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Crispy Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe

Crispy Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe


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4.5 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Mouthwatering cilantro lime honey garlic salmon elevates home cooking with bold Pacific Northwest flavors. Delicate fish fillets glazed with sweet and tangy marinade promise restaurant-quality results you can enjoy right from your kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz/170 g), skin on or off
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 limes, juice and zest
  • 2 tbsps chopped fresh cilantro
  • 3 tbsps honey
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika to enhance flavor profile.
  2. Sauce Creation: Whisk together honey, minced garlic, lime juice, lime zest, and soy sauce in a small bowl, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
  3. Searing: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 3-4 minutes until a golden, crispy crust forms, then flip and sear for an additional 2 minutes.
  4. Glazing and Baking: Reduce heat to medium, pour prepared sauce over fillets, ensuring complete coverage. Transfer skillet to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Finishing: Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve immediately, drizzling any remaining sauce over the top to maximize flavor intensity.

Notes

  • Blot Salmon Perfectly: Use clean, dry paper towels to remove all surface moisture, guaranteeing a restaurant-quality golden-brown sear without steaming the fish.
  • Control Heat Precision: Medium-high heat creates the ideal crispy exterior while preventing burning, ensuring salmon remains tender and succulent throughout cooking.
  • Sauce Balance Technique: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to integrate flavors, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that complement the salmon’s richness.
  • Fresh Herb Enhancement: Chop cilantro just before serving to maximize flavor and aroma, adding a bright, fresh dimension that elevates the entire dish’s taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg