Looking to make a delicious salmon, Yucatan-style? This is the recipe for you to try! This is a sweet and smoky slow-roasted salmon that is cooked perfectly and is full of authentic Yucatan flavor. Easy enough for beginners!
Grab your hot tortillas and a spicy habanero pico de gallo to make some tacos out of this oven-roasted salmon. This is an easy and straightforward recipe that everyone in the family will enjoy! Now it is not a traditional Mexican recipe but still very delicious and unique, especially to those in the Yucatan.
I love to meal prep this salmon recipe on the weekends when I know my family and I have a busy schedule ahead. Sometimes, after a long day of work, the last thing you want to do is to arrive home to cook dinner (believe me, sometimes I don’t feel like cooking, either).
Even if I just prep and marinate the salmon before, this recipe is very easy to prepare the night of and can be ready in a matter of minutes. The best part is that there are not too many pots or pans to clean, an extra bonus for this recipe! All of the cooking is done on one sheet pan.
Plus, everyone loves this dish, either in tacos or with a salad!
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow-Roasted Salmon
Before I share my salmon recipe, here are a few questions I’ve been asked about homemade Mexican salmon.
Should I cook the salmon skin down if I am slow roasting it?
Yes, you definitely want to cook the salmon skin-side down if you are slow roasting it in your oven. This way, the skin protects the salmon from the juices that will run down into the pan and prevent it from getting a gummy texture.
How long can I store salmon in the fridge?
If you keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
How do you cook salmon without drying it out?
There are two ways to cook salmon without drying it out. The first way is to follow my recipe and use a delicious marinade. The marinade soaks into the fish and keeps it juicy, even if you bake it at a higher temperature for a shorter amount of time.
If you aren't marinating the salmon (or using any kind of sauce), then I suggest using a gentle heat for a longer amount of time. Roast the salmon at 275°F for 30-40 minutes.
What temperature should salmon be cooked at? What does it look like in the middle?
The USDA recommends cooking all types of fish to an internal temperature of 145°F. Use an instant-read food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon by sticking into the thickest part of the fish.
The easiest way to tell if salmon is done cooking is by looking at the color and texture. When it is raw, it has a translucent red color. When salmon is fully cooked, it has an opaque pink color. It will also go from a slimy texture to a flakey one as you stick a fork into it.
Should you roast salmon covered or uncovered?
I roasted my salmon uncovered and think it turns out perfectly every single time!
Easy Mexican Salmon
Here is a list of ingredients you need to make this dish:
- Alaskan salmon (or any kind of salmon/fish you like)
- Salt and pepper
- Orange juice
- Grapefruit juice
- Garlic clove
- Achiote paste
- Oregano
- Olive Oil
Please note: For exact measurements of the ingredients listed above, scroll down to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post!
How To Make Yucatan Style Slow-Roasted Salmon: Step By Step Tutorial
As you can see, you will not leave a messy kitchen when cooking this dish: just line your pan with aluminum foil, mix the ingredients, marinate the salmon, and roast it.
Before you begin, preheat the oven to 425º F. Next, follow these easy steps.
Make The Marinade
- Pat the salmon dry and season with salt and pepper. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and grease with some oil.
- Place the salmon on the baking sheet skin-side down.
- Add the orange and grapefruit juice to your blender along with the achiote paste, garlic, oregano, and salt. Process until you have a smooth puree.
- Brush some of the sauce over the salmon using a pastry brush.
- Marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
Roast The Salmon
- After this time has passed, brush the salmon again with more achiote marinade.
- Place in the oven and roast for 10-12 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!
What To Serve With Mexican Salmon Recipe
This salmon recipe is one of my favorite main courses! I like to serve it with a fresh salad, like hearts of palm salad. It has tons of nutrients, colors, and fresh tastes that will compliment the Yucatan salmon.
You can also add some easy red rice to your plate with the salmon. It's mild and is one of the most perfect things you can serve with Mexican seafood. If you are in a hurry, you can even just serve some Mexican white rice and some corn tortillas!
More Authentic Mexican Recipes To Enjoy
If you enjoyed this recipe for slow-roasted salmon, take a look at some of these other authentic Mexican recipes:
- Salmon In Tomato Sauce
- Cod Crispy Fish Tacos
- Salted Cod Veracruz-Style
- Tilapia Veracruz-Style
- Yucatan Fried Beans
I hope you make this Mexican salmon recipe! If this recipe was of any help to you, come back to let me know your experience. Please leave us a comment done below and tell us all about it!
¡Buen provecho!
Mely
Yucatan Style Roasted Salmon
Ingredients
- 1½ lb. Alaskan Salmon
- Salt and pepper
- ⅓ cup orange juice
- ⅓ cup grapefruit Juice
- 1 Garlic clove chopped
- 40 grams 1.40 oz. of Achiote paste
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ tablespoon olive oil*
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425º F.
- Pat the salmon dry and season with salt and pepper. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and grease with some oil. Place the salmon on the baking sheet skin-side down.
- Add the orange and grapefruit juice to your blender along with the Achiote paste, garlic, oregano, and salt. Process until you have a smooth puree.
- Brush some of the sauce over the salmon using a pastry brush. Marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
- After this time has passed, brush the salmon again with more Achiote marinade. Place in the oven and roast for 10-12 minutes.
Bianca
Just discovered your website! Love all of these recipes! Thanks for sharing!
mmartinez
Hello Bianca,
Have fun cooking!
Raymond Benash
Great Idea - going to give this a try for sure. Looks like this marinade will be good on other fish/protein. Nice. Going to give it a try.
mmartinez
Hello Raymond,
You are right, we have the pork and chicken version here in the blog. But those meat are baked.
Anne Flores
Excellent and easy recipe!!!!
mmartinez
Thank you Anne,
I hope you enjoy it as much as we do at home. Salmon tacos made this way are an easy dinner option.
Provecho!
Mike
Mely,
Do you make your own Achiote Paste or purchase it. If purchased is there a brand you would recommend.
mmartinez
Hello Mike,
You can buy the "Anita" brand or "El Yucateco"