Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary salmon into a culinary masterpiece, where every bite is a symphony of vibrant spices and zesty citrus. This Spice Crusted Salmon with Lime Orange Salsa isn't just a meal—it's a gastronomic adventure that promises to elevate your home cooking from mundane to magnificent. With a perfect balance of smoky spices and bright, fresh salsa, this recipe will turn even the most novice cook into a kitchen superstar.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lime, zested and juiced
- 1 orange, segmented
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Gather 4 salmon fillets and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the spice crust adhere better.
- In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, cumin, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. This spice blend will form the crust for the salmon.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the salmon fillets. Use your hands or a brush to evenly coat the fillets with the oil.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture generously over the salmon fillets, pressing it in gently to ensure it sticks. Make sure both sides of the fillets are coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets to the pan, skin side down if applicable. Cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving them, allowing the crust to form and the salmon to cook through.
- Carefully flip the salmon fillets using a spatula and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes on the other side, or until the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- While the salmon is cooking, prepare the lime orange salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the zest and juice of 1 lime, the segments of 1 orange, and 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro. Gently toss to combine.
- Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a minute. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the salmon moist.
- To serve, place each salmon fillet on a plate and spoon the lime orange salsa over the top. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired.
- Enjoy your Spice Crusted Salmon with Lime Orange Salsa alongside your favorite side dishes, such as rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Always pat your salmon fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, well-adhered spice crust.
- Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan for the most even heat distribution and beautiful searing.
- Don't move the salmon while it's cooking initially—this helps develop a gorgeous, crispy exterior.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; salmon is perfectly cooked at 145°F (63°C).
- Let the salmon rest for 1-2 minutes after cooking to retain maximum juiciness.
- For extra flavor, toast your spices briefly in a dry pan before mixing them to enhance their aromatic qualities.
- Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 90mg
