Imagine a dish that transforms an ordinary dinner into a culinary masterpiece - where crispy, perfectly seared salmon meets a vibrant, refreshing topping of juicy oranges, creamy avocado, and bright cilantro. This isn't just another fish recipe; it's a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds to a gourmet restaurant, all prepared in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-worthy meal, this Salmon with Orange, Avocado, and Cilantro recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 oranges, segmented
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove salmon fillets from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy exterior.
- Season both sides of salmon fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and is almost smoking.
- Carefully place salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet, pressing gently to ensure even contact with the pan.
- Cook salmon for 4-5 minutes without moving, allowing the skin to become crisp and golden brown.
- Flip salmon fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until fish is cooked to desired doneness and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- While salmon cooks, prepare the topping by combining orange segments, diced avocado, and chopped fresh cilantro in a small bowl.
- Transfer cooked salmon to serving plates and immediately top with the orange, avocado, and cilantro mixture.
- Drizzle any remaining olive oil from the pan over the fish for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional fresh cilantro if desired.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let salmon sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent uneven cooking.
- Moisture is the Enemy of Crispy Skin: Pat your salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps achieve that coveted golden, crispy exterior.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook salmon in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Listen to the Sizzle: A proper sear should create a gentle, consistent sizzling sound. If the pan is too quiet or too loud, adjust your heat.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked salmon, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F. This ensures your fish is cooked through but remains moist and tender.
- Fresh is Best: Use the freshest ingredients possible, especially for the topping. Ripe avocados and sweet, juicy oranges will elevate the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 405kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 70mg
