Last updated on April 24th, 2023 at 04:00 pm
If you’re looking for a new way to prepare salmon, why not try giving it a Moroccan twist? This flavorful dish is easy to make and is sure to impress your dinner guests.

Moroccan Spiced Salmon
Equipment
- Large oven-safe skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Paper towels
- Lemon juicer (Optional)
- Oven (if baking the salmon)
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (skin on or off)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Lemon wedges and fresh cilantro for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F(200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the salmon fillets.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the salmon fillets to the skillet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets, and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned.
- Flip the fillets over and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Squeeze the lemon juice over the salmon and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve the salmon with lemon wedges and fresh cilantro on top.
Video
Notes
- Choose fresh salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a crispy crust.
- Adjust the spice blend to your liking, but keep in mind that the combination of cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric gives this dish its Moroccan flavor.
- Cook the salmon fillets in a hot skillet to get a crispy crust on the outside, then finish them in the oven to ensure they are cooked through and flaky.
- Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter and fresher flavor.
- Garnish the salmon fillets with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges before serving.
- Serve the salmon with a side of couscous or quinoa and roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips for Making the Best Moroccan Spiced Salmon:
- Choose fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of spices to suit your personal taste. If you like things spicy, add more paprika or black pepper.
- For a crispier crust, sear the salmon fillets in a hot pan for 1-2 minutes on each side before transferring them to the oven.
- Serve the salmon with a side of couscous or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Moroccan spiced salmon is a versatile dish that can be served for a variety of occasions.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve at a dinner party, this recipe is sure to please.
Plus, it’s packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids, making it a great choice for those looking to improve their heart health.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking.
Can I use skin-on or skinless salmon fillets?
You can use either skin-on or skinless salmon fillets for this recipe. If using skin-on fillets, cook them skin-side down first to get a crispy skin.
Can I substitute the spices in this recipe?
You can adjust the spice blend to your liking, but keep in mind that it will affect the dish’s flavor profile. The combination of cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric gives this dish its Moroccan flavor.
Can I use a different type of fish instead of salmon?
Yes, you can use other types of fish such as cod or halibut, but the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can season the salmon fillets ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. However, it is best to cook the salmon just before serving for maximum freshness and flavor.
Can I bake the salmon instead of cooking it on the stove?
Yes, you can bake the seasoned salmon fillets in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until cooked through and flaky.
Can I use a grill instead of a skillet to cook the salmon?
Yes, you can grill the seasoned salmon fillets over medium-high heat for about 4-6 minutes per side or until cooked through and slightly charred.
Can I use lemon juice from a bottle instead of fresh lemon?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for this recipe as it provides a brighter and fresher flavor, but you can use bottled lemon juice if that’s all you have on hand.
Can I use other herbs instead of cilantro?
You can use other fresh herbs such as parsley or mint to garnish the salmon fillets.
Can I serve this dish with any side dishes?
Moroccan Spiced Salmon goes well with a variety of side dishes such as couscous, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
Final Thought On Making This Moroccan Spiced Salmon Recipe
By incorporating Moroccan spices into your cooking, you can add an exotic twist to your favorite dishes and impress your guests with your culinary skills.
Give Moroccan spiced salmon a try and see how delicious this flavor combination can be.