoon butter unsalted
- 1 avocado cubed
- onion for topping, pickled
cilantro lime rice
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 3 cups water or chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon butter unsalted
- salt kosher salt
- black pepper kosher salt
- 2 lime zest freshly grated
- 3 tablespoons lime juice fresh
- ¾ cup cilantro chopped
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, combine the lime juice, honey, garlic, cilantro, salt, pepper, pepper flakes and olive oil. Blend until combined and mostly smooth.
- Place the salmon filets in a dish. Pour half of the dressing over the salmon. Flip the salmon a few times so all sides are covered. Stick in the fridge and marinate for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the salmon. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and once melted and sizzling, add the salmon filets. Cook on each side until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes a side. Cook until the salmon is flakey and opaque.
- While the salmon cooks, chop the avocado. Toss it with a tablespoon or two of the cilantro lime dressing.
- Serve the salmon over the rice. Top with a few spoonfuls of the avocado and some pickled onions. Drizzle with more dressing if you’d like. Add more fresh cilantro if desired.
cilantro lime rice
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Heat the water/stock in a saucepan over medium heat until boiling. Add in the rice, butter and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the lid and stir in the lime zest, juice and cilantro. Serve!
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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