Zesty Grilled Salmon Skewers with Cilantro Sauce Recipe

Summers call for effortless meals that pack serious flavor, and these delectable grilled salmon skewers with cilantro sauce deliver every single bite.

Fresh salmon transforms ordinary dinners into something extraordinary with minimal preparation.

The vibrant green cilantro sauce adds a zesty punch that complements the rich, tender fish perfectly.

Marinades work magic in elevating simple proteins into restaurant-worthy dishes.

Each skewer promises a blend of smoky char and bright herbal notes that dance across your palate.

These skewers will become your new go-to summer recipe for backyard gatherings and quick weeknight dinners.

Let’s fire up the grill and create a meal that promises to impress.

FAQs

• What type of skewers should I use for grilling salmon?

Metal skewers are recommended as they conduct heat evenly and are more durable than wooden skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

• How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

Look for the salmon to turn opaque and easily flake with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Be careful not to overcook, as salmon can quickly become dry.

• Can I make the cilantro sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cilantro sauce up to 1 day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a quick stir before serving, and adjust the consistency with a little water if needed.

Reasons To Love Grilled Salmon Skewers With Sauce

• Boost Flavor Fast: Quickly elevate your meal with zesty spices and a creamy cilantro sauce that packs a punch of fresh, tangy goodness.
• Grill Master Friendly: Perfect for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who love creating restaurant-quality dishes with minimal kitchen effort and maximum taste.
• Protein-Packed Delight: Nutritious salmon skewers offer a healthy protein option that's both satisfying and light, making it ideal for health-conscious food lovers.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for different occasions from casual weeknight dinners to elegant summer gatherings, impressing guests with minimal cooking skills required.

Ingredients For Grilled Salmon Skewers With Sauce

• Atlantic Salmon: A flavorful and high-quality fish that grills well and stays moist.
• Coho Salmon: An alternative option with good texture for grilling.
• Sockeye Salmon: Another excellent choice for salmon skewers.
• King Salmon: A rich and delicious salmon variety suitable for this recipe.

• Olive Oil: Helps coat the salmon and prevent sticking during grilling.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance the natural flavor of the salmon.

• Metal Skewers: Used to hold and grill the salmon pieces.
• Lemon Slices: Add brightness and help prevent the salmon from drying out.

• Skyr or Yogurt: Provides a creamy base for the sauce.
• Avocado: Adds richness and smooth texture to the sauce.
• Lemon: Brings acidity and freshness to the cilantro sauce.
• Cilantro: Gives the sauce its signature herb flavor.
• Jalapeño: Adds a subtle heat to the sauce.
• Water: Helps adjust the sauce's consistency if needed.

• Lemon Wedges: Served alongside the salmon for extra citrus flavor.

Cooking Grilled Salmon Skewers With Cilantro Sauce

Step 1: Marinate Salmon Cubes

Grab a mixing bowl and toss salmon cubes with olive oil, spices, salt, and pepper until every piece is perfectly coated.

Thread the salmon onto metal skewers, creating a beautiful pattern by alternating salmon pieces with bright lemon slices.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high temperature and generously oil the grates or use a grill basket.

Carefully place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4 minutes per side.

The salmon should look just cooked through with a slight golden char.

Remove from heat and let rest briefly before serving.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Cilantro Sauce

• Skyr or yogurt
• Ripe avocado
• Fresh lemon juice
• Chopped cilantro
• Diced jalapeño
• Olive oil

Blend until silky smooth, adding water if needed to reach desired consistency.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Plate and Garnish

Serve the grilled salmon skewers with fresh lemon wedges and a generous dollop of cilantro sauce on the side.

Step 5: Choose the Perfect Salmon

Select a firm, slightly fatty salmon variety for grilling.

Atlantic salmon works wonderfully due to its rich flavor and availability.

Other stellar options include Coho, Sockeye, and King salmon, which hold up beautifully on the grill and remain moist and delicious.

