Sweet Chilli Salmon is a delightful dish that balances the richness of salmon with the tangy sweetness of chili sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

This recipe offers a fusion of Asian-inspired ingredients like soy sauce, lime juice, and honey, combined with the comforting familiarity of baked salmon. It’s a dish that is both impressive enough for entertaining guests and simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

Salmon, known for its rich flavor and omega-3 fatty acids, serves as the star ingredient in this recipe. Its natural oils and succulent texture make it the perfect canvas for absorbing the sweet and savory marinade.

The combination of sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and minced garlic adds depth and complexity to the dish, enhancing the natural flavors of the salmon while imparting a delightful tanginess.

The baking process allows the salmon to cook gently in the oven, resulting in tender, flaky fillets that are infused with the aromatic flavors of the marinade.

As the salmon bakes, the sweet chilli sauce caramelizes slightly, creating a glossy glaze that coats each fillet. A final drizzle of the reduced sweet chilli sauce just before serving adds a burst of flavor and a touch of elegance to the dish.

With its bold flavors and simple preparation, Sweet Chilli Salmon is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Whether served as a main course for a special occasion or as a quick and easy weeknight meal, this dish is guaranteed to impress with its vibrant taste and beautiful presentation.

Expert Tip: Customize the marinade to suit your taste preferences. Adjust the amount of sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, and honey to achieve the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

Salmon Fillets: Salmon brings a rich, buttery flavor and tender texture to the recipe. It’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to heart health and add to its appeal.

Sweet Chilli Sauce: This sauce provides the primary flavor profile for the dish, bringing a perfect balance of sweetness and heat. It adds a tangy kick to the salmon, elevating its taste with its vibrant flavor.

Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds depth and umami to the marinade, enhancing the overall savory profile of the dish. It complements the sweetness of the chilli sauce and helps to balance the flavors.

Lime Juice: Lime juice adds a refreshing citrusy note to the marinade, brightening up the flavors of the dish. It provides a subtle tanginess that cuts through the richness of the salmon.

Honey: Honey adds natural sweetness to the marinade, balancing out the spicy and tangy flavors of the chilli sauce and lime juice. It helps to create a caramelized glaze on the salmon as it bakes, adding depth of flavor.

Garlic: Minced garlic adds aromatic flavor to the marinade, enhancing the overall complexity of the dish. It infuses the salmon with a subtle garlic taste, which complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Salt and Black Pepper: These seasonings add depth and enhance the overall flavor of the dish. They help to bring out the natural flavors of the salmon and balance the sweetness of the marinade.

Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for cooking the sweet chilli sauce and adds a hint of richness to the dish. It helps to create a silky texture in the sauce and adds a subtle fruity flavor.

Coriander Garnish: Freshly chopped coriander adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish, enhancing its visual appeal. It provides a bright, herbaceous flavor that complements the sweet and spicy elements of the salmon.

Expert Tip: For best results, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels before brushing on the marinade.

Serving Suggestions

• Steamed Rice: Serve the salmon alongside fluffy steamed rice to soak up the delicious sweet chilli sauce. The rice adds a comforting base to the dish and helps to balance out the flavors.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Pair the salmon with a side of stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas. The crisp, vibrant veggies complement the richness of the salmon and add a healthy element to the meal.
• Asian Slaw: Serve the salmon with a refreshing Asian slaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing. The crunchy slaw provides a refreshing contrast to the tender salmon and adds a pop of color to the plate.
• Grilled Pineapple: For a tropical twist, grill some pineapple slices and serve them alongside the salmon. The sweet and smoky flavor of the grilled pineapple pairs perfectly with the sweet chilli sauce and adds a touch of brightness to the dish.
• Sesame Noodles: Accompany the salmon with a side of sesame noodles tossed in a soy-ginger dressing. The nutty flavor of the noodles complements the Asian-inspired flavors of the dish and adds a satisfying element to the meal.
• Fresh Salad: Serve the salmon with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The crisp, refreshing salad adds a burst of freshness to the meal and helps to lighten up the rich flavors of the salmon.

Expert Tip: Don’t overcook the salmon. Keep an eye on it while it’s baking to prevent it from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Thawing them in the refrigerator overnight is the best method to ensure even thawing and prevent the salmon from becoming watery.

Can I substitute the sweet chilli sauce with another type of sauce?

While sweet chilli sauce adds a unique flavor to this dish, you can experiment with other sauces if you prefer. Teriyaki sauce or a combination of honey and sriracha can work as alternatives, but keep in mind that it will alter the flavor profile of the dish.

How can I tell if the salmon is cooked through?

The salmon is cooked through when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You can also check for doneness by gently pressing the top of the fillet—if it feels firm and springs back, it’s likely done.

Can I marinate the salmon ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the salmon ahead of time for enhanced flavor. Simply place the salmon fillets in the marinade in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. Remember to brush on any reserved marinade before baking for an extra burst of flavor.

Can I use a grill instead of baking the salmon?

Absolutely! You can grill the salmon instead of baking it for a delicious charred flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the salmon for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through and has nice grill marks.

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Sweet Chilli Salmon

by Nabeela Kauser

Tantalise your taste buds with sweet chilli salmon, an exquisite fusion of flavours that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for those seeking a gourmet meal without the fuss! 

5 from 4 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Chinese

Servings 4

Calories 332 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 4 Salmon Fillets
• ▢ 4 tbsp Sweet Chilli Sauce
• ▢ 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
• ▢ 2 tbsp Lime Juice
• ▢ 1 tbsp Honey
• ▢ 3 cloves Garlic Minced
• ▢ Salt To taste
• ▢ Black Pepper To taste
• ▢ 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• ▢ Coriander Garnish

Instructions

• Begin by preheating the oven to 200°C/400°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Whisk together the sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
• Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and generously brush the sweet chilli mixture over each fillet, reserving a small amount for later use.
• Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked and flaky.
• While the salmon is cooking, heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat.
• Next, add the reserved sweet chilli sauce mixture to the pan and bring it to a simmer.
• Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly, until it thickens and becomes syrupy.
• Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven and drizzle the sweet chilli sauce over each fillet.
• For garnish, you can add some freshly chopped coriander or parsley, if desired. Serve the sweet chilli salmon immediately.

Notes

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 332kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 35gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 748mgPotassium: 867mgFibre: 0.2gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 72IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 2mg

Keyword Fish, Food, Healthy, Recipe, Seafood

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