Spiced Moroccan Salmon with Cilantro Zest
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this Spiced Moroccan Salmon with Cilantro Zest. Infused with a delightful blend of spices like paprika and cumin, and finished with a fresh burst of cilantro and lemon, this dish is as vibrant as it is delicious. Perfectly seared in a nonstick skillet, this salmon is not only easy to prepare but also ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a busy evening. Serve alongside a simple salad or grain of your choice for an even more satisfying meal. Share this recipe with friends and family and delight them with the exotic flavors of Moroccan cuisine!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons (chopped)
paprika
1 teaspoon (ground)
fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon (squeezed)
garlic
1/2 teaspoon (minced)
extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon (for the paste)
cumin
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
dried red chili pepper
1 pinch (crushed)
salt
1 pinch (to taste)
salmon fillets
4 ounces (skinless)
olive oil flavored cooking spray
as needed (for cooking)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine cilantro, paprika, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, crushed red chili pepper, and salt. Mix well to create a flavorful paste.
2
Take the salmon fillets and rub the spice paste evenly over each piece, ensuring all sides are coated.
3
Cover the seasoned salmon with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld—up to 2 hours for a deeper taste.
4
Preheat a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly coat the pan with olive oil cooking spray.
5
Once the pan is hot, add the marinated salmon fillets. Cook for 2 minutes on one side until golden brown.
6
Carefully flip the fillets and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for an additional 3 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and the inside is no longer translucent.
7
Remove from the skillet and serve immediately, paired with your favorite sides.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Moroccan Salmon with Cilantro Zest?
It is a vibrant seafood dish featuring salmon fillets infused with a blend of Moroccan spices like paprika and cumin, finished with fresh cilantro and lemon.
What are the primary spices used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a flavorful mix of ground paprika, ground cumin, minced garlic, and crushed dried red chili pepper.
How long does it take to prepare this salmon dish?
This recipe is designed for busy evenings and can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
How do I make the spice paste?
Combine cilantro, paprika, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, cumin, red chili pepper, and salt in a medium bowl and mix well.
How should the spice paste be applied?
Rub the spice paste evenly over all sides of the salmon fillets until they are thoroughly coated.
What is the minimum marinating time?
The salmon should be refrigerated for at least 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I marinate the salmon for longer than 5 minutes?
Yes, you can marinate the salmon for up to 2 hours for a deeper and more intense flavor.
What type of skillet is best for cooking the salmon?
A 10-inch nonstick skillet is recommended to ensure even cooking and to prevent the fish from sticking.
How do I prepare the pan for cooking?
Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat and lightly coat it with olive oil flavored cooking spray.
How long should I cook the first side of the salmon?
Cook the salmon for 2 minutes on the first side until it becomes golden brown.
What do I do after flipping the salmon fillets?
Reduce the heat to medium and cook for an additional 3 minutes per side.
How can I tell if the salmon is fully cooked?
The salmon is ready when the inside is no longer translucent and the fish is cooked through.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe featuring seafood, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh herbs.
What side dishes go well with Moroccan salmon?
This dish pairs perfectly with a simple fresh salad or a grain of your choice.
What kind of salmon is required?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of skinless salmon fillets.
How much cilantro is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro leaves.
Is the recipe spicy?
Yes, it has a spicy profile due to the inclusion of crushed red chili pepper and cumin.
What role does lemon juice play in the recipe?
Lemon juice provides a fresh burst of zest that balances the warmth of the Moroccan spices.
How much garlic is used in the paste?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic.
What type of oil is used for the paste?
Extra virgin olive oil is used to bind the spices into a flavorful paste.
Can I use dried cilantro?
The recipe specifies chopped cilantro leaves, which usually implies fresh for the best flavor and zest.
Should the salmon be covered while in the refrigerator?
Yes, cover the seasoned salmon with plastic wrap while it marinates in the refrigerator.
How much paprika is included?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground paprika.
What heat setting should I use for searing?
Start with medium-high heat to get a golden brown sear, then reduce to medium after flipping.
How much cumin is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Is the salmon cooked with the skin on?
No, the recipe specifies using skinless salmon fillets.
How much salt is recommended?
A pinch of salt is used, or you can adjust to your personal taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed (salmon, spices, herbs, and oil), this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
When should the salmon be served?
Remove the salmon from the skillet and serve it immediately for the best texture and flavor.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Key tags include salmon, Moroccan, quick meals, healthy recipes, seafood, and under 30 minutes.