Chili Lime Salmon Bowls

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying dish, this Chili Lime Salmon Bowl is the one to try. The tangy chili-lime marinade brings a perfect balance of spicy and citrusy notes to the salmon. When paired with sautéed vegetables, creamy avocado, and cilantro lime rice, every bite is a delicious combination of vibrant flavors. Plus, the dish is simple to make and versatile, ideal for customizations or meal prepping.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the salmon:

  • 1 pound salmon fillets
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For the bowls:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 red bell peppers, sliced into strips
  • ½ large red onion, sliced into strips
  • 1 batch cilantro lime rice
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 avocado

For the sriracha mayo:

  • 2 tablespoons mayo
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha

Directions

  1. Marinate the Salmon: Whisk together lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, honey, garlic, chili powder, red pepper flakes, cilantro, and salt. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet and pour the marinade over the fish. Let it marinate while the oven preheats.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 375°F and let it heat up.
  3. Bake the Salmon: Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness. If desired, turn the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp up the tops of the fillets.
  4. Sauté the Veggies: While the salmon bakes, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the bell peppers and onions and sauté for 5-10 minutes, until softened and lightly browned.
  5. Assemble the Bowls: To assemble, place a serving of cilantro lime rice in each bowl. Add the sautéed veggies, salmon, corn, and avocado. Drizzle with sriracha mayo.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4 bowls
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

  • Paleo/Low Carb: Swap out the cilantro lime rice for cauliflower rice for a lighter, paleo-friendly version.
  • Air Fryer Option: You can cook the salmon in an air fryer. If cubed, cook at 380°F for 8-10 minutes, or for fillets, about 10-14 minutes.
  • Vegetarian: Replace the salmon with roasted tofu for a plant-based alternative.

Storage/Reheating

This dish is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm the salmon gently in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but it is recommended to thaw it first to allow the marinade to soak in properly. If using frozen, you’ll need to increase the cook time by a few minutes.

Can I make the sriracha mayo ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sriracha mayo up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Can I skip the broiling step?

The broiling step is optional, but it helps to give the salmon a crisp top. If you prefer, you can skip it.

Can I use a different fish?

Yes, you can substitute salmon with another fish like tilapia or cod, but cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fish.

Is this recipe spicy?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on your preference. You can reduce the amount of red pepper flakes in the marinade and the sriracha in the mayo for a milder dish.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork. If you prefer it more well-done, cook it for a few extra minutes.

Can I add more vegetables to the bowl?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or even roasted sweet potatoes to customize the bowl.

Can I make the cilantro lime rice ahead of time?

Yes, the cilantro lime rice can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.

What can I use instead of honey for the marinade?

You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan version, or agave nectar for a similar sweetness.

How long does the salmon stay fresh in the fridge?

Cooked salmon stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container.

Conclusion

These Chili Lime Salmon Bowls are a flavorful and balanced meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re making them for dinner, meal prepping, or serving at a gathering, they’re sure to impress. With vibrant ingredients and customizable options, this recipe is not only healthy but incredibly satisfying!

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Chili Lime Salmon Bowls

Chili Lime Salmon Bowls


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  • Author: Julia
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Chili Lime Salmon Bowl is a healthy, vibrant, and quick weeknight meal featuring marinated baked salmon with a zesty chili lime sauce. Served over cilantro lime rice and accompanied by sautéed veggies, creamy avocado, and spicy tahini dressing, it’s packed with flavor and texture. Perfect for busy nights or meal prep!


Ingredients

For the Salmon:

1 pound salmon fillets

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon lime zest

1 ½ tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

1 tablespoon honey

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon chili powder

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro

½ teaspoon salt

For the Bowls:

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 red bell peppers, sliced into strips

½ large red onion, sliced into strips

1 batch cilantro lime rice

1 cup corn

1 avocado

For the Sriracha Mayo:

2 tablespoons mayo

¼ cup Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon sriracha


Instructions

  • Marinate the Salmon: Combine lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, honey, garlic, chili powder, red pepper flakes, cilantro, and salt in a bowl. Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet and pour marinade over. Let it marinate while the oven preheats.

  • Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.

  • Bake the Salmon: Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes (adjust based on thickness). Broil for the last 2-3 minutes if desired for a crispy top.

  • Sauté the Veggies: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add bell peppers and onions. Sauté for 5-10 minutes, until softened and lightly browned.

  • Assemble the Bowls: In each bowl, add cilantro lime rice, sautéed veggies, salmon, corn, and avocado. Drizzle with sriracha mayo.

Notes

Paleo/Low Carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of cilantro lime rice for a lighter, paleo-friendly option.

Air Fryer Option: For air-fried salmon, cook at 380°F for 8-10 minutes if cubed, or 10-14 minutes if using fillets.

Vegetarian: Swap salmon for roasted tofu to make it plant-based.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Fusion, American
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