Zesty Honey-Lime Baked Salmon

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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For a delightful dinner that’s both tangy and sweet, this Zesty Honey-Lime Baked Salmon is your go-to recipe. It’s quick, flavorful, and brings a refreshing twist to your usual salmon dish, perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering.

Ingredients for Zesty Honey-Lime Baked Salmon

The star here is the salmon fillet, known for its rich flavor and flaky texture. The honey adds sweetness and caramelizes beautifully as it bakes. Lime juice and zest bring a zesty brightness to the dish, cutting through the richness of the fish. Garlic provides depth and a subtle kick, while olive oil helps everything meld together and keeps the fish moist. Salt and black pepper are your basic seasonings, with a dash of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a little extra char, broil the salmon for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
  • If your salmon fillet is thicker, you might need to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
  • Use fresh lime for the best flavor. Bottled lime juice just doesn’t compare.

Serving Suggestions

This salmon pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula salad tossed in olive oil and lemon juice. For something heartier, serve it alongside quinoa or roasted potatoes for a satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before using.
What if I don’t have cayenne pepper?
You can substitute with a dash of chili powder or skip it if you prefer less heat.

Zesty Honey-Lime Baked Salmon Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives you a perfectly even cooking temperature for the salmon, ensuring it’s cooked through without drying out. While the oven warms up, grab a small bowl and mix together the honey, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This mixture is your flavor powerhouse, packing a punch in every bite.

Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup, and place your salmon fillet skin-side down. Pour the honey-lime mixture over the salmon, making sure to coat it evenly. This ensures every bit of the fish absorbs those delicious flavors. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 18-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it flakes easily with a fork.

Once it’s out of the oven, let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping it succulent and tender when you serve it up.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
  • Requires minimal prep and cooks in under 30 minutes.
  • Uses simple, fresh ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • Healthy and packed with Omega-3s.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs salmon fillet
2 tbsp honey
1 lime, juiced and zested
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together honey, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3. Place the salmon fillet on a lined baking sheet and pour the honey-lime mixture over it, ensuring the fillet is evenly coated.
4. Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Remove from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving.

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