Experience the perfect blend of zesty flavors and textures in this skillet-seared salmon recipe. Tender salmon fillets, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and protein, are seared to perfection in a skillet and served with a creamy, tangy cilantro lime sauce. The combination of spices and the creaminess of the sauce makes this dish a delightful experience for your palate.
The key ingredients for this recipe such as cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, and fresh cilantro can be found in the spices and herbs section of any well-stocked supermarket. A good quality sour cream is essential for the sauce's creaminess, and a fresh lime will provide the characteristic tang. Remember to choose skinless salmon fillets for the best result. Ask your fishmonger for help if you're unsure.
Ingredients for Skillet-Seared Salmon and Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce
Salmon fillets: These are the star of the dish. Make sure they are fresh, skinless, and of a good size.
Ground cumin: Adds a lovely, warm flavor to the salmon.
Ground coriander: This spice adds a subtle citrus flavor.
Cayenne pepper: Adds a spicy kick to the salmon. Adjust to taste.
Olive oil: Used for searing the salmon. It adds a good flavor and helps the spices stick to the fillets.
Natural sour cream: The base of the creamy sauce. Choose a good quality for the best result.
Green onions: Adds a nice crunch and freshness to the sauce.
Cilantro: Brings a fresh, zesty flavor to the sauce.
Fresh lime juice: Adds a tangy flavor to the sauce which complements the salmon perfectly.
Garlic clove: Essential for any sauce, it adds a depth of flavor.
One reader, Harris Espinoza says:
This skillet-seared salmon with creamy cilantro lime sauce recipe is a game-changer! The salmon was perfectly seared and the sauce was a delightful burst of flavors. The combination of cilantro and lime was refreshing and added a zesty kick to the dish. I can't wait to make it again!
Culinary Techniques for Skillet-Seared Salmon with Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce
How to prepare the creamy cilantro lime sauce: Combine the sour cream, green onions, cilantro, lime juice, and garlic in a food processor. Season with salt and process until the cilantro is finely minced. Set aside at room temperature.
How to season the salmon: In a small bowl, whisk together the cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Dab both sides of the salmon dry with paper towels, then season both sides evenly with the cumin mixture and lightly rub it over the salmon.
How to cook the salmon: Heat a heavy 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and once it's shimmering, add the salmon (top side down first, leaving space between fillets). Cook for about 4 minutes without moving, until golden brown on the bottom. Flip and cook the salmon on the opposite side for about 2 to 3 minutes longer until it's cooked through.
How to serve the dish: Serve the skillet-seared salmon warm with the creamy cilantro lime sauce.
How To Make Cilantro Lime Salmon
This savory Cilantro Lime Salmon recipe brings out the freshest flavors of a skillet-seared salmon that’s served with a creamy cilantro and lime sauce!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4skinless salmon fillets,about 1-inch thick
- 1tspground cumin
- ½tspground coriander
- ¼tspcayenne pepper,to taste
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1tbspolive oil
For Sauce:
- ½cupnatural sour cream
- 2green onions,ends trimmed, roughly chopped
- ½cupcilantro,packed, mostly leaves, some stem
- 1½tbspfresh lime juice
- 1clovegarlic,sliced
Instructions
Sauce:
-
Add the sour cream, green onions, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and season with salt to taste (about ¼ teaspoon).
-
Process until the cilantro has been very finely minced. Set aside at room temperature while preparing the salmon.
Salmon:
-
In a small bowl, whisk together the cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, ½ to ¾ teaspoons of salt (depending on how salty you like things), and ½ tsp black pepper.
-
Dab both sides of the salmon dry with paper towels, season both sides evenly with the cumin mixture, and lightly rub over the salmon.
-
Heat a heavy 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
-
Add oil and once the oil is shimmering, add the salmon (top side down first. Also leave space between fillets) and cook about 4 minutes, without moving, until golden brown on bottom.
-
Flip and cook the salmon on the opposite side for about 2 to 3 minutes longer until the salmon has cooked through.
-
Serve warm with the creamy cilantro lime sauce.
