Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise! This Honey Lime Salmon with Mango Salsa is not just a meal—it's an explosion of vibrant flavors that will make your dinner guests wonder if you've secretly trained as a professional chef. Imagine perfectly seared salmon, glazed with a sweet and tangy honey-lime marinade, topped with a fresh, zesty mango salsa that brings a burst of sunshine to your plate. Whether you're looking to impress your family or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 mango, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by whisking together honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning and even cooking. Place fillets in a shallow dish and pour marinade over them, ensuring each fillet is evenly coated. Let marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- While salmon marinates, prepare the mango salsa. Dice the mango and red onion into small, uniform pieces. Finely chop fresh cilantro.
- In a medium bowl, combine diced mango, red onion, and cilantro. Season with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lime juice. Mix gently and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Preheat a large non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the cooking surface to prevent sticking.
- Remove salmon from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place fillets skin-side down in the hot pan and cook for 4-5 minutes until the bottom is golden and crisp.
- Carefully flip salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until fish is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Transfer cooked salmon to serving plates and generously top each fillet with the fresh mango salsa.
- Garnish with additional cilantro leaves and serve immediately, preferably with a side of rice or mixed greens.
Tips
- Pat the salmon fillets completely dry before marinating to ensure a perfect sear and crispy exterior.
- Use fresh lime juice for the most vibrant flavor—avoid bottled lime juice if possible.
- Don't marinate the salmon for too long, as the acid can start to "cook" the fish. 10 minutes is the sweet spot.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that salmon reaches 145°F for perfect doneness.
- Choose ripe but firm mangoes for the salsa to get the best balance of sweetness and texture.
- Let the salmon rest for a minute after cooking to help retain its moisture.
- For extra flavor, try grilling the salmon instead of pan-searing for a smoky dimension.
- If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute with fresh parsley or mint.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the salmon at its most succulent and the salsa at its freshest.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 70mg
