Description
This Chili Lime Grilled Salmon recipe highlights fresh, zesty flavors with a spicy kick, perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. Marinated in a vibrant blend of lime juice, honey, and chili powder, then grilled to perfection with the skin on for a crispy texture. Optional cilantro lime butter adds a creamy, fragrant finish to the dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon Marinade
- 6 salmon fillets (skin on)
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Cilantro Lime Butter (Optional)
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh cilantro
- Reserved marinade from above
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: Whisk together lime juice, honey, olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried oregano in a bowl. Reserve a small portion of this mixture for making the cilantro lime butter later.
- Marinate the salmon: Place the salmon fillets in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to infuse into the fish.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to a temperature between 450°F and 500°F, making sure to clean the grates thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure perfect grill marks.
- Grill skin-side down: Place the salmon fillets on the grill skin-side down. Grill for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until the skin releases easily and is crispy.
- Flip and finish grilling: Carefully flip the salmon and grill for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the salmon is cooked through but still moist inside.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the salmon for a full hour if time allows.
- Use a fish spatula or tongs to carefully flip the salmon to keep it intact.
- Optional cilantro lime butter can be made by mixing softened unsalted butter with chopped fresh cilantro and a bit of the reserved marinade; let it melt over the hot salmon just before serving.
- If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can be adapted for stovetop grilling with a grill pan or broiling in the oven.
