This sweet chili salmon is one of those easy, lazy dinners I make when I want something fast, flavorful, and but still satisfying. I don't like to compromise on flavors when it comes to easy meals so you shouldn't either!
What Is Sweet Chili Salmon?
Sweet chili salmon is a quick salmon dinner made with pan-seared salmon filets and a simple sauce made from Thai sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a little sriracha.
It has that perfect balance of sweet, savory, garlicky flavor with just a little heat, which makes it a great weeknight dinner when you want something easy but still packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Chili Salmon
- Quick dinner: This dish comes together fast, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Big flavor: The sauce is sweet, savory, garlicky, and lightly spicy, so every bite feels extra satisfying.
- Easy to serve: It goes so well with rice, noodles, or vegetables, which makes dinner really simple.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large Skillet
- Small Bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients for Sweet Chili Salmon
- Salmon Fillets: Skinless salmon fillets are the star of this recipe and cook quickly in the skillet.
- Garlic Powder
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Gives this dish its signature sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Adds savory depth and balances the sweetness.
- Garlic: Brings bold flavor and makes the sauce extra tasty.
- Ginger: Adds a fresh, warm flavor that works so well with salmon.
- Sriracha: Gives the sauce a little extra heat.
- Water: Helps loosen the sauce so it coats the salmon evenly.
- Green Onions: Adds fresh flavor and a nice garnish right before serving.
Customizations for Sweet Chili Salmon
- Make it milder: Leave out the sriracha if you want the sauce sweeter and less spicy.
- Add more heat: Add extra sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier sweet chili salmon.
- Serve with vegetables: Serve with broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for a nutritious, filling meal.
How to Make Sweet Chili Salmon
Season the salmon
Pat the salmon dry, then season it evenly with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Make the sweet chili sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the Thai sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sriracha, and water until smooth and combined.
Pan-sear the salmon
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little oil.
Place the salmon pieces in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until lightly golden. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through.
Simmer the sweet chili salmon sauce
During the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, pour the sauce over the salmon and cover the skillet. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the salmon.
Garnish and serve
Top with chopped green onions and serve the sweet chili salmon over rice with your favorite vegetables.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat so the salmon stays tender.
Tips to Make the Perfect Sweet Chili Salmon
- Pat the salmon dry: This helps the salmon sear better instead of steaming in the pan.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet: Give the salmon a little space so it can get lightly golden.
- Add the sauce near the end: This keeps the sauce from reducing too much or burning.
- Use medium heat: It gives the salmon time to cook through without drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen salmon for sweet chili salmon?
Yes, just thaw it fully first and pat it dry before cooking so it sears nicely.
Is sweet chili salmon spicy?
It has a very mild kick from the sriracha, but it is not overly spicy. You can easily adjust the heat up or down.
What should I serve with this?
Rice is always a great choice, but it also goes well with noodles, roasted broccoli, bok choy, or a simple cucumber salad.
Can I bake sweet chili salmon instead?
Yes. You can bake the salmon until cooked through, then spoon the sauce over it during the last few minutes or after baking.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and look opaque throughout.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
- Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Soy Salmon Coconut Rice Bowl
- Salmon Sushi Bake
- Baked Sushi Cups with Salmon and Avocado
- Spicy Salmon Crispy Rice
Sweet Chili Salmon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds salmon filets skinless, cut into 1.5-inch wide pieces
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce store-bought or homemade (see recipe notes)
- 3 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- ¼ cup water
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Pat the salmon dry, then season evenly with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.1.5 pounds salmon filets, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, Freshly cracked black pepper
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sriracha, and water until combined. Set aside.½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce, 3 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon minced ginger, 1 teaspoon sriracha, ¼ cup water
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Place the salmon in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until lightly golden, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.
- During the last 1-2 minutes, pour the sweet chili sauce over the salmon, cover, and let it simmer until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the fish.
- Serve over rice with your favorite veggies and finish with chopped green onions.Chopped green onions
RoseMay Navarra says
Such a great recipe—simple, easy to follow, and turned out delicious! Perfect for busy days, and I’ll definitely be making it again. Highly recommended.
Herman says
I appreciate the kind review on this!
Andy says
Great taste and texture. Super easy.
Herman says
thanks so much!