Go Back
Sweet Chili Salmon Recipe

Sweet Chili Salmon

A quick and delicious pan-seared salmon recipe featuring a sticky, sweet and spicy glaze. Perfect for a flavourful weeknight dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 2 salmon fillets about 150-170g each, skin on or off
  • 1 tbsp vegetable or sunflower oil
  • 1 spring onion finely sliced, for garnish
  • 1/2 red chilli finely sliced, for garnish (optional)
  • A few sprigs of fresh coriander chopped, for garnish
For the Sweet Chilli Glaze
  • 80 ml sweet chilli sauce
  • 2 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 lime juice only (about 2 tbsp)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced or finely grated
  • 2 cm piece of fresh ginger peeled and finely grated
  • 1/4 tsp red chilli flakes optional, for extra heat
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Take the salmon fillets out of the fridge about 10-15 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel. This is crucial for getting a good sear. Season both sides lightly with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
  2. Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the glaze: sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, red chilli flakes (if using), and sesame oil. Set aside.
  3. Heat the Pan: Place a large, non-stick frying pan or skillet over a medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil. Allow the pan to get properly hot – the oil should shimmer slightly.
  4. Sear the Salmon: Carefully place the salmon fillets in the hot pan, skin-side up (if they have skin). Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving them. This will create a beautiful golden-brown crust. What works best for me is to resist the urge to poke or move the fish during this time.
  5. Flip and Cook: Using a fish slice or spatula, flip the salmon fillets over. If you're using skin-on salmon, the skin should be wonderfully crisp. Cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
  6. Add the Glaze: Turn the heat down to medium-low. Pour the prepared sweet chilli glaze into the pan around the salmon fillets. Be careful as it may bubble and spit a little.
  7. Simmer and Thicken: Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. As it heats, it will thicken into a lovely glaze. Use a spoon to baste the top of the salmon with the sauce from the pan. The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. For definitive guidance, the Food Standards Agency recommends cooking fish until it's steaming hot and cooked all the way through.
  8. Rest and Serve: Remove the pan from the heat. Let the salmon rest in the pan for a minute. Serve immediately, spooning any extra glaze from the pan over the fillets. Garnish with sliced spring onions, fresh chilli, and chopped coriander.

Notes

Delicious served over steamed jasmine rice with a side of steamed broccoli or bok choy to soak up the extra glaze.