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Two baked salmon fillets in a dish, topped with a vibrant green cilantro lime sauce and fresh lime slices.

Cilantro Lime Salmon (Easy, 20-Minute Recipe)

This vibrant Cilantro Lime Salmon is the perfect weeknight meal. Baked to flaky perfection in just 20 minutes with a zesty marinade of fresh cilantro, lime, and garlic, it's a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly easy one-pan dinner.
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Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon
  • 1.5 lbs salmon fillets cut into 4 equal portions
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Cilantro Lime Marinade
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
  • 3 tbsp fresh lime juice from about 2 limes
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • 1 Baking Sheet
  • 1 Small Bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the chopped cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, honey, and optional red pepper flakes.
  4. Spoon the marinade evenly over the top of each salmon fillet.
  5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Garnish with additional cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges.

Notes

Tip 1: Do not overcook the salmon. Check for doneness at the 12-minute mark to ensure it remains moist and flaky.
Tip 2: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lime juice and fresh cilantro.
Tip 3: This recipe works great on the grill or in a skillet. Adjust cooking times accordingly.