This delightful dish combines juicy salmon with a fresh mango salsa that bursts with flavor. It’s light, tasty, and perfect for warm days or a quick dinner!
Honestly, the sweet and tangy mango salsa is the star here. I always sneak a bit on tortilla chips too—such a tasty treat! 😋 You can easily whip this up in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is a great choice for this recipe. You can also use other fish like trout or tilapia. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try marinated tofu or tempeh instead, but adjust cooking times.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds great flavor, but feel free to substitute with avocado oil or canola oil if you prefer. Just make sure it’s oil you like cooking with!
Mango: Fresh mango is ideal for sweetness. If unavailable, a frozen mango can work too; just thaw it beforehand. Pineapple is also a tasty alternative for a different twist.
Jalapeño: If you’re not into spicy heat, you can leave it out or substitute with a pinch of cayenne pepper or some bell pepper for added color without the spice.
How Do I Make Sure My Salmon is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the right doneness for salmon can be tricky. Here’s how to nail it every time:
- First, preheat your grill or skillet until it’s hot. This helps sear the fish and lock in flavors.
- Cook skin-side down first; this helps protect the flesh from overcooking.
- Check the internal temperature; it should be around 145°F for perfectly cooked salmon.
- As a guide, cook about 4-5 minutes per side, but keep an eye on it. Salmon cooks quickly!
- Remember, it will continue to cook for a minute after you take it off the heat, so don’t overdo it.
Easy Salmon with Fresh Mango Salsa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Fresh Mango Salsa:
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- 1/2 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, with an additional 15-60 minutes for marinating the salmon. Cooking on the grill or in a pan will take about 10 minutes. In total, you should set aside about 30-80 minutes depending on how long you let the salmon marinate!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, lime juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This marinade is going to add great flavor to our salmon!
2. Marinate the Salmon:
Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the fillets, making sure they are well coated. Cover and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes, or longer if you have the time (up to 1 hour is perfect).
3. Make the Mango Salsa:
While your salmon is soaking up those tasty flavors, it’s time to prepare the mango salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the diced mango, tomato, red onion, avocado, jalapeño (if you want a bit of spice), and cilantro. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture, season with a pinch of salt, and give it a gentle toss to mix everything together. Set it aside to let the flavors meld.
4. Cook the Salmon:
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the salmon from the marinade, but keep that delicious marinade for later! Place the fillets skin-side down on the grill. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they flake easily with a fork. Brush the fillets with a little of the reserved marinade during the last minute of cooking for that extra flavor boost!
5. Serve:
Once cooked, carefully plate the salmon. Spoon a generous amount of fresh mango salsa right on top of each fillet. If you’re feeling fancy, you can garnish with additional cilantro or lime wedges for a pop of color.
6. Enjoy:
Serve immediately with your favorite sides—rice, quinoa, or a crisp green salad all make wonderful companions! Enjoy this light and colorful dish. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience!
With its sweet and spicy flavors, this salmon paired with fresh mango salsa will brighten up any dinner table. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating. The best way to thaw is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about 30 minutes.
How Can I Substitute the Mango in the Salsa?
If you’re looking for alternatives to mango, fresh pineapple or diced peaches offer a deliciously sweet twist. You can also use canned mango if fresh is not available—just make sure to drain it well!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Salmon and Salsa?
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The mango salsa is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days—just give it a gentle stir before serving as it may release juice over time.
Can I Grill the Salmon Instead of Cooking It in a Pan?
Absolutely! Grilling adds a fantastic char and flavor to the salmon. Simply preheat your grill to medium-high heat and follow the same cooking instructions, ensuring to use a grill basket if your fillets are prone to falling apart.
