What is my go-to dinner when I need something quick and healthy? Firecracker Salmon is bursting with flavor! Think of it like the grown-up, sophisticated cousin of Sweet Chili Chicken, but with all the amazing flavor. What are the health benefits of salmon? I swear, even the pickiest eaters in my family devour this. I remember the first time I made it. My son, who usually turns his nose up at fish, went back for seconds. I knew I had a winner. It’s so easy, honestly, it feels like cheating. What is the best recipe for Firecracker Salmon?
What is firecracker salmon?
What is firecracker salmon? What is essentially baked or pan-fried salmon that’s coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze? What is the firecracker? What is the perfect balance between sweet and savory with a hint of heat that just makes you feel good? The glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the flavor. Salmon is moist and flaky inside. What are some of the best salmon recipes?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What I love about this Firecracker Salmon Recipe is that it ticks all the boxes. First and foremost, the human body. The human mindflavorIs this out of this world? I love the combination of honey, soy sauce, tangy rice vinegar, and spicy Chili Garlic. What is the best sauce you have ever had? Is there a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue?simplicityWhat can I do in under 30 minutes? On busy weeknights, it’s a lifesaver! Plus, the ingredients are pretty good.cost-efficientSalmon is a bit pricey, but you don’t need ten servings for each serving. The rest of the salmon is good for you. What are pantry staples?versatilityI love serving it with rice and steamed broccoli, but it’s also great in tacos, salads or even in soups. Just on its own with a side of roasted vegetables. I’ve tried so many salmon recipes, but this one always comes out on top because of its perfect flavor. Balance of flavor, speed, and ease. Is it less fussy than poached salmon? What is the best recipe for baked salmon with lemon?
How do I make firecracker salmon?
Quick Overview
What is the best recipe for Firecracker Salmon? How do you prepare a glaze? Then, you’ll simply coat the salmon fillets with the glaze and bake or pan-fry them until they’re golden brown. I love the glaze on this cake. It’s very strong and moist. What’s the best way to cook salmon in restaurants? What are some of the best recipes to whip up in your own kitchen? What is the hardest part of waiting for it to cook?
Ingredients
For the Salmon: What are some good
• 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off (I prefer skin off for this recipe, but it’s totally up to you).
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Firecracker Glaze: If you have
• 14 cup honey (local honey is the best, if you can get it)
• ¼ cup soy sauce (I use low-sodium)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Chili Garlic Sauce (adjust to your spice preference – I sometimes add a little extra! ).
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
How do I get
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Why is the glaze so sticky? If you prefer, you can use a lightly oiled baking dish. If you’re pan-frying, just get your pan ready on medium heat.
Step 2: Whisk the Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce and sesame oil. Set aside. What is the difference between ground ginger and minced garlic? Make sure everything is well combined. I always give it a little taste at this point to make sure the flavors are balanced. If you want it sweeter, add a touch more honey. For more spice, use chili garlic sauce.
Step 3: Season the Salmon
How do you pat salmon dry with paper towels? How do you make the glaze stick better when pan-frying? Season both sides of salmon with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Can salmon handle it?
Step 4: Glaze the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet or in your hot pan. Brush the glaze generously over the top of each fillet. Make sure they’re well coated! Is it necessary to brush on glaze during cooking? For an extra glossy finish.
Step 5: Bake or Pan-Fry
If baking, bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. If pan-frying, cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until the salmon is cooked through and the glaze is smooth. Serve warm. is caramelized and slightly crispy. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
Step 6: Optional Second Glaze
If you reserved some glaze, brush it over the salmon during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. What are the best ways to give a grilled chicken an extra shiny and flavorful finish?
Step 7: Rest & Serve
Let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful piece of fish. I like to sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for added flavor and visual appeal.
What should I serve it with?
Firecracker Salmon is incredibly versatile, and there are so many delicious ways to cook it.
What is a quick and easy weeknight dinner?Serve with steamed rice and Roasted Broccoli. What’s your go-to meal on a busy night?
For a More Elegant Meal:What is a good salad to serve with quinoa or couscou. This is perfect for a dinner party or special occasion.
In Tacos or Bowls:Flake cooked salmon and use it as a filling for tacos or bowls with your favorite toppings like cheese, onions, and peppers. What are some good ways to serve shredded cabbage, avocado, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo
As an Appetizer: WhatCan you cut salmon into smaller pieces and serve it on crackers or crostini with a dollop of cream? What is better cheese or avocado? What are some good ways to impress your guests at a party?
I’ve even been known to eat it straight out of the pan with a fork – no judgment, right? My family loves when I make this with jasmine rice. The slight sweetness of the rice really complements the firecracker glaze. Sometimes I add a side of edamame for extra protein and green goodness.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Firecracker Salmon
Okay, let me share a few of my top tips for making the Absolute Best Firecracker Salmon:
Salmon Choice: Use high-quality salmon fillets. Fresh, wild-caught salmon is always a great choice if you can find it, but farmed salmon works just fine too. Just make sure it’s fresh and doesn’t smell too fishy.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to your spice preference. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the salmon. It should be cooked through but still moist and flaky. Overcooked salmon is dry and tough, and nobody wants that!
Glaze Consistency: The glaze should be thick enough to coat the salmon but not so thick that it’s gloppy. If it seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to thin it out.
Broiling: For an extra crispy glaze, you can broil the salmon for the last minute or two of cooking. Just watch it closely to prevent burning!
Lemon or Lime: A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice at the end adds a bright, tangy flavor that really complements the glaze.
I once accidentally used too much chili garlic sauce, and it was almost inedible! Now, I always taste the glaze before coating the salmon to make sure the spice level is just right. Another time, I overcooked the salmon, and it was so dry. I learned my lesson – now I always use a timer and check for doneness frequently.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover Firecracker Salmon (which is rare in my house!), here are some tips for storing and reheating it:
Refrigerating: Store the cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before storing it.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked salmon. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat refrigerated salmon, you can microwave it for a minute or two, or bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. For frozen salmon, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Maintaining the Glaze: I find that the glaze can sometimes lose its shine when reheated. To combat this, I often whisk a little bit of extra honey and soy sauce together and brush it over the salmon just before serving. This helps to restore that beautiful caramelized look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my absolute favorite Firecracker Salmon Recipe! It’s quick, easy, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, I guarantee you’ll be able to whip this up with ease. And trust me, the amazing flavor will have everyone begging for more. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other quick and easy Dinner Recipes. And I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!
Firecracker Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs Salmon fillet Skin on or off, your preference
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 1 tbsp Sriracha
- 1 tsp Ginger Ground or grated
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Whisk together soy sauce, honey, sriracha, ginger, and garlic powder in a bowl.
- Place salmon fillets in a baking dish and pour sauce over them.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through.
