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Southwest Salmon with Sriracha Lime Sauce

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Donna Urso

Salmon is one of my favorite choices for dinner, and I try to serve it at least once a week because it's packed with protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fats.

This is my favorite way to make salmon. Even my husband, who isn't usually a salmon fan, asks for this one.

The bold Southwest seasoning creates a flavorful crust while the creamy sriracha -lime sauce adds just enough heat to keep every bite interesting. It's an easy 20-minute dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights.

Spicy Southwest Salmon with Sriracha Sauce 

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Spicy Southwest Salmon with green beans and a salad
Spicy Southwest Salmon
That's exactly why this Southwest Salmon with Sriracha Lime Sauce has become one of my favorite go-to recipes. The bold Southwest seasoning and creamy sriracha lime sauce add so much flavor that even salmon skeptics enjoy it. It's quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights when I want something healthy without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

If you're looking for a southwest salmon recipe that's simple enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to serve guests, this one deserves a spot in your dinner rotation.

Why You'll Love This Southwest Salmon Recipe

  • It's quick. Ready in about 20 minutes

  • Packed with flavor from Southwest seasoning

  • It's a healthy dinner choice. Rich in protein and omega-3 fats

  • It's easy to adjust the spice level

  • Works in the oven or on the grill

  • A great way to win over reluctant salmon eaters

Jump to Recipe

Choosing the Best Salmon

For the best results, I like to buy salmon cut from the thicker end of the fillet and ask the fish counter to leave the skin on.

Choose fillets of similar thickness for even cooking.

The skin helps protect the fish while it cooks, keeping it moist and tender. Once the salmon is cooked, the skin separates easily from the fish and can be removed before serving if you prefer.

Fresh or frozen salmon both work well in this recipe. If using frozen salmon, thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning.

The Secret Is the Southwest Seasoning

The bold flavor in this southwestern salmon recipe comes from a simple homemade Southwest seasoning blend. I usually make my own because it's easy, inexpensive, and I always have the ingredients on hand.

The combination of smoky spices pairs beautifully with salmon and creates a flavorful crust as it roasts.

If you haven't made homemade Southwest seasoning before, it's worth keeping a batch in your pantry. You'll find plenty of ways to use it beyond this recipe.

Why Sriracha Mayo Works So Well with Salmon

The creamy sriracha lime sauce is what takes this recipe from good to memorable.

The richness of the mayonnaise balances the heat of the sriracha, while fresh lime juice brightens the entire dish. Together they create a sauce that's creamy, slightly spicy, and perfect with salmon.

You can easily customize the heat level by adding more or less sriracha.

What to Serve with Southwest Salmon

This spicy baked salmon pairs well with simple side dishes.

Some of my favorites include:

A cool ranch or blue cheese dressing alongside a salad provides a nice contrast to the spicy salmon.

How to  Make Southwest Salmon with Sriracha Lime Sauce

Ingredients

  • One 6 to 8-ounce salmon fillet per person

  • 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • Southwest seasoning, to taste

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise

  • 1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce, or more to taste

  • 1 to 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Place the salmon skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil, or use this handy oil sprayer.

Sprinkle the salmon generously with Southwest seasoning.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon and how well done you prefer it. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.

While the salmon cooks, prepare the sauce.

In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice. Taste and adjust the sriracha until the sauce reaches your preferred level of heat.

Serve the salmon with a drizzle of the sriracha lime sauce and additional sauce on the side.

My Tips for Success

  • Leave the skin on during cooking to help keep the salmon moist.  A  handy fish spatula will help you remove the skin easily if you prefer.

  • Use foil for quick cleanup.

  • Don't overcook the salmon. It should flake easily but still remain moist inside.

  • This recipe works beautifully on the grill. Simply place the salmon on a piece of foil and grill until cooked through.

  • Leftover salmon is delicious served cold over a salad the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Southwest salmon?

Southwest salmon is salmon seasoned with a blend of Southwest-inspired spices, typically including chili powder, cumin, garlic, and paprika. The seasoning adds bold flavor without overwhelming the salmon.

How do I know when salmon is done?

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part.

Can I make this recipe on the grill?

Yes. Place the salmon skin-side down on a sheet of heavy-duty foil and grill until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Absolutely. Thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before seasoning and cooking.

Can I make the sriracha mayo less spicy?

Yes. Start with a small amount of sriracha and add more gradually until you reach your preferred heat level.

Can I use store-bought Southwest seasoning?

Yes. A store-bought Southwest seasoning blend works well, but making your own allows you to control the salt and spice levels.

This short video will show you how I make my own Southwest seasoning mix.

Pin This!



Southwest Salmon with Sriracha Sauce Recipe

southwest salmon recipe, southwest salmon, southwestern salmon recipe, spicy baked salmon, sriracha mayo salmon, salmon with sriracha sauce
American
Yield: 4
Author: Donna Urso
Oven-Roasted Salmon with Sriracha Lime Sauce

Oven-Roasted Salmon with Sriracha Lime Sauce

This easy Southwest salmon recipe is seasoned with bold spices and topped with creamy, sriracha-lime sauce. A quick, flavorful 20-minute dinner.

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 12 MinTotal time: 17 Min

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Place the salmon skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil.
  3. Sprinkle the salmon generously with Southwest seasoning.
  4. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon and how well done you prefer it. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
  5. While the salmon cooks, prepare the sauce.
  6. In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice. Taste and adjust the sriracha until the sauce reaches your preferred level of heat.
  7. Serve the salmon with a drizzle of the sriracha lime sauce and additional sauce on the side.

Notes

Link to Southwest seasoning: https://www.justonedonna.com/2017/05/southwest-seasoning-mix.html

Recommended Products

Fish Spatula

Oil Sprayer

Citrus Juicer

Nutrition Facts

Calories

189

Fat (grams)

17 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

3 g

Carbs (grams)

1 g

Fiber (grams)

0 g

Net carbs

1 g

Sugar (grams)

0 g

Protein (grams)

9 g

Sodium (milligrams)

109 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

29 mg

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https://www.justonedonna.com/2021/05/southwest-salmon-with-sriracha-sauce.html
©Just One Donna

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