Imagine a seafood dish so tantalizing that it transforms an ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience in just 25 minutes. This Lime and Garlic Salmon isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that promises restaurant-quality flavors right in your own kitchen. With a perfect balance of zesty lime, aromatic garlic, and beautifully seared salmon, this dish will elevate your cooking skills and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Seafood
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets
- Lime juice
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear and crispy exterior.
- Mince fresh garlic cloves finely to release maximum flavor. For 4 servings, use approximately 4-5 cloves of garlic.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine freshly squeezed lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together to create a marinade.
- Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring each fillet is evenly coated. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Remove salmon from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Season additionally with salt and pepper if desired.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin is present) in the hot pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the bottom becomes golden and crisp.
- Carefully flip the salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Garnish with fresh lime wedges and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately with your preferred side dishes.
Tips
- Pat your salmon fillets completely dry before cooking to ensure a crispy, golden exterior that seals in all the delicious flavors.
- Use fresh garlic and freshly squeezed lime juice for the most vibrant and intense taste profile.
- Don't overcrowd the pan - cook salmon fillets in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and achieve that perfect sear.
- Invest in a good meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Salmon is perfectly cooked at 145°F (63°C), ensuring it remains moist and tender.
- Let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent final dish.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill as a garnish just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 95mg
