Sweet And Spicy Salmon

I love a good recipe that brings together bold flavors, and this sweet and spicy salmon is a perfect example. It’s been a staple of mine since my uni days, and I’ve made a few tweaks along the way to make it even more delicious. Whether you’re craving something quick and easy for dinner or want to impress your friends, this recipe has got you covered. With a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, every bite is packed with flavor. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with rice, noodles, or a crisp salad. Ready to spice up your next meal? Let’s dive in!

Method 

1. Mix the Sauce

Start by preparing the sauce that will give your salmon that sweet and spicy kick. In a small mixing bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients  oyster sauce, fish sauce, light soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, water, chili flakes, and sesame oil. Stir the ingredients together until the brown sugar dissolves completely. This sauce will be the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and a little heat, so make sure it’s well-mixed.

2. Marinate the Salmon

Once your sauce is ready, it’s time to marinate the salmon. Place your two salmon slices in a shallow bowl or dish, and pour the prepared marinade over the top. Use a spoon or tongs to make sure the salmon is evenly coated. Let the salmon marinate for at least 15 minutes, though 30 minutes is ideal for more flavor absorption. The longer you let it sit, the more the marinade will soak into the fish, enhancing the taste.

3. Pan Fry the Salmon

After marinating, it’s time to cook the salmon. Heat a non-stick or regular frying pan over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, carefully place the salmon slices in the pan. Allow each side to cook for about 2 minutes, turning it every 2 minutes to ensure an even golden-brown crust forms on all sides. After all sides are browned, reduce the heat slightly, and let the salmon cook skin-side down for the remaining 6-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the slices. This method will give you a beautifully seared exterior while keeping the salmon tender inside.

4. Add the Marinade

When the salmon is almost cooked through, take the remaining marinade from the bowl and pour it directly into the pan with the salmon. Let it simmer for an extra minute, allowing the marinade to reduce and glaze the salmon. The sauce will thicken a bit and coat the fish, adding an extra layer of flavor. Make sure the salmon is evenly covered with the sauce during this step to lock in all the deliciousness.

5. Serve & Enjoy

Your sweet and spicy salmon is now ready to be served! You can plate it over a bed of rice, toss it with noodles, or add it to a salad for a light but satisfying meal. Feel free to drizzle any remaining sauce from the pan over the top for added flavor. Enjoy the crisp, flavorful salmon with your favorite side dish and treat yourself to an unforgettable meal.

Necessary Tools 

  • Baking dish or air fryer basket
  • Large sheet of foil
  • Pan for frying
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Spoon or tongs for flipping the salmon

Sweet And Spicy Salmon

Recipe by Justin SelkCuisine: American, ThaiDifficulty: Easy
Servings

2

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

18

minutes
Total time

33

minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 salmon slices

  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (@lkkeurope)

  • 1/2 tbsp fish sauce (a recent addition I’m loving)

  • 1 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1-2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tbsp water

  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to your spice level)

  • 1/2 tsp sesame oil

  • A handful of chopped coriander or cilantro

Directions

  • Mix the Sauce  Combine all the sauce ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Stir well until the brown sugar dissolves.
  • Marinate the Salmon  Place the salmon slices in a bowl or dish and pour the marinade over them. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes (30 minutes for the best flavor).
  • Pan Fry the Salmon  Heat a pan over medium heat. Fry the salmon for 10-12 minutes, turning the salmon every 2 minutes until each side is nicely browned. When all sides are golden, finish cooking with the skin side down for the remaining time.
  • Add the Marinade  When the salmon is almost done, pour the remaining marinade into the pan and coat the salmon. Let it cook for an extra minute to soak up that amazing sauce.
  • Serve & Enjoy  Serve your salmon over rice, noodles, or a salad – whatever you’re in the mood for!

Notes

  • Watch the Thickness  Depending on the thickness of your salmon slices, cooking times may vary. Thicker pieces will need a bit more time to cook through, while thinner cuts will be ready faster.
  • Avoid Overcooking  Salmon cooks quickly, so be sure to check it every few minutes to avoid overcooking. You want it flaky, not dry!
  • Adjust Spice Levels  If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to reduce the chili flakes or leave them out. You can always add more later if you want extra heat.

Serving Suggestions 

  • Over Rice  This salmon is amazing on top of a bowl of fluffy white or brown rice. It’ll soak up all that delicious sauce.
  • Noodles  Toss it over your favorite noodles for a full meal that’s bursting with flavor.
  • Salad  Looking for something lighter? Serve this salmon on a fresh salad with avocado, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing.
  • As a Sandwich  Try putting this sweet and spicy salmon in a sandwich or wrap for a quick lunch.

Fun Fact 

Did you know that salmon is not only delicious but also packed with omega-3 fatty acids? These healthy fats are great for your heart and brain. So, while you’re enjoying this meal, you’re also fueling your body with some good stuff!

Conclusion 

This sweet and spicy salmon is everything you need in a meal  simple, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the family, it’s an easy go-to recipe that’s always a hit. Plus, with just a few ingredients, you can make this dish without a fuss but still enjoy amazing results. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do! So go ahead, treat yourself, and bring this flavor-packed salmon to the table tonight!

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