Recipe Notes
- When measuring out the cilantro, just be sure to pack it into the measuring cup otherwise you won’t get as much flavor — the cilantro really is the crowning flavor.
- For more servings, there should be enough cilantro lime sauce for about 5 to 6 fillets. Just be sure to increase the amount on the spice rub and use two skillets.
Nutrition
- Calories: 920.77kcal
- Fat: 62.44g
- Saturated Fat: 15.89g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 18.97g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 16.04g
- Carbohydrates: 3.46g
- Fiber: 0.81g
- Sugar: 1.16g
- Protein: 81.98g
- Cholesterol: 232.75mg
- Sodium: 1037.97mg
- Calcium: 89.26mg
- Potassium: 1551.34mg
- Iron: 2.11mg
- Vitamin A: 64.24µg
- Vitamin C: 19.79mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Skillet-Seared Salmon
When searing salmon, it's crucial to resist the urge to move the fillets around in the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes to achieve a golden brown, crispy crust. This also makes flipping the fillets easier as they will release naturally from the pan when they're ready.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Salmon Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pan wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single skillet or pot to minimize cleanup.
Batch cooking: Make extra portions and freeze for future meals to save time on busy days.
Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and slow cookers to expedite meal prep.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the instructions to avoid mistakes that can lead to time-consuming fixes.
Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen tidy and organized to work efficiently while cooking.
Quick cleanup: Clean as you go to minimize the time spent on post-cooking cleanup.
Substitute Ingredients For Skillet Seared Salmon with Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe
salmon fillets - Substitute with arctic char fillets: Arctic char has a similar texture and flavor to salmon, making it a great substitute for this recipe.
ground cumin - Substitute with ground chili powder: Ground chili powder can add a similar earthy and smoky flavor to the dish.
ground coriander - Substitute with ground fennel seeds: Ground fennel seeds can provide a similar aromatic and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
cayenne pepper - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can add a mild heat and smokiness to the dish, similar to cayenne pepper.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
natural sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a creamy texture and tangy flavor similar to sour cream.
green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives can offer a mild onion flavor and a pop of color, similar to green onions.
cilantro - Substitute with flat-leaf parsley: Flat-leaf parsley can provide a fresh and herbaceous flavor similar to cilantro.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can provide a similar citrusy acidity to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can offer a mild garlic flavor and aromatic quality to the dish.
Plating Ideas for Skillet-Seared Salmon with Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce
Elevate the salmon fillets: Gently place the seared salmon fillets on the plate, ensuring they are positioned with precision and care.
Drizzle the creamy cilantro lime sauce: Using a steady hand, artfully drizzle the creamy cilantro lime sauce over the salmon fillets, creating an elegant and appetizing presentation.
Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves: Carefully place fresh cilantro leaves on top of the salmon fillets, adding a pop of vibrant green color and a touch of herbal freshness to the dish.
Arrange the plate with finesse: Pay attention to the arrangement of the components on the plate, ensuring a visually appealing and balanced presentation that showcases the skill and artistry behind the dish.
Incorporate a citrus twist: Introduce a subtle citrus element to the presentation, such as a thinly sliced lime wheel or a sprinkle of lime zest, to add a sophisticated touch and enhance the overall visual appeal.
Consider the negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate, allowing the dish to stand out and shine while maintaining an elegant and refined presentation.
Emphasize the golden sear: Highlight the beautiful golden sear on the salmon fillets, showcasing the expert technique and precision in cooking while adding a touch of culinary allure to the presentation.
Use minimalist plating: Opt for a minimalist approach to plating, focusing on clean lines and understated elegance to let the flavors and textures of the dish take center stage.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Salmon Dish
- Skillet: A skillet is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. It typically has low sides and a long handle, making it perfect for cooking the salmon fillets in this recipe.
- Small bowl: A small bowl is used for mixing the cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful seasoning for the salmon.
- Whisk: A whisk is used to thoroughly combine the spices in the small bowl and ensure an even distribution of flavors.
