Imagine a dish that transforms an ordinary salmon fillet into a culinary masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing with delight! This Lemon Cilantro Grilled Salmon is not just a recipe, it's a flavor explosion that combines the bright, zesty notes of lemon with the fresh, herbaceous punch of cilantro. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to wow your guests, this Mexican-inspired dish proves that gourmet cooking can be both simple and spectacular.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture, allowing for better grilling.
- In a medium bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped cilantro, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until the ingredients are well blended. This will serve as your marinade.
- Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring that each fillet is well coated. Allow the salmon to marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- While the salmon is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, heat it on the stove over medium-high heat until it is hot.
- Once the grill is ready, remove the salmon from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Place the salmon fillets on the grill, skin side down if applicable. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the fillet.
- Serve the grilled salmon with additional lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for garnish. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Cilantro Grilled Salmon!
Tips
- Pat the salmon dry before marinating to ensure a perfect sear and prevent steaming.
- Don't marinate the fish for too long - 10 minutes is ideal to prevent the acid from breaking down the delicate salmon proteins.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan thoroughly to create those beautiful grill marks and seal in the flavors.
- Use a fish spatula or carefully handle the salmon to prevent it from breaking apart during cooking.
- Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the fish moist and tender.
- For extra flavor, try using a cedar plank when grilling to add a subtle smoky dimension to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 95mg
