Skillet Seared Salmon with Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce

Ingredients

For the salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp cumin

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the creamy cilantro lime sauce:

• ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for lighter)

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (plus zest of 1 lime)

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped

• 1 jalapeño, seeded & finely minced (optional, for heat)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayo, lime juice, zest, garlic, cilantro, and jalapeño. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use (flavors intensify as it rests).

2. Season the salmon:
   Pat salmon fillets dry. Rub with olive oil, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.

3. Sear the salmon:
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook 4–5 minutes until skin is crisp and fish is mostly cooked. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until just opaque and flaky.

4. Serve:
   Plate salmon and drizzle generously with the creamy cilantro lime sauce. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges.