Skip to content
GlobalFoodRecipes
Sign in
Main Dishes

Baked Salmon with Cilantro-Jalapeño Sauce

Flaky baked salmon gets a bright, punchy sauce of fresh cilantro, garlic and pickled jalapeños, lifted with lime zest and juice. The foil keeps the fish moist while the sauce seeps into every flake. A light, flavorful dinner for two any weeknight.

Jump to recipe Save
Two baked salmon fillets covered in green cilantro-jalapeño sauce on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Prep time
30 min
Cook time
35 min
Total time
65 min
Servings
2
Difficulty
Easy

Ingredients

Servings
2

Added to your shopping list. Open the list

For the sauce

Instructions

  1. 1

    For the sauce, combine finely chopped cilantro, mashed garlic, and diced pickled jalapeños in a mixing bowl.

  2. 2

    Stir in the olive oil, lime juice, and zest; season with salt and black pepper.

  3. 3

    Arrange the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  4. 4

    Spoon the sauce over the fish and cover loosely with oiled aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 30-35 minutes.

  5. 5

    Serve warm.

Diet and allergens

Contains: Fish

Worked out from the ingredient list. Always check the labels if you have an allergy.

Tips

  • Chop the cilantro finely, stems included—they carry lots of flavor.
  • Oiled foil prevents the sauce from sticking and keeps steam in.
  • Don't overbake; salmon is done when it flakes easily.
  • Reserve a spoonful of sauce to drizzle after baking for extra brightness.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve over rice or quinoa to catch the sauce.
  • Pair with roasted asparagus or a green salad.
  • Spoon onto warm flatbread with a squeeze of lime.

Substitutions

  • Instead of pickled jalapeños: use fresh jalapeño with a splash of vinegar.
  • Instead of lime: use lemon zest and juice.
  • Instead of olive oil: use avocado oil or melted butter.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes—thaw completely and pat dry before saucing and baking.

How do I know the salmon is done?

It flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F (63°C) inside.

Can I make the sauce ahead?

Yes, refrigerate up to 2 days; stir before using.

Can I grill instead of baking?

Yes, grill foil-wrapped fillets over medium heat about 12-15 minutes.

Reviews and questions

Average rating

– Ratings: 0

Sign in to rate

Made this recipe? Sign in to share a tip, ask a question or post a photo.

Sign in

No comments yet. Be the first to share how it turned out!