Print

Sweet Chili Salmon Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 11 reviews

This Sweet Chili Salmon recipe offers a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors in under 20 minutes. Salmon fillets are pan-seared with a homemade Thai sweet chili glaze, then quickly broiled for a caramelized finish. Garnished with fresh green onions, this dish is a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner that's sure to impress.

Ingredients

Salmon

  • 4 (6 oz) salmon filets (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Sweet Chili Sauce Mixture

  • 2/3 cup Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
  • 1-2 tablespoon sambal oelek (depending on spice tolerance)
  • 2 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Additional

  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 stalks green onion (finely chopped)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with salt and pepper for balanced flavor.
  2. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine Thai sweet chili sauce, sambal oelek, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir thoroughly until smooth and well blended. Set aside.
  3. Cook the sauce: Heat a large oven-safe or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir continuously until it starts to simmer. Let it gently simmer for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Add the salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down directly into the skillet with the simmering sauce. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes while spooning the sauce frequently over the tops of the salmon to coat and keep moist.
  5. Broil the salmon: Transfer the skillet to the broiler and broil the salmon for 4 to 5 minutes. This will caramelize the sauce topping and cook the salmon until just done. Remove the skillet from the oven carefully and set the salmon aside on a serving dish.
  6. Make the glaze: Place the skillet back on medium-high heat on the stovetop. Add 1/4 cup of water to the remaining sauce in the pan, stirring to combine thoroughly. Allow it to simmer until thickened slightly to create a rich glaze.
  7. Garnish and serve: Drizzle the sweet chili glaze generously over the salmon fillets. Sprinkle the finely chopped green onions on top for fresh, crisp garnish. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Adjust the sambal oelek amount based on your spice preference; start with 1 tablespoon for milder heat.
  • Patting the salmon dry ensures a better sear and caramelization.
  • Use an oven-safe skillet to transition directly from stovetop to broiler for easy cooking.
  • If you don’t have a broiler, you can finish cooking the salmon under a hot grill or in a preheated oven at 450°F for 4-5 minutes.
  • Leftover glaze can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently before serving.