Baked Lime Salmon

Rub, baste, bake is all it takes to make this baked lime salmon recipe. An easy salmon dinner that’s beyond delicious – the rub is made with spices that not only add flavor, but also, bring out this stunning bright color! And the honey-lime on top adds some buttery bright sweetness to the salmon making it even more special.

Baked Lime Salmon served with cilantro and limes

Oi Gente!

Aren’t dishes that we can make for BOTH, special occasions and easy weeknight meals just the absolute best? Seriously, they’re so much easier on my brain!

Besides, it just makes sense to have these recipes you can dress up and down bookmarked and ready when you need them.

That’s why I love this baked lime salmon recipe so much.

I make it nearly on a weekly basis for midweek dinners, AND this is also what I serve when a dinner party sneaks up on me and I didn’t really plan for it.

It’s the best!

This recipe pairs wonderfully with pretty much any side dish, but I love serving it with some arugula quinoa salad, or this instant pot brown rice and Brazilian Salsa or some vegan black beans for a healthy dinner option.

Tips for How to Make Baked Lime Salmon

Prepare your pan. Line your baking sheet with aluminum foil, this makes it a breeze when it comes to clean up time!

Get the rub on. In a small bowl, combine all of the seasonings and then rub the salmon on both sides. Place the salmon on the prepared baking sheet and then set it aside while you proceed with the other steps.

Get the oven ready! In this recipe we we want to first rub the salmon with the spices, and then turn the oven on. This allows the salmon to sit a few minutes with the rub while the oven gets to the right temperature.

Then, you’re ready to move the rack to the middle of the oven to make sure your lime salmon bakes evenly, and can preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Melt the butter. While the oven is preheating, melt the butter with the garlic in a small microwave safe bowl for about 10-20 seconds.

All about that baste. Add in the honey, the cilantro, and the lime juice and zest to the melted butter. Whisk it all together and then brush or spoon over all that deliciousness on both sides of the salmon.

Make a foil boat. Roll up (or fold up) the sides of the aluminum foil around the salmon to make it into a little boat. Pour any remaining honey butter mixture on top.

Baked Lime Salmon on a baking sheet

Bake. Bake your salmon until it’s completely cooked through. This takes about 15-20 minutes depending on how thick your salmon fillet is, and how “done” you like it.

Serve. Add the remaining cilantro and some decorative lime slices and serve your delicious baked lime salmon.

Baked Lime Salmon FAQ:

How Do You Tell When Salmon is Done Cooking?

Salmon changes from looking orange to looking pink as it bakes.

After your salmon has baked for serval minutes, remove it from the oven, and place a fork in the layers of the pink part of the salmon.

It should flake easily if it’s finished baking.

Baked Lime Salmon on a baking sheet with cilantro and lime halves

Do You Eat the Skin on Salmon?

Salmon skin is completely safe to eat, but not many people can get past the texture and fishier taste. That said, taste it, and if you like it, eat up!

There are a lot of nutrients in salmon skin making it a great addition to your diet.

Should You Eat the Gray Part of a Salmon?

That gray layer between the skin and the pink is a very healthy layer of heart healthy omega 3 fatty acids.

It’s also sometimes a bit intense with the fishy flavor so some people don’t like eating it. With this well seasoned lime salmon, that shouldn’t be an issue. You’re going to want to eat every. last. bite!

What to serve with your Baked Lime Salmon

Other Seafood Recipes to try


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5 from 50 votes

Baked Lime Salmon

Rub, baste, bake is all it takes to make this baked lime salmon recipe. An easy salmon dinner that's beyond delicious – the rub is made with spices that not only add flavor, but also, bring out this stunning bright color! And the honey-lime on top adds some buttery bright sweetness to the salmon making it even more special.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Aline Shaw

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Salmon
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • 3 Tbsp lime juice about 2 limes
  • 1/2 tsp lime zest
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced or 1 tsp of Brazilian Sofrito
  • 3 Tbsp fresh cilantro, roughly minced
  • 1 tsp ground smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground achiote pepper optional
  • pinch of black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

  • Line a baking sheet with foil.
  • In a small bowl, combine all the peppers and salt. Then, rub the salmon on both sides and place it on the lined baking sheet and set aside while you take care of the next steps.
  • Position a rack in the middle of your oven, and preheat it to 375F.
  • While your oven is heating up, add the butter and the garlic to a small microwave safe bowl, and microwave for 10-20 seconds – just enough to melt the butter.
  • Then, add in the honey, half of the chopped cilantro, the lime juice and the zest to the melted butter mixture, and whisk to combine.
  • Using a small culinary brush, brush the salmon on both sides. Then, roll or fold the sides of the foil around the salmon (like a little boat) and pour any remaining honey butter mixture on top. The foil boat will ensure all that sauce stays under/around the salmon while it bakes.
  • Bake until cooked through (about 15-20 mins) depending on how thick your fish is and how "done" you like your salmon.
  • Serve with the remaining chopped cilantro and lime slices!

Bom Apetite!

    Did you make this recipe? Show me how it turned out! Snap a photo and share with me on Instagram tagging @aline_shaw!

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    14 Comments

    1. 5 stars
      oh wow the seasonings in this were so good – especially loved the smoked paprika – it just turned baked salmon into something special, This was so delicious!

    2. 5 stars
      I made this for my husband’s meal-prep and he’s already eaten two servings of it. smh Safe to say it’s a winner!

    3. 5 stars
      I am a salmon lover and I am always looking for new ways to make it! This baked lime salmon was perfect! Its so flavorful and baked to perfection with the help of this recipe! Thank you for the recipe!

    4. 5 stars
      We thoroughly enjoyed this recipe! It was so easy to make and full of a ton of flavor! This is something that we will be keeping around for sure!

    5. 5 stars
      We’re big on salmon in my household, so I’m always looking for a new recipe. This one was PERFECT to switch it up a bit. Everyone had rave reviews.

    6. 5 stars
      I loved it! Juicy, flavorful and super simple to make (which is always a bonus). Thanks for sharing this recipe!

    7. 5 stars
      I bought an obscene amount of wild sockeye salmon because it was on sale and I used this recipe, NO EXAGGERATION, three times to make it in the last week and a half! It’s so easy and flavorful- especially with that hit of lime. It has definitely become my family’s favorite way to enjoy salmon.

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