There’s something deeply satisfying about preparing a meal that feels both indulgent and effortless. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone seeking a weeknight win, Salmon Cutlets with Lime and Coriander Butter offers a refreshing, flavorful experience without requiring hours in the kitchen. Bursting with zesty lime, fragrant coriander, and rich butter, this dish celebrates simplicity while delivering restaurant-level quality.
This meal caters to modern lifestyles—it’s fast, nutritious, visually appealing, and adaptable to dietary needs. Most importantly, it provides that wow factor we all look for in everyday dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick and Convenient: Ready in just under 25 minutes, making it ideal for hectic evenings.
✔ Bold Yet Balanced Flavors: Lime brings brightness, coriander adds herbal complexity, and butter unifies it all with richness.
✔ Nutritious & Wholesome: Packed with high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and naturally low in carbs.
✔ Adaptable to Diets: Easily customizable for gluten-free, keto, or dairy-free lifestyles.
✔ Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Just a few pantry staples and fresh items make a big impact.
✔ Elegant Yet Effortless: Perfect for casual dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s review the core ingredients that bring this dish to life:
📝 Main Ingredients
- 4 salmon cutlets (about 180g each)
- Salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to season
- Steamed vegetables, for serving (e.g., broccoli, carrots, zucchini)
🧈 Lime & Coriander Butter
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander (cilantro), finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- 2 teaspoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
- Optional pinch of sea salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Prepare the Flavored Butter
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped coriander, lime zest, and lime juice.
- Season with a touch of black pepper and a pinch of sea salt if desired.
- Mix thoroughly until smooth and evenly incorporated.
- Transfer the butter mixture to parchment paper or cling film.
- Roll into a log shape, twist the ends, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to firm.
🔹 Step 2: Season and Prepare the Salmon
- Bring the salmon cutlets to room temperature for about 5–10 minutes.
- Pat dry using paper towels for better searing.
- Season both sides with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
🔹 Step 3: Cook the Salmon
- Heat a heavy-bottomed or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add a little oil and place the salmon cutlets skin-side down.
- Cook for about 3–4 minutes without moving them to develop a crispy skin.
- Flip and cook the other side for another 2–3 minutes, or until just cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked cutlets to serving plates.
🔹 Step 4: Finish with the Compound Butter
- Slice the firmed lime and coriander butter into 4 portions.
- Immediately top each hot salmon cutlet with a slice of butter so it melts over the surface.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or your chosen sides.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Salmon Cutlets
- 🔥 Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon continues to cook off-heat. Remove from the pan when the center is just barely opaque.
- 🧈 Make the Butter Ahead: Prep and refrigerate the butter up to 3 days in advance or freeze for up to a month.
- 🍳 Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: It gives the best crust and even cooking.
- 🍋 Add a Splash of Citrus: For a flavor boost, squeeze extra lime juice over the fish just before serving.
- 🌿 Customize the Herbs: Try dill, parsley, or basil if coriander isn’t your favorite.
- 🕒 Bring Fish to Room Temp: This helps it cook evenly without shocking the cold protein in a hot pan.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some wonderful ways to complete your plate:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| 🥦 Steamed broccoli & carrots | Keeps the dish light and colorful |
| 🍚 Jasmine rice or quinoa | Absorbs buttery sauce beautifully |
| 🥗 Avocado & cucumber salad | Adds a creamy, cool contrast |
| 🥔 Roasted baby potatoes | Comforting and hearty |
| 🍷 Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio | Balances citrus and richness |
Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Protein: 29g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Cholesterol: ~90mg
👉 Note: Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients used and serving sizes.
Storage & Leftover Ideas
🧊 Refrigeration
- Store leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep the leftover lime-coriander butter chilled for up to 3 days, or frozen for 1 month.
🔁 Reheating
- Gently reheat salmon in a preheated 150°C (300°F) oven for 8–10 minutes.
- Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the fish.
🥗 Creative Leftover Ideas
- Flaked salmon salad: Combine with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a citrus vinaigrette.
- Salmon sandwich: Mix with mayo and herbs, spread on toast.
- Grain bowl: Add to quinoa or couscous with grilled vegetables and a yogurt dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What are salmon cutlets?
Salmon cutlets are cross-sectional slices from the whole fish, often with the bone in. They’re meatier and hold shape well during cooking.
❓ Can I use salmon fillets instead?
Absolutely. Skin-on fillets work great as a substitute. Adjust cooking time depending on thickness.
❓ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the butter can be made ahead, and the salmon can be batch-cooked. Just be cautious not to overcook during reheating.
❓ What can I use instead of butter?
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter or a mix of olive oil and mashed avocado for creaminess.
❓ Can I make it spicier?
Sure! Add crushed red chili flakes or finely diced jalapeño to the butter mix for heat.
Conclusion
If you’re in search of a dish that’s quick, healthy, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant, Salmon Cutlets with Lime and Coriander Butter should be on your dinner rotation. It brings together vibrant citrus, earthy herbs, and succulent seafood for a meal that feels far more luxurious than the effort it requires.
From weeknight dinners to impromptu dinner parties, this recipe will impress every time. Minimal ingredients, maximum satisfaction.
