Let’s try something new with salmon! This Haitian-Style Grilled Salmon recipe mixes Haitian flavors with a fish you can easily find at the store. Haitian food is known for using lots of spices and herbs, which make dishes taste really good.
In Haiti, people usually cook with fish from the nearby ocean. But for this recipe, we’re using salmon because it’s healthy and easy to find. We’ll use spices that are common in Haiti, like hot peppers, thyme, and lime juice. These will give the salmon a taste of Haiti.
This dish is both tasty and good for you. Salmon has lots of protein and healthy fats. The Haitian spices add flavor and are good for your health too.
Whether you like trying foods from different places or just want a new way to cook salmon, this recipe is fun to make. It’s pretty easy too! Get ready to bring some Haitian flavor to your kitchen with this grilled salmon dish.
Cultural Note on this Haitian-Style Grilled Salmon Recipe:
This recipe is inspired by Haitian flavors, particularly the use of lime, thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers, which are common in Haitian cuisine.
While salmon isn’t traditional in Haiti, this dish combines these flavors with a popular fish that’s widely available.
Other Haitian Recipes>>
- PWASON NAN SOS: HAITIAN FISH IN SAUCE RECIPE
- HAITIAN SARDINE RECIPE
- CARIBBEAN SALMON SKEWERS WITH ZUCCHINI
Cooking Tips:
- If you can’t find scotch bonnet peppers, habaneros make a good substitute.
- Adjust the amount of pepper to your heat preference.
- This marinade also works well with other fish or chicken.
Special Recipe Notes:
- Spice Level: Scotch bonnet peppers are very spicy. If you’re not used to spicy food, start with less. You can always add more later.
- Fish Choice: If you can’t find salmon, try this recipe with other firm fish like mahi-mahi or snapper.
- Marinating Time: Don’t marinate the fish for more than 1 hour. The lime juice can start to “cook” the fish if left too long.
- Grilling Tip: If you’re using a grill, oil the grates before cooking to prevent the fish from sticking.
- Indoor Cooking: No grill? You can cook this in a pan on the stove or bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes.
- Serving Idea: In Haiti, fish is often served with rice and beans. Try this combo for a more authentic meal.
- Leftover Sauce: If you have extra sauce, it’s great on rice or vegetables too!
- Make Ahead: You can mix the marinade a day before and keep it in the fridge. Just don’t add it to the fish until you’re ready to cook.
Haitian-Inspired Grilled Salmon
Ingredients
Grilled Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets about 6 oz each
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon scotch bonnet pepper finely minced (or substitute with habanero)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small onion thinly sliced
For serving:
- Lime wedges
- Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix lime juice, olive oil, garlic, thyme, allspice, scotch bonnet pepper, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
- Place salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Add the sliced onions on top. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Remove salmon from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Reserve the marinade and onions.
- Grill the salmon for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
- While the salmon is grilling, pour the reserved marinade and onions into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes to create a sauce.
- Serve the grilled salmon topped with the cooked marinade sauce and onions.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lime wedges.
I was born and grew up in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where my grandmas, mom, and aunts taught me everything about cooking. Now, I live in the US, and I love hiking, reading, and making meals for my family.