Tips For Grilled Salmon Skewers With Sauce

• Brush skewers and grill grates with oil to ensure easy release and perfect grill marks.
• Choose fatty salmon varieties like Atlantic or King to keep the fish juicy and prevent drying during grilling.
• Add water gradually when blending cilantro sauce to achieve desired smoothness without making it too thin.
• Grill salmon for precisely 4 minutes per side to maintain tenderness and avoid overcooking.
• Alternate lemon slices on skewers to infuse extra citrus essence into the salmon during grilling.

Grilled Salmon Skewer Creative Flavor Variations

• Spicy Mediterranean Salmon Skewers: Replace jalapeño with harissa paste, add smoked paprika to spice blend, and use Greek yogurt instead of skyr for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Herb-Crusted Salmon Option: Coat salmon with fresh dill, parsley, and thyme instead of original spices, swap cilantro sauce with a lemon-dill yogurt sauce for a lighter herbal profile.
• Gluten-Free Asian Fusion Skewers: Use tamari instead of salt, add ginger and sesame oil to marinade, replace cilantro sauce with a wasabi-infused avocado cream for an Asian-inspired alternative.

Serving Grilled Salmon Skewers With Cilantro Sauce

• Summer Picnic Platter: Arrange skewers on a large wooden board with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and colorful grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a stunning presentation.
• Light Mediterranean Meal: Serve over a bed of quinoa or couscous, drizzle extra cilantro sauce, and sprinkle toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor complexity.
• Healthy Protein Bowl: Layer the salmon skewers on mixed greens, add sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a dollop of cilantro sauce as a refreshing and nutritious lunch option.
• Beach Party Appetizer: Cut skewers into smaller bite-sized pieces, secure with toothpicks, and offer as a crowd-pleasing finger food with extra sauce for dipping during casual gatherings.

Storing Grilled Salmon Skewers The Right Way

• Store leftover salmon skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the cilantro sauce in a separate sealed container.
• Warm salmon skewers in a preheated oven at 275°F for 8-10 minutes to prevent drying out. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain texture.
• Refrigerate cilantro sauce for 3-4 days. Stir well before serving as separation might occur naturally.
• Wrap salmon skewers individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Grilled Salmon Skewers with Cilantro Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Grilled Salmon Skewers with Cilantro Sauce bring Mediterranean coastal flavors to summer dinner tables. Fresh herbs and zesty lime elevate succulent salmon into a quick, elegant meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) salmon filet, cubed
• 1/2 avocado
• 1/2 cup plain skyr or full-fat yogurt

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
• 2 teaspoons ancho chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Kosher salt to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for salmon)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sauce)
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 jalapeño, chopped
• 1/4 cup water

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Instructions

1. Marinate salmon cubes with olive oil, selected spices, salt, and pepper, ensuring even coating for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Prepare metal skewers by carefully threading salmon pieces and lemon slices, creating an alternating pattern for balanced presentation.
3. Heat grill to medium-high temperature (around 400°F), thoroughly oiling grates or using a grill basket to prevent sticking.
4. Grill salmon skewers approximately 4 minutes per side, watching closely to achieve golden exterior while maintaining moist interior.
5. Create cilantro sauce by blending skyr/yogurt, creamy avocado, bright lemon, fresh cilantro, spicy jalapeño, and smooth olive oil until silky.
6. Adjust sauce consistency with water and fine-tune seasoning with salt and pepper to complement salmon’s rich flavor.
7. Select high-quality salmon varieties like Atlantic, Coho, Sockeye, or King, which offer optimal texture and flavor for grilling.
8. Plate grilled skewers with accompanying lemon wedges and vibrant cilantro sauce, allowing guests to customize their experience.

Notes

• Choose fatty salmon varieties like Atlantic, Coho, Sockeye, or King for better grilling results and prevent drying out.
• Ensure grill grates are well-oiled to prevent salmon from sticking and maintain delicate texture.
• Alternative cooking methods include using a grill basket or cast-iron skillet for consistent heat distribution.
• For dietary modifications, swap yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt or cashew cream to make the recipe vegan-friendly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 384 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 506 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 94 mg