Zesty Southwest Grilled Salmon with Lime-Cilantro Herb Butter
Elevate your grilling game with this Zesty Southwest Grilled Salmon, topped with a vibrant lime-cilantro herb butter that perfectly complements the rich, smoky flavors of the salmon. This dish is perfect for summertime gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner, bringing the taste of the Southwestern U.S. directly to your table. Marinated in a blend of olive oil, spices, and fresh cilantro, this salmon is grilled to perfection for a flaky and juicy bite. Serve it with a side of roasted asparagus or a crisp tossed salad for a complete and healthy meal that your family will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salmon fillets
2 lbs (skin on)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon
Butter
1/4-1/2 cup (melted)
Fresh cilantro
1 bunch (chopped)
Limes
2 (juiced)
Chili powder
1 teaspoon
Cumin
1/2 teaspoon
Salt
(to taste)
Pepper
(to taste)
Instructions
1
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, cumin, chili powder, and several chopped cilantro leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2
Generously coat the flesh side of the salmon fillets with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
3
Preheat your grill to high heat. Once heated, place the marinated salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill.
4
Grill the salmon for about 5-7 minutes, or until the fat begins to seep from the salmon flesh. Avoid flipping the fillets to ensure they maintain their moisture.
5
While the salmon is grilling, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in the juice from both limes and the remaining crushed and chopped cilantro leaves.
6
Once the salmon is cooked through but still moist, remove it from the grill and immediately drizzle the lime-cilantro butter over the top.
7
Serve the salmon hot, garnished with additional cilantro if desired, along with your choice of side dishes like oven-roasted asparagus or a fresh salad.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Southwest Grilled Salmon?
It is a flavorful seafood dish that combines grilled salmon fillets with Southwestern spices and a signature lime-cilantro herb butter.
How much salmon is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of salmon fillets, preferably with the skin on.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of olive oil, cumin, chili powder, chopped fresh cilantro, salt, and pepper.
How long should the salmon marinate?
The salmon should be covered and refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to fully meld.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
The grill should be preheated to high heat before placing the salmon on the grates.
Do I need to flip the salmon while grilling?
No, you should avoid flipping the fillets to ensure they maintain their moisture and remain juicy.
How long does the salmon take to cook?
Grill the salmon for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the fat begins to seep from the flesh.
How is the lime-cilantro herb butter prepared?
Melt 1/4 to 1/2 cup of butter in a saucepan, then stir in the juice from two limes and crushed or chopped cilantro.
When should the herb butter be applied to the fish?
The lime-cilantro butter should be drizzled over the top immediately after the salmon is removed from the grill.
What side dishes pair well with this salmon?
The recipe suggests serving it with oven-roasted asparagus or a fresh, crisp tossed salad.
Is the salmon grilled skin-side down?
Yes, place the marinated salmon fillets skin-side down on the preheated grill.
What spices provide the Southwest flavor?
Cumin and chili powder are the primary spices used to give the dish its Southwestern profile.
Can I use fresh cilantro?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 bunch of fresh chopped cilantro divided between the marinade, the butter, and the garnish.
How many limes are used in this recipe?
The recipe requires the juice of two limes for the herb butter.
Is this recipe suitable for summer gatherings?
Yes, its vibrant flavors and grilling preparation make it perfect for summertime events or outdoor dining.
What type of oil is recommended for the marinade?
The recipe specifies using one tablespoon of olive oil for the marinade.
Should the salmon be cooked until dry?
No, the salmon should be removed when it is cooked through but still moist to ensure a flaky and juicy bite.
How much butter is used for the topping?
You can use between 1/4 and 1/2 cup of butter depending on your preference for richness.
Is salt and pepper included?
Yes, salt and pepper should be added to the marinade to taste.
Is the butter topping just plain butter?
No, it is an herb butter infused with lime juice and fresh cilantro.
What texture should the grilled salmon have?
When properly grilled, the salmon should be flaky and juicy.
How many steps are in the instructions?
There are seven clear steps ranging from preparing the marinade to serving the finished dish.
Can this be a weeknight dinner?
Yes, because the grilling and prep time (excluding marinating) are relatively short, it is a great option for a quick weeknight meal.
How much cumin is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of cumin.
How much chili powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
Should I cover the salmon while it marinates?
Yes, the instructions state to cover the salmon and place it in the refrigerator while marinating.
Is the cilantro in the butter chopped or crushed?
The instructions mention using both crushed and chopped cilantro leaves for the butter.
Do I melt the butter over high heat?
No, the instructions recommend melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
How is the salmon served?
It is served hot, immediately after drizzling with the butter, and can be garnished with extra cilantro.
Where does the flavor profile of this dish originate?
The dish is inspired by the tastes of the Southwestern United States.