Grilled salmon with chia and lemon crust

Gina Whitley
By
Gina Whitley
Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Sabores de mi Cocina", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine,...
9 Min Read

Grilled Salmon Recipe with Chia and Lemon Crust

Hello! Preparing a grilled salmon with chia and lemon crust is a simple and healthy way to enjoy a dish full of flavor and nutrients. This recipe combines the tenderness of the fish with the crunchy texture of the crust, enhanced by the freshness of lemon and the properties of chia, a very versatile superfood. Perfect for any meal where you want a balanced and quick-to-make dish.

Preparation time

The indicated times will help you organize so that the dish turns out perfect and you enjoy the process without rushing.

  • Preparation: 10 minutes
  • Cooking: 6-8 minutes
  • Total: 16-18 minutes
  • Servings: 2
  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the salmon and the crust

  • 2 fresh salmon fillets (approximately 200 grams each)
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon of lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

If you can't find chia seeds chia, you can substitute them with sesame or flax seeds, although the crunchy effect and nutritional benefits will be slightly different.

Utensils we will use

  • Non-stick pan or griddle
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Bowl for mixing ingredients
  • Spreading spoon
  • Spatula for flipping the fish
  • Grater for lemon zest
  • Juicer (can be manual or even by hand)

Preparation

1. Prepare the chia and lemon crust

  1. Mix seeds and zest:

    In a bowl, combine the seeds of chia with breadcrumbs and lemon zest. These seeds will add a crunchy touch and provide protein and fiber to the recipe.

  2. Incorporate juice and oil:

    Add the lemon juice and olive oil to the previous mixture. This helps the crust stay together and enhances the citrus flavors. Stir until the mixture is homogeneous and slightly moist.

2. Prepare the salmon

  1. Wash and dry:

    Wash the salmon fillets under the tap and dry them carefully with kitchen paper. This is important for the crust to adhere well.

  2. Season:

    Season both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper to taste. Salt enhances the natural flavor of the fish without overpowering it.

  3. Apply the crust:

    With a spoon, spread the chia and lemon mixture over the top of each fillet, pressing gently so that it adheres well.

3. Cook the salmon on the grill

  1. Heat the pan:

    Heat the griddle or pan over medium-high heat. It should be very hot to achieve a perfect browning without sticking.

  2. Add oil:

    With a brush or a spoon, spread a little olive oil over the pan to prevent the fish from sticking.

  3. Cooking the salmon:

    Place the fillets crust-side up, leaving the skin (if it has any) facing down. Cook without moving for 3-4 minutes so that the skin browns and the salmon cooks almost completely.

  4. Flip carefully:

    With the help of the spatula, turn the fillets over and cook for 3-4 more minutes with the crust facing down, making sure the crust doesn't burn, but rather becomes crispy.

To finish and serve

When the salmon is golden and juicy inside (the center can remain slightly pink to preserve its texture), remove it from the griddle. You can squeeze a little more lemon juice just before serving to accentuate the citrus flavor. Arrange the fillets on a large plate and decorate with lemon slices. This dish goes excellent accompanied by steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. To discover more delicious variations you can visit recipes like parmesan-crusted salmon or refreshing experiences like the salmon tiradito with bell pepper and lemon.

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Proteins: 30 g
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 3 g

These values are approximate per serving and may vary depending on the exact ingredients and cooking methods.


5 keys to make grilled salmon with chia and lemon crust perfect

Controlling the cooking and the adherence of the crust is fundamental for the success of this recipe.

  • Pan temperature: Make sure it is very hot before placing the salmon, this will prevent it from sticking and achieve an even browning.
  • Do not move the salmon at first: Let a golden crust form without moving the fish to prevent it from breaking.
  • Use extra virgin olive oil: Adds flavor and helps the crust become crispy.
  • Press the crust gently: This ensures that the chia seeds stick well and don't fall off when cooking.
  • Remove the salmon on time: When the center is slightly pink, it will be juicy and tender.

When is it ideal to enjoy grilled salmon with chia and lemon crust?

This dish is perfect for informal family dinners or for a light and nutritious weekday meal. Furthermore, due to its freshness and citrus touch, it is ideal for warm seasons, where fresh flavors and light fish help maintain appetite and energy. It can also be an excellent appetizer at gatherings, as it combines health and flavor without complications. Its quick preparation makes it an appealing option for those who watch their diet without wanting to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Find more similar recipes and healthy options at citrus glazed salmon and other refreshing combinations.


Comparative table of recipes similar to grilled salmon with chia and lemon crust

RecipeKey ingredientsDifference/advantage
Grilled salmon with chia and lemon crustSalmon, chia, lemonCrispy crust and fresh citrus touch
Parmesan-crusted salmonSalmon, parmesan, breadcrumbsMore intense flavor and creamy texture
Pistachio crusted salmonSalmon, pistachio, lemon, dillCrunchy texture with unique nutty flavor
Baked salmon with bourbon glazeSalmon, bourbon, honeySweet and smoky flavor, slow cooking
Salmon Tiradito with yellow pepper and lemonSalmon, yellow pepper, lemonRaw and fresh, with a spicy and acidic touch
Salmon quiche with feta cheeseSalmon, feta cheese, doughBaked dish, creamy and compact texture
Salmon cevicheSalmon, lemon, onionCold dish, acidic and intense flavor

3 tricks that help improve the cooking of grilled salmon with crust

  • Dry the fish: Before applying the crust, ensure the salmon is dry to prevent the mixture from detaching during cooking.
  • Use a non-stick pan: This reduces the risk of the fish breaking and facilitates even browning on the skin.
  • Cook over medium-high heat: Allows the crust to become crispy without burning and the inside of the salmon to remain juicy.

The combination of healthy proteins from salmon with the properties of seeds of chia and the aroma of lemon make this dish a true nutritious gem. Don't hesitate to explore more options to enhance cooking with fish at home, essential especially for those seeking a balanced and tasty diet, as in the case of the best crusted fish with lemon.

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Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Flavors of my Kitchen", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine, with international recognition.
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