Sweet Chili Salmon

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This slow-bake technique gives tender, flaky salmon, while the sweet chili glaze adds just the right mix of heat and sweetness.

Aisha
Updated on Tue, 25 Mar 2025 07:44:16 GMT
A plate of salmon fillets topped with sauce and garnished with lime wedges, cilantro, and chopped green onions. Pin it
A plate of salmon fillets topped with sauce and garnished with lime wedges, cilantro, and chopped green onions. | cookingflavor.com

I've gotta tell you about my go-to salmon cooking method that's become our family's celebration standout! I tried tons of salmon dishes over the years with mixed results until I stumbled on this slow-roasting technique that turns regular salmon into melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. The chili glaze hits that perfect sweet-spicy balance, and fresh green onions add just the right brightness and crunch. The biggest win? My salmon-hating buddy actually wanted more after trying this!

The Secret Behind This Incredible Dish

This goes way beyond your typical fish dinner! The slow cooking method gives you salmon that's almost creamy—it practically dissolves on your tongue. I made this for guests last month and they kept asking which fancy restaurant I ordered from. My super critical mother-in-law who usually just nibbles at her food actually finished everything and begged me for my cooking steps!

Your Ingredient List

  • For The Salmon Part: Quality middle-cut salmon piece, sweet chili sauce that makes all the difference, dark soy sauce, some rice vinegar to cut the richness, fresh ginger pieces, sliced green onions, and maybe some sesame seeds for extra flair.
  • Tools You'll Want: Some parchment paper, a flat baking tray, and a reliable food thermometer.
Two salmon fillets marinated in a flavorful sauce, placed in a white dish. Pin it
Two salmon fillets marinated in a flavorful sauce, placed in a white dish. | cookingflavor.com

Getting Down To Business

Setting Up Your Fish
Run your fingers along the salmon to feel for any tiny bones and pull them out with tweezers if needed. Then mix up that amazing glaze with chili sauce, soy and grated ginger. The smell that fills my kitchen always gets everyone wandering in!
Creating Your Coating
Slather that mixture all over the salmon—be generous! Every drop will turn into something wonderful while cooking. My little ones love helping with this part and feel like they're real kitchen helpers.
The Waiting Game
This is where you'll need some patience! The low heat slowly works its magic on the fish. I always find myself wanting to open the oven too many times to check!
A glazed salmon fillet topped with chopped green onions and cilantro sits in a white baking dish, surrounded by a rich sauce. Pin it
A glazed salmon fillet topped with chopped green onions and cilantro sits in a white baking dish, surrounded by a rich sauce. | cookingflavor.com

Nailing The Details

Wanna know what really takes this slow-roasted salmon up a notch? Take your fish out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking so it warms up a bit. Make sure you brush on more glaze halfway through for extra flavor. And trust me on this one—grab a good thermometer because 125 degrees gives you that silky result everyone loves. I sometimes cook extra just to have some for my lunch box tomorrow!

Getting It To The Table

This fish shines when served over some light and fluffy jasmine rice that soaks up all that yummy sauce! I usually throw together some quick veggie sides like sautéed broccoli or sugar snap peas. When company comes over, I put the whole fish on a big serving plate, scatter those bright green onions and seeds all over it—looks amazing every time!

Storage Tips

One cool thing about this dish—it tastes great cold too! It makes an awesome lunch the next day crumbled over some greens. You can totally prep it ahead for gatherings and serve it at room temp with no problems. Though to be honest, we rarely have any left at my house because everyone gobbles it up so fast!

Switch Things Around

Feel free to change things up! Sometimes I splash in some sriracha for more kick. My spice-loving teenager always puts red pepper flakes on top of his portion. I tried swapping the sweet chili sauce with honey once and it turned out amazing! That's what makes cooking so great—finding what works best for your taste buds.

A plate of salmon fillet topped with sauce and fresh herbs, surrounded by greens and lime wedges. Pin it
A plate of salmon fillet topped with sauce and fresh herbs, surrounded by greens and lime wedges. | cookingflavor.com

The Impact Of This Wonderful Creation

This dish has become our favorite for both big occasions and just making a normal day feel fancy! There's nothing better than turning a simple fish into something that looks and tastes like you paid big bucks at a restaurant. My kids are learning about food by helping pick out good salmon at the store and seeing how taking your time with cooking really pays off. The real magic isn't just the taste—it's watching everyone's expressions turn to pure happiness after that first bite! Whether you've got friends coming over or just want to make Tuesday dinner feel special, this always hits the spot. And seeing people realize they actually do like salmon when it's done right? That feeling makes all the cooking effort totally worth it!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the benefit of slow baking salmon?

Baking slowly at a gentle heat keeps your salmon moist and prevents it from drying out. The even temperature gives excellent results every time.

→ Why is center-cut salmon better?

It’s evenly thick all over, so it cooks at the same rate. This avoids one part becoming dry while the rest feels underdone.

→ Can I prep this beforehand?

You sure can! Glaze the salmon up to 2 hours ahead and pop it in the fridge. Let it warm up to room temp before baking.

→ Why should pin bones be removed?

No one wants to bite into tiny bones. Plus, they’re uncomfortable and could be risky. Run your fingertips along the fish to find and take them out.

→ How do I know salmon is done?

Once the thickest spot hits 130°F, you’re good to go. Remember, it’ll keep cooking a little after you take it out.

Conclusion

This slow-baking approach highlights the flaky texture of salmon paired with a flavorful sweet chili glaze for a cozy, homemade meal.

Sweet Chili Salmon

Slow-baked salmon topped with a sweet chili glaze and herbs, served with fresh greens. Sweet, tangy, and deliciously balanced.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Aicha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Yield: 6 Servings (1 large salmon fillet)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 1/2 lbs salmon fillet, center-cut.
02 1/2 cup sweet Thai chili sauce.
03 1 tablespoon minced ginger, fresh.
04 1 teaspoon Sriracha or similar hot sauce.
05 2 teaspoons soy sauce.
06 2 tablespoons lime, freshly squeezed.
07 1 bunch scallions, chopped fine.
08 Pinch of black pepper (about 1/8 tsp).
09 1/2 tsp kosher salt.
10 1 lime, sliced into wedges.
11 2-3 sprigs each of fresh mint and cilantro.
12 1 tablespoon olive oil for the greens.
13 2-3 handfuls of mixed baby greens.
14 1 tablespoon lime juice to dress greens.

Instructions

Step 01

Stir together chili sauce, Sriracha, soy sauce, lime juice, ginger, and half the scallions.

Step 02

Remove any pin bones, lightly season with salt and black pepper, then put in a baking dish with 1/3 cup of glaze underneath and a coating on top.

Step 03

Bake gently at 275°F for roughly 18-23 minutes until it reaches an internal temp of 130°F.

Step 04

Toss your salad greens with lime juice, olive oil, and a bit of salt and pepper.

Step 05

Lay the cooked salmon on top of the greens, garnish with herbs, the rest of the scallions, and lime wedges.

Notes

  1. You can prep the dish up to 2 hours in advance.
  2. For best results, choose a center-cut piece.
  3. The temperature will rise slightly after removing from heat.

Tools You'll Need

  • A 9x13 baking pan.
  • Meat thermometer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains fish.
  • Contains soy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 299
  • Total Fat: 17 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 10 g
  • Protein: 27 g