Irresistible Moroccan Spiced Salmon with Lemon Yogurt Sauce

Name: Moroccan Spiced Salmon with Lemon Yogurt Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Moroccan
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each); 2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; Zest of 1 lemon; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup plain full-fat yogurt; Juice of 1 lemon; 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint; Salt and pepper to taste

Published: April 23, 2025

by Mia Hanry

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Moroccan Spiced Salmon is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
The vibrant spice blend gives it a rich flavor profile that captivates the senses.
It’s visually stunning with its colorful spices and zesty sauce, guaranteed to brighten any plate.
This dish is versatile enough to pair beautifully with various sides—think roasted veggies or fluffy couscous.

I once served this Moroccan Spiced Salmon at a friend’s gathering, and let me tell you, the compliments flowed like wine at a wedding!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Salmon Fillets: Fresh salmon is key for the best flavor and texture; look for wild-caught if possible.
Cumin: Ground cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor that’s essential in Moroccan cuisine.
Paprika: Use smoked paprika for an extra layer of depth; it elevates the entire dish.
Garlic Powder: Choose garlic powder over fresh for a more mellow flavor that blends seamlessly.
Lemon Zest: Fresh lemon zest brightens the dish; don’t skip this step for maximum flavor.
Plain Yogurt: Opt for full-fat yogurt for creaminess; it complements the spiced salmon perfectly.
Fresh Mint: Chopped mint adds a refreshing note in the sauce—trust me, it makes all the difference.
Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil enhances both flavor and helps with cooking; don’t skimp here!

For the Sauce:

Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice balances richness and adds tartness to the creamy yogurt sauce. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta recipe.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that tie all flavors together, adjust according to personal taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients; this ensures you won’t scramble around later when you’re in full cooking mode. Chop mint and zest your lemon first to bring out their freshness.

Mix the Spice Blend: In a small bowl, combine cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended; this fragrant mixture will soon coat your salmon beautifully.

Season the Salmon Fillets: Rub the spice blend generously over each salmon fillet. Make sure they are well-coated to maximize flavor; let them sit while you prep your sauce—it’s worth it!

Create the Lemon Yogurt Sauce: In another bowl, whisk together plain yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped mint until smooth. Taste-test like you’re on a cooking show—it should be refreshing!

Cook the Salmon Perfectly!: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot (but not smoking), add salmon skin-side down and cook for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip carefully using a spatula.

Final Touches!: Cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through but still moist inside. Remove from heat and serve immediately with the lemon yogurt sauce drizzled on top—a match made in culinary heaven!

And there you have it—Moroccan Spiced Salmon with Lemon Yogurt Sauce that’s not only easy but also bursting with flavor! Enjoy each bite as it transports you straight to Morocco without leaving your kitchen! Caramel Apple Cheesecake.

You Must Know

This Moroccan Spiced Salmon with Lemon Yogurt Sauce is not just a meal, it’s an experience.
The spices awaken your senses, and the yogurt sauce brings a cool contrast that dances on your taste buds.
This dish transforms an ordinary dinner into a flavorful adventure.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the salmon to absorb all those aromatic spices. While the salmon soaks in flavor, prepare the lemon yogurt sauce to serve chilled and refreshing alongside.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out salmon for other fish like trout or even chicken. Experiment with spices too; paprika can add a smoky flavor if you fancy it! Baked Chicken Legs Rice.