Cilantro Lime Salmon is such an exciting way to make salmon! It’s boasting with so much fresh flavor and who could resist that sauce! Not to mention you can have this ready in 20 minutes, can’t beat that.
Pan Seared Salmon with Cilantro Lime Sauce
Lately I’ve been obsessed with just searing the salmon in a pan. I think it may actually be my choice method of cooking it — with grilling in a close second.
I just love the way it gets this perfectly seared crisp crust on the exterior while the interior stays perfectly tender and doesn’t dry out. I also love the pan searing method because it’s one of the quickest. No preheating an oven or grill and it’s ready in about 7 minutes.
This cilantro lime salmon is packed to the max with flavor thanks to a simple light rub, which consists of cumin, coriander and cayenne pepper, then it’s topped with the simplest fresh sauce, which consists of sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, green onions and garlic. All good things right?
I knew this was going to be good, but it was even better than I was expecting. If you like salmon and easy, quick recipes then please try this pan seared salmon recipe! I’m really just obsessed with how delicious it is!
Cilantro Lime Salmon Ingredients
This recipe consists of a simple pan seared salmon and a flavorful cilantro cream sauce. Here’s what you’ll need to make both:
- Skinless salmon fillets
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Cayenne pepper
- Olive oil
- Sour cream
- Green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime juice
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
How to Make Cilantro Lime Salmon
Never cooked salmon in a pan before? Don’t fret, it’s easy! Here are the basic steps for how to pan sear salmon:
- Make the cilantro sauce: Add the cilantro lime sauce ingredients to a food processor and process until smooth.
- Season the salmon: Dab both sides of the salmon with a paper towel, then sprinkle with spice mixture.
- Pan sear the salmon: Heat olive oil in a skillet, then add the salmon to the pan and cook until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve the salmon: Once cooked to your liking, plate the salmon and drizzle with cilantro cream sauce.
How Long to Pan Sear Salmon
I used four 6 oz. salmon fillets in this cilantro lime salmon recipe and cooked them for roughly 4 minutes on one side and 2 – 3 minutes on the other.
Can I Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Sour Cream?
I bet you could, but your cilantro lime sauce wouldn’t be as rich. If you use Greek yogurt, I recommend using whole Greek yogurt rather than low-fat.
What to Serve with Cilantro Lime Salmon
This cilantro lime salmon pairs nicely with lots of fresh side dishes! A few of my favorite salmon sides are:
- Black Bean and Corn Salad
- Mexican Chopped Salad
- Coconut Rice
- Pico de Gallo
- Simple Side Salad
Tips for Making Cilantro Lime Salmon
- When measuring out the cilantro just be sure to pack it into the measuring cup otherwise you won’t get as much flavor — the cilantro really is the crowning flavor.
- Be sure to let the skillet get hot before you add the salmon so you get a good sear on it.
- Don’t move the salmon as it cooks. Also key in getting it to brown nicely.
- If you have a bigger family than me and need more servings, you should have enough cilantro lime sauce for about 5 – 6 fillets. Just be sure to increase the amount on the spice rub and use two skillets.
More Salmon Recipes You’ll Love:
- Salmon Roasted in Butter
- Lemon Garlic Herb Grilled Salmon
- Lemon Pepper Salmon with Asparagus
- Honey Glazed Salmon with Citrus Avocado Salsa
- Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
5 from 18 votes Review Recipe
Skillet Seared Salmon with Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce
This is such an exciting way to make salmon! It’s boasting with so much fresh flavor and who could resist that sauce! Not to mention you can have this ready in 20 minutes so it’s perfect for a quick dinner.
Servings: 4
Prep10 minutesCook8 minutesReady in: 18 minutes
Ingredients4 (6 oz) skinless salmon fillets (about 1-inch thick)1 tsp ground cumin1/2 tsp ground coriander1/8 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (to taste)Salt and freshly ground black pepper1 Tbsp olive oilSauce1/2 cup natural sour cream2 green onions , end trimmed, roughly chopped1/2 cup packed cilantro (mostly leaves, some stem)1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lime juice1 clove garlic , sliced
InstructionsFor the sauce: Add sour cream, green onions, cilantro, lime juice, garlic and season with salt to taste (about 1/4 tsp). Process until cilantro has been very finely minced. Set aside at room temperature while preparing salmon.For the salmon:In a small bowl whisk together cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, 1/2 - 3/4 tsp salt (depending on how salty you like things) and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Dab both sides of salmon dry with paper towels, season both sides evenly with cumin mixture and lightly rub over salmon. Heat a (heavy) 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and once oil is shimmering add salmon (top side down first. Also leave space between fillets) and cook about 4 minutes, without moving, until golden brown on bottom.Flip and cook salmon on opposite side until salmon has cooked through, about 2 - 3 minutes longer. Serve warm with Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce.
Notes When measuring out the cilantro just be sure to pack it into the measuring cup otherwise you won’t get as much flavor — the cilantro really is the crowning flavor. If you have a bigger family than me and need more servings, you should have enough cilantro lime sauce for about 5 - 6 fillets. Just be sure to increase the amount on the spice rub and use two skillets.
Nutrition Facts Skillet Seared Salmon with Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce
Amount Per Serving
Calories 370 Calories from Fat 144
% Daily Value*
Fat 16g25%Saturated Fat 4g25%Cholesterol 108mg36%Sodium 101mg4%Potassium 910mg26%Carbohydrates 2g1%Sugar 1g1%Protein 34g68% Vitamin A 445IU9%Vitamin C 4.3mg5%Calcium 61mg6%Iron 1.8mg10% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.
Course: Main CourseCuisine: AmericanKeyword: Cilantro Lime Sauce, Salmon Author: Jaclyn
5 from 18 votes
Review Recipe
Nutrition Facts Skillet Seared Salmon with Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce
Amount Per Serving
Calories 370 Calories from Fat 144
% Daily Value*
Fat 16g25%Saturated Fat 4g25%Cholesterol 108mg36%Sodium 101mg4%Potassium 910mg26%Carbohydrates 2g1%Sugar 1g1%Protein 34g68% Vitamin A 445IU9%Vitamin C 4.3mg5%Calcium 61mg6%Iron 1.8mg10% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.
Nutrition Facts
Skillet Seared Salmon with Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce
Amount Per Serving
Calories 370 Calories from Fat 144
% Daily Value*
Fat 16g25%
Saturated Fat 4g25%
Cholesterol 108mg36%
Sodium 101mg4%
Potassium 910mg26%
Carbohydrates 2g1%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 34g68%
Vitamin A 445IU9%
Vitamin C 4.3mg5%
Calcium 61mg6%
Iron 1.8mg10%
- Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Main CourseCuisine: AmericanKeyword: Cilantro Lime Sauce, Salmon
Author: Jaclyn
