This Sweet Chili Salmon is a super easy recipe that transforms the salmon into a sweet and spicy flavor bomb. If you love fish, especially salmon, this should be one of your go-tos. It’s fast to put together, too. So, you can have a rich and nutritious meal without cooking in your kitchen for hours.
Jump to:
The flavors that the sweet chili sauce brings to the salmon are pure magic. I love the tart lime juice that balances the sauce while the onions add texture and savoriness that make each bite even more delectable than the last.
If you like spicy sweet chili recipes, you will love these Thai-inspired Sweet Chili Chicken Tenders and this Sweet Chili Thai Pork.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a simple recipe: You can’t get any easier than this! I love salmon and this has become one of my favorites because of its simplicity and the short amount of time it takes to prepare.
- It’s easy to customize: It uses basic ingredients that are easy to switch up to make the recipe more your own. Go ahead and get creative with flavors that you love!
- It pairs well with any side dish: From veggies to salads to even pasta—you can make this sweet chili-glazed salmon with any side you want.
Ingredients
Below are all of the components needed to make this sweet and spicy glazed salmon. You can find sweet chili sauce in the international food aisle at your local grocery store.
- Salmon: I recommend skinless salmon for this recipe. The sauce leaves the skin soft rather than crispy.
- Sweet chili sauce: This adds sweetness and spice to the fish, making it the perfect sauce and marinade. As it cooks, it will caramelize and coats the fish giving it a craveable texture.
- Lime: The tartness of fresh lime juice helps to balance the flavors of the sweet chili sauce salmon.
- Green onions: These add a subtle crunch and vibrant color to the dish. I add them to the sauce for a sharp contrast.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Teriyaki: Swap half of the sweet chili sauce for your favorite teriyaki sauce for an umami bomb.
- Orange ginger: Add fresh orange juice and zest, as well as some freshly grated ginger to add more zing to the salmon.
- Sriracha pineapple: Stir in pineapple juice and a splash of Sriracha for extra heat and tropical flair.
How to Make Sweet Chili Salmon
Here are the instructions needed to make this salmon with sweet chili sauce. I included steps for cooking the fish as well as making the sweet chili glaze for marinating and serving.
Step 1: Make the sauce mixture. Combine the sweet chili sauce, lime, salt, pepper, and green onions in a mixing bowl. Reserve about two tablespoons of the sauce to the side.
Step 2: Marinate the salmon. Place the salmon filets into the mixture and coat them thoroughly. Allow them to sit in the bowl to soak up the flavors for about 30 minutes.
Step 3: Sear the filets. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Place the salmon pieces into the hot oil and sear them for about 4 minutes.
Step 4: Flip and finish. Flip the fish and allow them to cook for an additional 4 minutes or until it’s cooked through and perfectly flaky.
Step 5: Brush before serving. Brush the reserved sweet chili glaze over the cooked salmon and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Don’t let the sauce burn: Keep the heat at a medium. If the heat gets too high, the sugar in the chili sauce is at risk of burning.
- Ensure frozen salmon is thawed: If you choose to use frozen salmon filets, ensure they are fully thawed. They will not cook evenly when frozen, and the extra moisture will make the sauce watery.
- Use a nonstick skillet: I prefer nonstick cookware when I make this recipe. The sweet chili sauce might stick to a regular pan.
If you love recipes like this sweet and spicy salmon, you may also enjoy this Hot Honey Salmon.
Storage Directions
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You may freeze it in a container or Ziploc bag for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: This is best reheated in the oven or air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3-5 minutes. I do not recommend the microwave as it can make the salmon rubbery.
- Make ahead: Feel free to prepare the sauce and allow the salmon to marinate for up to 24 hours. Just place it in the refrigerator tightly covered with plastic wrap!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with coconut and ginger rice for complementary flavors and some air fryer garlic potatoes because you can’t go wrong with a simple potato side.
- Veggies are great, too! Asian mushrooms have a similar flavor profile, while broiled asparagus is a classic pairing with salmon.
- Finish the meal with a cold sweet treat like a caramel milkshake.
Recipe FAQs
Sure! Preheat it to 400 degrees F and cook the filets for 8-10 minutes or until they’re flaky. Don’t crowd the air fryer basket for best results.
Yes. Place the salmon in a foil-lined pan and bake them for 10-12 minutes in a 400° oven.
Use less chili sauce and add honey as a replacement. The extra sweetness will counteract the heat.
More Delicious Easy Salmon Recipes
Do you like salmon recipes? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section, I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Sweet Chili Salmon
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix sweet chili sauce, lime juice, salt, pepper, and green onions. Set aside 2 tablespoon to brush over cooked salmon.
- Place salmon in the bowl, dredging it in the mixture and allow it to marinade for 30 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook salmon for about 4 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
- Spoon remaining sweet chili mixture over top and serve
Notes
- Do not cook the salmon from frozen or it will be watery and not cook evenly. Ensure it is fully thawed first!
- Store leftover sweet chili salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- Try cooking your salmon in the air fryer or oven for a result that is just as tasty as the skillet!
Leave a Reply