Cumin-Crusted Salmon with Charred Lemon
This cumin-crusted salmon with charred lemon is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The salmon is seasoned with a blend of cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, then seared skin-side down until crispy. The lemon halves are charred on the grill or under the broiler until slightly blackened, adding a smoky flavor to the dish. The salmon is then transferred to a serving platter and topped with the charred lemon halves and fresh cilantro.
This recipe was inspired by a trip to Morocco, where I had the pleasure of eating some of the most delicious salmon I've ever tasted. The salmon was seasoned with a blend of cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, then grilled until cooked through. The lemon halves were charred on the grill, adding a smoky flavor to the dish. I was so impressed with the dish that I decided to recreate it at home. After a few tries, I finally came up with a recipe that I think is even better than the one I had in Morocco.
Cumin-Crusted Salmon with Charred Lemon Cumin-Crusted Salmon with Charred Lemon Cumin-Crusted Salmon with Charred Lemon Cumin-Crusted Salmon with Charred Lemon
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 10 | Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound salmon fillet, skin on
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Season the salmon fillet with the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add the salmon to the skillet, skin side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy.
  4. Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through.
  5. While the salmon is cooking, char the lemon halves on the grill or under the broiler until slightly blackened.
  6. Transfer the salmon to a serving platter and top with the charred lemon halves and fresh cilantro.
  7. Serve immediately.
Why It Works
  • The cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper create a flavorful crust on the salmon.
  • Searing the salmon skin-side down creates a crispy skin.
  • Charring the lemon halves adds a smoky flavor to the dish.
  • The fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous flavor to the dish.