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Two fillets of baked cilantro lime salmon resting on a baking sheet, garnished with fresh herbs and lime slices before being served.

Cilantro Lime Salmon: The Ultimate 20-Minute Recipe

This Cilantro Lime Salmon is the ultimate 20-minute meal! Featuring flaky salmon in a zesty cilantro lime marinade, this recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner cooked on the grill, in the oven, or on the stovetop.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 fillets
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets skin-on or skinless
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 2 limes juiced and zested
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • 1 Baking sheet If baking
  • 1 Skillet If pan-searing
  • 1 Small Bowl

Instructions
 

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, chopped cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
  2. Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are fully coated. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes.
  3. To Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes. To Pan-Sear: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon skin-side down for 4-6 minutes, flip, and cook for another 2-4 minutes. To Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill for 4-6 minutes per side.
  4. Serve the salmon immediately, garnished with extra fresh cilantro and a lime wedge on the side.

Notes

Do not over-marinate: The acid from the lime juice can make the salmon mushy if left for more than 30 minutes.
Check for doneness: Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
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