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Sweet Chili Glazed Salmon


  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • Salmon Fillets: (4 fillets, about 6 ounces each) – The star of the dish, providing rich flavor and healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. Skin on or off, depending on your preference.
  • Sweet Chili Sauce: (½ cup) – The base of our glaze, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and mild heat. Choose your favorite brand, or even try making your own for a personalized touch.
  • Soy Sauce (Low Sodium): (2 tablespoons) – Adds a savory, umami depth to the glaze and helps to balance the sweetness of the chili sauce. Low sodium is preferred to control the salt level.
  • Rice Vinegar: (1 tablespoon) – Provides a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness and soy sauce, brightening the glaze and adding complexity.
  • Sesame Oil: (1 teaspoon) – A touch of nutty aroma and flavor that enhances the Asian-inspired profile of the glaze.
  • Garlic: (2 cloves, minced) – Essential for savory flavor, garlic adds a pungent note that complements the sweet and spicy elements.
  • Ginger: (1 teaspoon, grated fresh) – Adds a warm, aromatic spice that pairs beautifully with salmon and the other glaze ingredients. Fresh ginger is highly recommended for the best flavor.
  • Lime Juice: (1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed) – A final burst of citrusy freshness to brighten the glaze and cut through the richness of the salmon.
  • Sesame Seeds (for garnish): (1 tablespoon, toasted) – Adds a visual appeal and a subtle nutty crunch as a finishing touch.
  • Chopped Green Onions (for garnish): (1 tablespoon) – Provides a fresh, mild oniony flavor and a pop of color as a garnish.

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. This prevents the salmon from sticking and makes washing up a breeze.
  2. Prepare the Sweet Chili Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, low sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and the glaze is smooth and homogenous. Taste the glaze and adjust seasonings if needed – you might want to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat, or a touch more lime juice for brightness.
  3. Prepare the Salmon Fillets: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure a nice sear if you choose to pan-sear before baking (optional, but recommended for extra flavor and texture), and it also allows the glaze to adhere better to the fish. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Ensure they are spaced out evenly so they bake properly and don’t steam.
  4. Glaze the Salmon: Generously brush the sweet chili glaze evenly over the top and sides of each salmon fillet. Make sure each fillet is well coated with the flavorful glaze. Reserve a little bit of the glaze for basting later, if desired.
  5. Bake the Salmon: Place the baking sheet with the glazed salmon in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillets. To check for doneness, gently insert a fork into the thickest part of a fillet; if it flakes easily and is no longer translucent, it’s ready. Avoid overbaking, as salmon can become dry.
  6. Optional Broil for Extra Caramelization (Optional): For a more caramelized and slightly sticky glaze, you can broil the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Keep a very close eye on it to prevent burning, as the sugars in the glaze can caramelize quickly under the broiler. Move the oven rack to the top position, switch the oven to broil, and broil for a short time until the glaze is bubbly and slightly browned.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Once the salmon is cooked, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Garnish the Sweet Chili Glazed Salmon with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can also add a final touch of brightness.
  8. Serve Immediately: Serve the Sweet Chili Glazed Salmon immediately while it’s hot and the glaze is still glistening. It’s delicious served over rice, quinoa, or alongside roasted vegetables.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 400
  • Protein: 40