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Tequila Lime Grilled Salmon

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  • #52242

Some might say that salmon and tequila don't mix, but we beg to differ. This tequila lime grilled salmon recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy.


serves/makes:
  
ready in:
  1-2 hrs
Rating: 5/5

2 reviews

ingredients

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup tequila
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup triple sec
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
4 (6 ounce size) salmon steaks or fillets

directions

Combine the cilantro, tequila, lime juice, triple sec, olive oil, garlic, pepper, and salt in a zip-top plastic bag or shallow dish. Add the salmon to the tequila marinade and turn to coat it in the liquid. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for 1 hour, turning the salmon after 30 minutes.

Preheat and grease the grill.

Remove the salmon from the marinade. Place on the hot grill and cook for 8 minutes per inch of thickness (measure at the thickest part). Turn the fish once during the cooking time.

Remove from the grill and serve immediately.

recipe tips


For added heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.

Don't over-marinate the salmon, as the acid in the lime juice can start to "cook" the fish if left too long.

Grill the salmon skin-side down first for nice grill marks and a crispy skin.

For a smokier flavor, try grilling the salmon on a cedar plank.

common recipe questions


What does marinating the salmon in tequila and lime juice do?

Marinating the salmon in tequila and lime juice infuses it with a citrusy flavor while also helping to tenderize the fish.

Can I use a different type of fish?

You can use other types of fish such as trout, tilapia, or even shrimp with this marinade.

Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?

Fresh cilantro is recommended for this recipe as it has a brighter and more vibrant flavor compared to dried cilantro. However, if fresh is not available, you can use dried cilantro in a pinch. You'll need about 1/3 of the amount called for so in this recipe you'll need 2 1/2 tablespoons dried in place of fresh.

Do I have to use triple sec in the marinade?

Triple sec adds a hint of orange flavor to the marinade, but if you don't have it on hand, you can substitute with orange juice or omit it altogether.

How do I know when the salmon is done cooking on the grill?

The salmon is done cooking when it easily flakes with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.

Can I cook the salmon in the oven if I don't have a grill?

You can bake the marinated salmon in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F for about 12-15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork.

How can I prevent the salmon from sticking to the grill?

Make sure to preheat and grease the grill well before adding the salmon to prevent sticking. Also, avoid moving the fish too soon after placing it on the grill.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

While fresh salmon is ideal, you can use thawed frozen salmon for this recipe.


nutrition data

254 calories, 9 grams fat, 3 grams carbohydrates, 34 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in carbs.
Show full nutritional data (including Weight Watcher's Points ®, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, and diabetic exchanges)


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reviews & comments

  1. riverchick66 REVIEW:

    I was looking for something different for my salmon. Have tons of fresh caught Alaskan salmon in the freezer. For some reason thought of a tequila marinade and found this! Used it, bookmarked it! I added a couple of orange slices and a couple of orange wedges squeezed in (We have THE BEST orange tree hanging over our fence!), a few of the squeezed lime wedges and a sliced jalapeno to the marinade and grill on the gas BBQ. The fish by itself was delicious. We used the fish in a salad. May I suggest to save some of the marinade (before adding the fish) for the salad dressing?! Yum! definitely recommend!

  2. Mare REVIEW:

    Wow!!! This recipe makes store bought salmon taste like fresh caught!! We live in Wyoming so having the salmon we have made it taste like taste like gourmet. Perfectly seasoned & healthy. Used it on my indoor grill & mmm mmm mmm! Thank you for this!!!

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