Jerk Lemon Pepper Salmon is a flavorful and zesty twist on traditional salmon, combining the bold and spicy flavors of jerk seasoning with the bright and citrusy taste of lemon pepper. This dish features tender and flaky salmon fillets marinated in a homemade jerk seasoning blend, then grilled or baked to perfection. The result is a delicious and aromatic salmon dish that’s perfect for adding some Caribbean flair to your dinner table. Serve it with your favorite side dishes for a complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
Recipe for Jerk Lemon Pepper Salmon:
Ingredients:
For the jerk seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons ground allspice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the jerk seasoning: ground allspice, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, lime juice, and olive oil. Mix well to form a paste.
- Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Spread the jerk seasoning paste evenly over the salmon fillets, making sure to coat them completely. Cover the dish or seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marinate.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using the oven, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Remove the marinated salmon fillets from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- If grilling, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the salmon fillets on the grill, skin side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. If baking, place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the grill or oven and transfer it to a serving platter. Sprinkle the lemon zest over the top of the salmon.
- Garnish the Jerk Lemon Pepper Salmon with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
- Enjoy your flavorful and zesty salmon dish!
This Jerk Lemon Pepper Salmon is sure to be a hit with its bold and spicy flavor profile, balanced with the bright and citrusy notes of lemon. It’s a perfect dish for any occasion, whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking indoors.