- Non-stick skillet: A non-stick skillet is essential for cooking the salmon fillets without them sticking to the pan, allowing for easy flipping and serving.
- Food processor: A food processor is used to blend the sour cream, green onions, cilantro, lime juice, and garlic together to create the creamy cilantro lime sauce.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Skillet-Seared Salmon
- To store leftover skillet-seared salmon, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Store the creamy cilantro lime sauce separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- When ready to reheat, gently warm the salmon in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Avoid overcooking, as it can dry out the fish.
- To freeze the cooked salmon, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw frozen salmon in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- It is not recommended to freeze the creamy cilantro lime sauce, as the texture may change and the sauce may separate upon thawing. It is best to make the sauce fresh when needed.
- If you have leftover uncooked seasoned salmon fillets, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking.
How To Reheat Leftover Skillet-Seared Salmon
- The best way to reheat leftover skillet-seared salmon is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C) and place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Brush the salmon with a little bit of olive oil or melted butter to prevent it from drying out during the reheating process.
- Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil to help retain moisture and prevent the salmon from overcooking or burning.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and reheat the salmon for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The exact reheating time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillets.
- While the salmon is reheating, you can also warm up the creamy cilantro lime sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from burning or separating.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the salmon in a microwave if you're short on time. Place the salmon fillets on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
- Microwave the salmon on high power in 30-second intervals, checking the temperature after each interval to avoid overcooking. The salmon should be heated through in about 1-2 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and the power of your microwave.
- Once the salmon and sauce are heated through, plate the salmon fillets and drizzle the warm creamy cilantro lime sauce over the top.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a sprinkle of lime zest for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve the reheated skillet-seared salmon with creamy cilantro lime sauce immediately and enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Interesting Trivia About Skillet-Seared Salmon
Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function.
Budget-Friendly: Is This Salmon Recipe Economical?
The cost-effectiveness of this skillet-seared salmon with creamy cilantro lime sauce recipe is moderate. The use of salmon can be a bit pricey, but the dish is balanced with affordable ingredients like sour cream, cilantro, and lime. The overall verdict for this recipe is 8/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $30-$35, depending on the price of the salmon and the availability of the other ingredients.
Is This Salmon Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This skillet-seared salmon with creamy cilantro lime sauce recipe is a healthy choice overall. The salmon provides a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. The spices used, such as cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper, add flavor without adding significant calories or unhealthy ingredients. The cilantro lime sauce is made with natural sour cream, which is a better choice than regular sour cream due to its lower fat content.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Use low-fat or non-fat sour cream in the sauce to reduce the overall fat content
- Increase the amount of cilantro in the sauce to add more flavor and nutrients
- Serve the salmon with a side of vegetables, such as roasted broccoli or a mixed green salad, to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the meal
- Use a smaller amount of oil when cooking the salmon, or consider using a cooking spray to reduce the amount of added fat
To make this recipe even more nutritious, you could also consider using wild-caught salmon, which tends to have a higher omega-3 content than farm-raised salmon. Additionally, using fresh lime juice instead of bottled lime juice will provide more vitamin C and a brighter flavor to the dish.
Editor's Opinion on Skillet-Seared Salmon with Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce
The skillet-seared salmon with creamy cilantro lime sauce recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The seasoning on the salmon adds a depth of spice, while the creamy cilantro lime sauce provides a refreshing and zesty contrast. The cooking method ensures a perfectly seared exterior and tender, flaky interior for the salmon. The sauce, with its vibrant green color and fresh herbaceous taste, complements the richness of the fish beautifully. This dish is a wonderful balance of savory and tangy elements, making it a standout choice for a satisfying and elegant meal.
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Why trust this Skillet Seared Salmon with Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe:
This recipe offers a tantalizing combination of salmon and a zesty cilantro lime sauce. The sour cream base provides a creamy texture, while the cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper infuse the salmon with rich, aromatic flavors. The use of fresh lime juice and cilantro ensures a burst of vibrant, citrusy notes. With carefully selected ingredients and precise cooking instructions, this recipe guarantees a delightful dining experience.
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