Sweet Chili Salmon

4.57 from 46 votes

Sweet Chili Salmon is a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. Pan-seared salmon with a sticky Thai sweet chili sauce makes it sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy. A quick and satisfying meal!

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Total Time15

Course: Salmon

Cuisine: Asian Recipes

Keyword: Sweet Chili Salmon

Servings: people

Author: Bee Yinn Low

Ingredients

1 lb (500g) salmon cut into 2-3 pieces
salt
black pepper
4 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice
1/2 teaspoon white sesame
1/2 tablespoon cilantro leaves chopped
1 teaspoon oil

Instructions

Season the salmon with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, mix the sweet chili sauce, lime juice, sesame seeds, and cilantro leaves together. Stir well to combine and set aside.
Heat a skillet with oil over medium heat. Pan-sear the salmon on both sides until cooked through. Transfer the salmon to a serving platter, drizzle the sweet chili sauce on top, and serve immediately.

Notes

Before seasoning, grab a paper towel and pat the salmon dry. This makes a big difference! It helps the fish sear properly and gives you that beautiful golden crust instead of steaming in its own moisture.
Make sure the fillets have some space. Crowding the pan traps steam, and that’s the fastest way to end up with soggy salmon instead of a nice crispy sear. If you’re cooking multiple pieces, work in batches for the best results.
Whether you’re baking or air frying, brushing the salmon with a little oil first helps seal in moisture and keeps it from drying out. A light coat of oil also helps the surface crisp up nicely while cooking.
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. The sweet spot for perfect doneness is around 125-130°F (52-54°C) in the thickest part. Take it off the heat a little early because it’ll keep cooking as it rests. This way, you avoid dry, overcooked fish.

Nutrition