Chipotle Lime Salmon

Chipotle, lime and honey come together in a glaze for this salmon.  It’s smoky, spicy and sweet and has that kick of citrus that may trick your brain into thinking you’re vacationing in the tropics.

And I could use a little reminder of the tropics.  Not that I’m going to say a single bad word about cooler weather.  I’m loving everything about this glorious season.  But my wardrobe is heavy on sundresses and light on…well…everything else.  Today in the 37 degree F Kansas morning air I realized that I’m seriously lacking in sweaters.  And coats.  And gloves.

It did my soul some good that this past weekend was sunny and delightful.  Perfect for sitting outside at a tasty Kansas City taco joint (Taco Republic) and drinking late afternoon margaritas.  It was a reminder that lime makes everything good.

Cold boozy drinks.  Or hot-out-of-the-oven salmon fillets.

Today I’m bringing you the latter.  Because whether or not you were lucky enough to have margarita-friendly afternoons over the weekend, you’ve definitely got room in your week for Chipotle Lime salmon. It’s a flavor combination that I’ve been playing with quite often since these chipotle tacos made their way into my life.

Served over rice and beans, it’s a healthy, fast weeknight dinner.  Handy since night seems to come so soon in these in these post-daylight savings time evenings.

Even when it’s dark outside, this dish brings a little sunshine in.

More Salmon Recipes

• Foil-Roasted Salmon with Chickpeas and Greens
• Broiled Honey Lime Salmon
• Pan Seared Salmon and Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce
• Lemongrass Roasted Salmon
• Salmon with Sweet Chili Lime Butter and Roasted Broccoli
• Thai-Style Salmon Satay with Peanut Sauce
• Salmon and Edamame Soba Noodles with Miso Vinaigrette
• Red Curry Salmon with Coconut Brown Rice

Favorite Tools

• Cuisinart Food Processor
• Pyrex Dish with Lid
• Half Sheet Pan or Cast Iron Skillet

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Chipotle Lime Salmon

A sweet, smoky, spicy glaze uses fresh lime juice and chipotles in adobo to top salmon fillets. Over rice and beans, this is a fast, simple weeknight meal.

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time8 mins

Total Time18 mins

Course: Main Dish

Keyword: easy salmon recipe, seafood, weeknight-friendly

Servings: 4

Calories: 306kcal

Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef

Cost: $9.00

Equipment

• Food Processor
• Shallow Dish for Marinating
• Half Sheet Pan or Cast Iron Skillet

Ingredients

• 1/2 Chipotle Pepper (from a can of chipotles in adobo)
• 3 tsp Adobo Sauce (from a can of chipotles in adobo)
• 1 clove Garlic
• 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
• 3 Tbsp Honey
• 1 Lime, juice and zest
• 4 small Salmon fillets (about 1 lb total)

Instructions

• Turn on the oven's broiler and place a rack about 6 inches below the heat source.
• Blend the chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, garlic, mustard, honey and lime zest (save the juice) in a food processor (I used my mini processor) until smooth. Sprinkle the salmon fillets with a bit of salt and pepper.
• Marinate (optional): If you have time, put the salmon in a bowl, pour the chipotle sauce over the top and allow to marinate for 30 minutes while you prepare the rice (recipe below).
• Place the salmon, skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with foil (or in a cast iron skillet) and brush the surface generously with the chipotle sauce.
• Cook salmon under the broiler until golden brown on top and cooked through, 7 to 8 minutes. (Watch it closely towards the end and if it begins to burn, move it further away from the broiler). Squeeze lime juice over the top and serve.

Notes

Look for Chipotles in Adobo in cans in the international / Mexican section of your grocery store. Chipotles are smoky and spicy, so use more or less to suit your tastebuds. 1/2 a pepper is good for most. (You may have noticed in the photos above that once during testing I made this with three, yes three, whole chipotles. Only do that if you, like me, have tastebuds that have been conditioned after 5 years of living in Thailand and eating flaming hot curries.)

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 306kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 734mg | Potassium: 862mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 81IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 2mg

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Basic Rice and Beans

Simple and comforting, rice and black beans are a great accompaniment to a variety of dinners. Serve this under any meat or fish.

Prep Time3 mins

Cook Time33 mins

Total Time36 mins

Course: Side Dish

Keyword: beans and rice, easy side dish, vegetarian

Servings: 4

Calories: 169kcal

Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef

Cost: $2.00

Equipment

• Strainer
• Saucepan with Lid

Ingredients

• 1 cup White Rice
• 1 1/4 cups Water
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1 14 oz can Black Beans

Instructions

• Rinse rice in a strainer until water runs clear.
• Combine rice, water and salt in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Cook until all of the water has evaporated, about 18 minutes.
• Remove pan from heat but leave the lid on and let the rice stand, covered, for 15 minutes more to steam. Rinse and drain the beans and stir into the rice. Season with additional salt, if needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 169kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 297mg | Potassium: 54mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg

And while the rest of us were sipping margaritas and eating tacos over the weekend, Molly and Clara were going straight for the beans.  Because these girls, they seriously love beans.  Seriously.

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