This Crispy Chili Lime salmon is an easy weeknight dinner that has the perfect combination of rich, zesty flavors with just a few ingredients. It’s the perfect balance of satisfying and healthy — and it can be made in under 30 minutes!
Crispy Chili Lime Salmon: Ingredients
Salmon
Chili Powder
Salt
Garlic Powder
Cumin
Lime
Avocado Oil
Cauliflower Rice
White Onion
Cilantro
Instead of regular rice, we’re using cauliflower rice, a low-carb alternative that’s just as fluffy and satisfying. You can always swap brown rice here if you want. I’ve found that I prefer refrigerated cauliflower rice over frozen for this recipe. It cooks more crispy and has a better consistency. I like to buy it at Whole Foods.
Extra Tips:
With just a handful of ingredients and a total cook time of 20-30 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a healthy lunch. You won’t have to sacrifice flavor or nutrition for speed — making it perfect for anyone with a packed schedule.
I loved to make a big batch of this seasoning to keep on hand. It goes well on salmon, chicken, beef and even my chili lime roasted pumpkin seed recipe! Don’t be afraid of adding too much seasoning, the rest of the dish is pretty simple so the salmon makes it super flavorful.
Instructions:
Season the Salmon: Begin by preparing your salmon fillets. In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and salt. This seasoning mix is what will give your salmon its punch of flavor. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the fillets.
Cook the Salmon: Preheat the oven and place the salmon on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Cook for about 15-20 minutes. The goal is to achieve a golden, crispy exterior with a perfectly cooked, flaky interior. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top to infuse the salmon with a bright, tangy citrus flavor.
Prepare the Cauliflower Rice: While the salmon is cooking, prepare the cauliflower rice. If you’re using a whole cauliflower, cut it into florets and pulse them in a food processor until the pieces are the size of rice grains. Alternatively, you can buy pre-grated cauliflower rice from the store for even faster prep.
In a large skillet, heat avocado oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Then, add the cauliflower rice to the pan. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice becomes tender but still has a light, fluffy texture. Avoid overcooking it, as you want it to maintain a bit of bite and resemble traditional rice in texture.
Serve and Garnish: Once everything is ready, plate the cauliflower rice as a base, and gently place the chili lime salmon on top. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a few extra lime wedges for a burst of citrus. If you like a bit more heat, sprinkle some chili flakes on top for an added kick.
Love this Salmon? Try these recipes next:
Blackened Salmon Tacos with Avocado Crema
Chili Lime Spiced Pumpkin Seeds
Crispy Chili Lime Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 lb salmon
- 1 tsp avocado oil
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 lime juiced
- 1/2 white onion
- 4 cup cauliflower rice
- 1/2 bunch cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425
- Mix seasonings in a bowl
- Coat salmon with avocado oil and seasoning mix
- Lay onto a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until crispy and cooked through. Once cooked, top with lime juice
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat avocado oil over medium heat. Add the onin and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Then, add the cauliflower rice to the pan. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice becomes tender but still has a light, fluffy texture.
- Transfer rice to a large bowl and mix in the chopped cilantro
- Assemble into bowls with cauliflower rice, salmon and top with extra lime, salt and cilantro
