Description
This chipotle lime salmon blends smoky chipotle peppers with zesty lime and sweet honey for a bold, tangy flavor. Juicy, flaky salmon is marinated in spices and quickly grilled, baked, or seared for a healthy, protein-rich meal that’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (or 1 tsp chipotle powder)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: olive oil for grilling or searing
- Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro, diced red onions, lime wedges
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine chipotle peppers (or powder), lime juice, lime zest, honey, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Salmon: Coat the salmon fillets in the marinade and let rest for 15–30 minutes.
- Cook the Salmon:
- Grill: Cook on a preheated grill over medium heat for 4–6 minutes per side.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 12–15 minutes.
- Pan-Sear: Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook salmon 4–6 minutes per side until crispy outside and flaky inside.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle with extra lime juice and garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges. Serve over rice, quinoa, or greens.
Notes
- Use thawed frozen salmon if fresh isn’t available.
- Substitute chipotle with smoked paprika or cayenne for a milder option.
- For a gluten-free dish, ensure all packaged ingredients (like adobo sauce) are certified gluten-free.
- For a spicier version, add extra chipotle or hot sauce.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to retain moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled, Baked, or Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 80mg