Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This salmon with zesty jalapeño lime sauce recipe is your answer. It's a vibrant, flavorful dish that's ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe is packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a fantastic option for a quick and healthy meal. Let's dive into this simple yet impressive recipe!
Ingredients:
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For the Salmon:
- 4 (4-6 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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For the Jalapeño Lime Sauce:
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 large lime)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Make the Sauce: While the oven preheats, whisk together the minced jalapeño, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, honey (if using), cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – more lime for tang, more honey for sweetness, or more jalapeño for heat!
Bake the Salmon: Drizzle the salmon fillets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets.
Finish the Dish: Once the salmon is cooked, pour the jalapeño lime sauce over the fillets. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcook the salmon! Overcooked salmon will be dry and tough. Start checking for doneness around the 12-minute mark.
- Adjust the jalapeño: If you're sensitive to spice, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño before mincing. You can also reduce the amount used. For extra heat, leave some of the seeds and membranes in.
- Fresh cilantro is best: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, fresh flavor to the sauce. If you don't have fresh cilantro, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried cilantro.
- Meal prep friendly: Prepare the jalapeño lime sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.
Variations:
- Add some spice: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Citrus twist: Use a combination of lime and lemon juice for a more complex citrus flavor.
- Herb variations: Experiment with other herbs like parsley, chives, or dill in the sauce.
- Add some veggies: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers would pair wonderfully with this salmon.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 25-30 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams
This easy salmon recipe with a zesty jalapeño lime sauce is a delightful, healthy, and satisfying meal option. The bright flavors and simple preparation make it a perfect addition to your weekly meal plan. Enjoy!