Ingredients
4 (6 oz / 170g) salmon fillets, skin on or off
2 tablespoons olive oil
1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced (adjust to heat preference)
1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the can of chipotles)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large navel or Cara Cara oranges, segmented and diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for extra heat)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons aji amarillo paste
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic
2-3 tablespoons water (for thinning, if needed)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the chipotle rub: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a paste.
Step 3: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Generously spread the chipotle rub over the top and sides of each salmon fillet, ensuring an even coating.
Step 5: Bake for 12-18 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets.
Step 6: While salmon bakes, prepare the orange salsa: In a medium bowl, combine segmented and diced oranges, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, minced jalapeño (if using), and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Gently toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 7: Prepare the Aji Verde: In a food processor or blender, combine 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, aji amarillo paste, 1 tablespoon lime juice, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic clove, and 2 tablespoons of water. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add more water, a tablespoon at a time, if a thinner consistency is desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Serve the baked Chipotle Salmon immediately, topped generously with the fresh Orange Salsa and a drizzle of the creamy Aji Verde. Enjoy your Chipotle Salmon with Orange Salsa & Aji Verde!
Notes
For best results, use fresh, high-quality salmon. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of chipotle pepper and jalapeño. The Aji Verde can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes & Savory Recipes
- Cuisine: Peruvian-Inspired Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with salsa & aji verde
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg