Pioneer Woman Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe

Pioneer Woman Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe

This Pioneer Woman Cilantro Lime Salmon is a quick and zesty recipe, which is made with tender salmon fillets and a sweet soy-lime glaze. It’s the perfect 20-minute meal, ready in about 20 minutes.

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Pioneer Woman Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter, divided
  • Two 6-ounce fillets of salmon
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • Zest and juice of 2 limes
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • Steamed rice, for serving

How To Make Pioneer Woman Cilantro Lime Salmon

  1. Prep and Sear Salmon: Heat the vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Place the salmon in the hot skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked to your liking. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.
  2. Make the Glaze: Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, the honey, soy sauce, and half of the lime zest and juice. Stir and let the sauce bubble for about 1 minute until it thickens slightly.
  3. Glaze the Salmon: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the fish and let it cook for one more minute, basting continuously. Stir in the chopped cilantro.
  4. Prepare Lime Rice and Serve: In a separate bowl, toss the steamed rice with the remaining lime juice and zest. Serve the salmon immediately with the lime rice, spooning any extra pan sauce over the top. Garnish with lime wedges.
Pioneer Woman Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe
Pioneer Woman Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe

Recipe Tips

  • How do I get crispy salmon skin? For the crispiest skin, make sure you pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel before seasoning. Place them skin-side down in a hot, well-oiled pan and don’t move them for the first 3-4 minutes.
  • How do I know when the salmon is done? The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets. Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. For a medium-rare center, it should still be slightly translucent in the very middle.
  • Can I adjust the sauce flavor? Absolutely. Taste the sauce after it has thickened. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more honey. For more tang, add more lime juice. For a saltier, more savory flavor, add another splash of soy sauce.
  • Can I bake this salmon instead? Yes. You can bake the seasoned salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes. While it bakes, prepare the sauce in a small saucepan on the stove. Pour the finished sauce over the baked salmon before serving.

What To Serve With Cilantro Lime Salmon

This light and flavorful salmon dish is a complete meal with the lime rice, but also pairs well with:

  • Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans
  • A simple avocado and tomato salad
  • Sautéed spinach with garlic

How To Store Cilantro Lime Salmon

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon and rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat: Reheat the salmon gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until just warmed through. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.

Cilantro Lime Salmon Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 260 kcal
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Sodium: ~800mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, this glaze would also be delicious on other firm fish like mahi-mahi, cod, or halibut. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillet.

Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish is best served immediately for the best texture. However, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Gently reheat the sauce while you pan-sear the salmon.

What if I don’t have fresh cilantro?

Fresh cilantro is key to the flavor of this dish. If you’re in a pinch, you could use a teaspoon of dried coriander, but the bright, fresh flavor will be different.

Try More Recipes:

Pioneer Woman Cilantro Lime Salmon Recipe

Recipe by MarryCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

2

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Calories

260

kcal

A quick and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring pan-seared salmon fillets coated in a sweet and tangy cilantro-lime glaze, served alongside fresh lime rice.

Ingredients

  • 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets

  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

  • 3 tbsp butter, divided

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

  • Zest and juice of 2 limes

  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

  • Kosher salt and black pepper

  • Steamed rice, for serving

Directions

  • Season salmon with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet with oil and 1 tbsp of butter for 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from pan.
  • In the same skillet, make the sauce by melting the remaining 2 tbsp of butter with honey, soy sauce, and half of the lime zest and juice. Simmer for 1 minute until it thickens.
  • Return the salmon to the pan, spoon the sauce over it, and cook for one more minute. Stir in the cilantro.
  • Toss the steamed rice with the remaining lime juice and zest.
  • Serve the salmon immediately with the lime rice and extra pan sauce.

Notes

  • Patting the salmon skin dry before cooking is essential for a crispy result.
  • Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your salmon fillets to achieve your desired doneness.
  • For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lime juice and fresh cilantro.
  • The sauce comes together very quickly, so have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking.

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