This recipe offers a delightful twist on baked salmon, combining zesty lime with a creamy jalapeño sauce for a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C).
Preheating the oven ensures even cooking and a perfect texture for the salmon.
Lightly grease a baking dish with a small amount of butter.
Using butter prevents the salmon from sticking and adds a rich flavor.
Place the salmon fillets in the dish, skin side down.
Placing the salmon skin side down helps retain moisture during baking.
Squeeze the juice of one lime over the salmon fillets.
Fresh lime juice enhances the flavor of the salmon with a zesty kick.
Brush the salmon with melted butter and season with salt and white pepper.
Brushing with butter ensures the seasoning sticks to the salmon.
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes per inch of thickness, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
Avoid overcooking the salmon to keep it moist and tender.
While the salmon bakes, melt the remaining butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Melting the butter gently prevents it from browning.
Add the chopped jalapeño to the saucepan and sauté until tender.
Cooking the jalapeño releases its flavor and reduces its spiciness.
Stir in the sour cream and lime juice, and heat through without boiling.
Avoid boiling the sauce to maintain its creamy texture.
Season the sauce with salt and white pepper to taste.
Taste the sauce as you season to achieve the perfect balance.
Remove the salmon from the oven and transfer to a serving platter.
Let the salmon rest for a minute to allow the juices to redistribute.
Spoon the sauce over the salmon and garnish with chopped chives and lime wedges.
Garnishing adds a fresh and vibrant touch to the dish.
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Zesty Baked Salmon with Creamy Jalapeño Lime Sauce.
Serving the dish fresh ensures the best flavor and texture.