Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a total preparation and cooking time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those busy days when you want a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Healthy: Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein, and this recipe uses fresh, natural ingredients to enhance its flavor without adding unnecessary calories.
- Flavorful: The combination of honey, lime, garlic, and cilantro creates a glaze that is both sweet and tangy, complementing the richness of the salmon beautifully.
- Minimal Cleanup: Baking the salmon in foil not only keeps it moist but also makes cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Brush it with olive oil on all sides and season with salt and pepper. Place the salmon on a large piece of foil, folding the sides up to create a slight barrier around the edges.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the honey, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Apply the Glaze: Pour the glaze over the salmon, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Bake: Place the salmon (with the foil edges still folded up) on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve: Carefully transfer the salmon to a serving plate, leaving the skin behind if it sticks to the foil. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the foil over the salmon before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 2 servings.
- Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes.
- Total Time: About 30 minutes.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a subtle heat that complements the sweetness of the honey.
- Herb Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley or basil can be used as alternatives.
- Citrus Twist: Swap lime juice with lemon juice for a different citrus flavor.
- Grilled Option: Instead of baking, grill the salmon over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, basting with the glaze occasionally.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Place any leftover salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To maintain moisture, reheat the salmon in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it gently in a microwave, covered, for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but ensure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to achieve the best texture and flavor.
What can I serve with this salmon?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Is there a substitute for honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives to honey.
Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
Yes, the glaze can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Stir well before using.
How can I prevent the salmon from sticking to the foil?
Brushing the foil with a little olive oil before placing the salmon on it can help prevent sticking.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor, but if using dried, reduce the amount by half.
How long can I marinate the salmon?
Since the glaze contains lime juice, it’s best not to marinate for more than 30 minutes to prevent the acid from “cooking” the fish.
Can I use this glaze on other types of fish?
Absolutely! This glaze works well with other fish like trout, cod, or halibut.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon is a flavorful and healthy dish that’s simple to prepare, making it a great addition to your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that combines the richness of salmon with a tangy-sweet glaze of cilantro, lime, honey, and garlic. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this easy-to-make recipe offers delicious flavor and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon dry with paper towels, brush with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place on a large piece of foil and fold up the sides to create a slight barrier.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine honey, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and minced garlic until well mixed.
- Apply the Glaze: Pour the glaze evenly over the salmon.
- Bake: Place the salmon on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until it flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving plate, drizzle with remaining glaze, and serve.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Substitute fresh cilantro with parsley or basil if preferred.
- Lemon juice can replace lime for a citrus twist.
- Grilling option: Grill the salmon for 6-8 minutes per side, basting with glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
