Pan-Seared Salmon: Cilantro-Lime Perfection

Pan-seared salmon with a cilantro and lime sauce is a delicious and healthy meal that can be prepared in just 20 minutes. The salmon is cooked in a skillet to achieve a crispy crust on the exterior while keeping the interior tender. The sauce is made with sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, green onions, and garlic, and it adds a fresh and tangy flavour to the dish. This recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy salmon, which is a great source of omega-3 and protein.

Making the cilantro lime sauce

The sauce hardly takes any time at all to prepare. To make the sauce, place the sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, sliced garlic, and salt into a food processor or blender. Process the sauce until the cilantro leaves are very finely chopped or minced. Set the sauce aside while you cook the salmon.

For a simple Asian twist, you can whisk together the lime juice, soy sauce, and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Then, stir in the cilantro.

If you want to make a lemon butter sauce, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about a minute. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer until it has reduced by half, about 3 minutes. Stir in butter and honey, and set the sauce aside.

Preparing the salmon fillets

Take the salmon fillets out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature while you make the cilantro lime sauce. The sauce is quick to prepare, so the fillets won't be out for too long.

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This will help the spice mixture stick to the fish and create a better crust when seared. Sprinkle a generous amount of the spice mixture (cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper) over both sides of the salmon, rubbing it in lightly and ensuring an even coating.

Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet on medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, gently place the salmon fillets into the pan with the top side down. It is important to leave space between the fillets so they can cook evenly.

Cook the salmon fillets for about 4 minutes on the first side, without moving them. This will create a crispy, golden-brown crust. After this time, carefully flip the fillets and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Once cooked, remove the salmon fillets from the skillet and transfer them to individual serving plates.

Cooking the salmon

First, remove the salmon fillets from the refrigerator and let them rest at room temperature for 10 minutes. This will help the salmon cook more evenly. While the salmon is resting, make the spice rub. Place cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and mix well to combine the spices.

Next, pat the salmon fillets dry on all sides using a paper towel. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon, lightly rubbing the spices into the fish. Make sure to use all of the spice mix.

Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet on medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, gently place the salmon fillets into the skillet with the top side down. Cook for four minutes without moving the salmon. After four minutes, the bottom of the salmon should be crispy and golden brown.

Carefully turn the salmon over to the other side and cook for an additional two to three minutes, or until it is cooked to your desired level of doneness. If you like your salmon more well done, you can cook it for a little longer.

Once the salmon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the skillet and transfer it to individual serving plates.

Tips for cooking salmon:

• Don't move the salmon as it cooks. This will help you achieve a nice, even sear.
• Let the skillet get hot before adding the salmon so you get a good sear on it.
• Don't overcrowd the pan. Leave space between the fillets so that they can cook evenly.

Making the spice rub

The spice rub for this dish is a simple mix of cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. The first step is to place all the spices in a small bowl and mix well to combine. You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your taste, starting with 1/8 of a teaspoon and increasing to 1/4 of a teaspoon if you prefer more spice.

Once the spices are mixed, it's time to prepare the salmon fillets. Pat all sides of the fillets dry using a paper towel. This step is important as it helps the spice rub adhere to the fish and creates a crispier sear when cooking.

After the salmon is dry, sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the fillets. Use your fingers to lightly rub the spices into the fish, ensuring a good coating. It is recommended to use all of the spice mix, so don't be shy when applying it!

Now that the salmon is seasoned, it's ready to be cooked. Heat some olive oil in a large non-stick skillet on medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, gently place the salmon fillets into the skillet with the top side down. It's important to not move the salmon once it's in the pan to ensure a good sear.

Cook the salmon for about 4 minutes on the first side, then carefully turn it over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until it's cooked to your desired doneness.

And that's it! You've now created a delicious spice rub for your pan-seared salmon with cilantro and lime sauce. The spice rub adds a depth of flavor to the dish and is a key step in creating a tasty and impressive meal.

Serving the salmon

Once cooked to your liking, it's time to plate the salmon. You can drizzle the creamy cilantro lime sauce over the top of the salmon, or serve it on the side. Garnish each piece of salmon with a sprig of cilantro and a lime wedge, if desired.

This salmon pairs well with a variety of fresh side dishes, such as black bean and corn salad, Mexican chopped salad, grilled asparagus, buttery sautéed green beans, or creamy mashed potato.

If you want to add a starch to the plate, steamed rice is a great option, especially when mixed with lime juice and zest to complement the flavours of the salmon.

This cilantro lime salmon is a healthy, tasty, and quick meal that can be ready in about 10-20 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a relaxing weekend feast. Enjoy!

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