Delicious Moroccan Salmon Recipe: Easy and Healthy for 2025

The Moroccan Salmon recipe brings together bold, vibrant spices and fresh ingredients to create a dish that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly healthy.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this dish pairs wonderfully with couscous, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.

It’s a must-try for anyone looking to infuse their meals with the exotic flavors of Morocco while keeping things light and nutritious.

Moroccan Salmon Recipe

Moroccan Salmon brings together bold, vibrant spices and fresh ingredients to create a dish that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly healthy. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this dish pairs wonderfully with couscous, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to infuse their meals with the exotic flavors of Morocco while keeping things light and nutritious.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 19 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Moroccan

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Baking dish or sheet pan
• 1 Parchment paper (optional)
• 1 Mixing bowl
• 1 Measuring spoons
• 1 Zester or fine grater
• 1 Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

  

For Salmon

• 4 (5-6 oz each) salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 Zest of lemon
• 1/2 Juice of lemon
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

For granish

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro 1/4 chopped
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds (optional)

Instructions

 

• Preheat the Oven

  Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish or sheet pan with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
  
• Prepare the Spice Rub

  In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, ground cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Mix well to form a marinade.
  
• Season the Salmon

  Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper. Rub the marinade generously over each fillet, ensuring even coverage.
  
• Bake the Salmon

  Place the seasoned salmon fillets on the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  
• Garnish and Serve

  Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
  

Video

Notes

Choosing Salmon: Opt for fresh, wild-caught salmon if possible, as it has a richer flavor and is more sustainable.

Marination Time: For deeper flavor, allow the salmon to marinate for 15-20 minutes before baking.

Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the salmon as it cooks to avoid drying it out. It’s done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Make It a Meal: Serve with Moroccan couscous, a simple cucumber-tomato salad, or roasted vegetables to complement the flavors.

Keyword easy recipe, Main dish, Moroccan, Moroccan Salmon, step by step recipe

Ingredient Alternatives for Moroccan Salmon

If you’re looking to adapt this Moroccan Salmon recipe, there are plenty of ingredient substitutions to suit your taste preferences, dietary restrictions, or what you already have in your pantry.

For instance, if salmon isn’t available or you prefer a different protein, try substituting with trout, cod, or halibut.

For a plant-based alternative, thick slices of eggplant or firm tofu can work wonderfully with the same spice blend and baking method. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

Don’t have all the spices on hand? No problem! Ras el Hanout, a Moroccan spice blend, can replace the individual spices and provide the same robust flavor profile.

If you prefer a milder flavor, leave out the cayenne pepper or replace it with sweet paprika.

Summary

Moroccan Salmon offers a flavorful and healthful dining option that celebrates the vibrant culinary traditions of Morocco.

By combining bold spices, fresh ingredients, and straightforward preparation, this dish brings the essence of a beloved cuisine to your table in a way that is accessible and delicious.