Chili Lime Grilled Salmon

Boy oh boy, I never realized how little I cook in the summer until I started blogging!  Lately I've either been eating at a bbq with friends and/or family, eating out, or just making some "no cook" recipes (and in some instances "no cook" recipe could very well mean sandwiches for dinner).  In all fairness I am an apartment dweller, so when that temperature reaches high 90s to 100 my kitchen can really double as a sauna (which means I really should be losing more weight right?).  But I realize that you guys can't cook 'excuses' so I'm back with a light, and healthy recipe that is fast and easy but most importantly does not require you to turn on your oven.

Fresh salmon fillets can be pricey so I suggest planning this recipe when your local supermarket has salmon on sale.  I bought mine when it was $4.99/lb and got a huge 1 lb fillet.  I served this salmon with a Chipotle style cilantro rice, you can find that recipe HERE.  For a even lighter option you can serve with a salad with a light vinaigrette. 

Ok lets get cooking, now pay attention because this is gonna go fast! :)

Start with your salmon fillet.  This was a 1 lb fillet, and it was a big one! I ended up cutting it into two large pieces.

Season the (now two) salmon fillets with the chili powder, salt, and pepper.

Preheat a grill pan over medium high heat, and get it screaming hot.  Add a touch of olive oil and place the salmon skin side UP in the pan.  

To get the nice grill marks it's important to not move the salmon and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, you will begin to see it cooking through by looking at the side. The color will change from pink to a light peachey (cooked salmon) color. 

Once its cooked halfway up (from the side view) it's time to flip.

Flip the salmon and you should have beautiful grill marks like so.

Now it's time to squeeze lime juice over the salmon.  Cook for another 3-5 minutes and remove from heat.

Cut another lime into thin slices.

Plate your salmon and garnish with lime slices.

You can serve with a nice salad or....or you can serve with a yummy cilantro rice. (so good)  You can find that recipe HERE.

Fast, easy, healthy and delicious!

Chili Lime Grilled Salmon

Print this recipe!

1 lb Salmon Fillet, cut into two pieces

1 tsp chili powder

½ tsp salt

½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

3 limes

Olive oil

Directions:

Rub salmon fillet pieces with chili powder, salt and pepper.  Squeeze the juice of one of the limes all over the salmon; rub into salmon.  Place on a plate in the fridge and let marinate for 10-12 minutes. 

Preheat a grill pan over medium high heat (get the pan REALLY hot).  Add ½ tablespoon of olive oil to hot grill pan.  Next, add salmon skin side up in hot grill pan, let grill in pan without moving for 3-5 minutes.  Flip over and grill skin side for another 3-5 minutes.  As skin side grills squeeze the juice of the second lime over the salmon.  Once cooked through remove from heat. 

Plate the salmon, take the third lime and cut into thin slices and garnish the salmon with the lime slices.  Serve with cilantro rice or a salad, eat and enjoy!