Chili Garlic Grilled Salmon Recipe

There’s something about a perfectly grilled salmon that just speaks to my soul, especially when it’s drenched in a zesty chili garlic marinade that I’ve concocted in my kitchen. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll understand why it’s my go-to for impressing friends at a casual dinner party or just treating myself on a Tuesday night. 🐟🔥

I enjoy making meals that are not only tasty but also healthful, and my Chili Garlic Grilled Salmon is a prime example. I take succulent salmon fillets and marinate them in a zingy mixture of soy sauce, honey, and chili garlic sauce.

I then grill the marinated salmon and serve it with a side of some combination of good-for-you veggies. This dish is packed with vibrant flavors: the lime juice and the fresh ginger really kick things up a notch!

Chili Garlic Grilled Salmon Recipe Ingredients

• Salmon Fillets: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein, promoting heart health.
• Olive Oil: Contains healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, supporting a balanced diet.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and depth of flavor with a touch of saltiness.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps caramelize during grilling.
• Chili Garlic Sauce: Infuses the dish with spicy and aromatic notes.
• Lime Juice: Adds a refreshing, tangy zest, enhancing the marinade’s balance.

Chili Garlic Grilled Salmon Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• Lime wedges, for serving

How to Make this Chili Garlic Grilled Salmon Recipe

1. Combine marinade ingredients in a small bowl.

Olive oil
Soy sauce
Honey
Chili garlic sauce
Minced garlic
Lime juice
Grated ginger
Black pepper

2. Put the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the salmon, making sure each fillet is well coated.

3. Enclose the dish or bag and store in the refrigerator for no less than 30 minutes; let the salmon soak up the tastes.

4. Set your grill to medium-high heat.

5. Take the salmon out of the marinade, and let it drain so that any extra liquid can drip off. You can keep the marinade for another use.

6. The grill grates should be oiled very lightly to stop food from sticking. Grilling food is generally a mess-free option, but if you’re using delicate vegetables and seafood, you need to make sure that you’re not going to end up with half of your meal stuck to the grill once it’s time to flip and remove.

7. Put the salmon fillets on the grill, skin-side down if the fish has skin. Grill the salmon fillets for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the fillets are just cooked through and easily flake with a fork.

8. When the salmon is on the grill, take the marinade you set aside and pour it into a small saucepan. Heat the marinade over medium heat until it’s boiling, and then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. You want it to thicken just a bit and concentrate the flavors.

9. Take the salmon off the grill and paint it with the reduced sauce for added taste.

10. If you would like, you can add fresh cilantro as a garnish to the grilled salmon, and then serve the dish with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious grilled salmon with a chili garlic marinade!

Chili Garlic Grilled Salmon Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Small bowl
2. Measuring spoons
3. Citrus juicer (optional, for lime juice)
4. Grater (for ginger)
5. Garlic press or knife (for mincing garlic)
6. Shallow dish or resealable plastic bag
7. Refrigerator
8. Grill
9. Grill brush (for oiling grates)
10. Tongs or spatula (for grilling)
11. Small saucepan
12. Spoon or basting brush (for applying sauce)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of fish?Certainly, you can replace salmon with other substantial fish such as trout, cod, or halibut, but be aware that their cooking times might differ.
• Is there a substitute for soy sauce?Tamari may be used for a gluten-free option, and for a lower-sodium alternative, use coconut aminos.
• How long should I marinate the salmon?If possible, let the fish soak in the marinade for a minimum of 30 minutes and a maximum of 2 hours. The longer it soaks, the more flavor it will pick up. But remember, it’s still fish. It won’t stand up to long-term soaking the way some meats will.
• Can I cook this in the oven instead?Indeed, cook the salmon in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes at a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). It is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
• Is the cilantro necessary?Cilantro is used for garnish and is optional; it adds a certain freshness to the dish, but if you don’t like the flavor of it, you can leave it out.
• What can I serve with the grilled salmon?Think about teaming up with steamed rice, quinoa, or a side of grilled vegetables to lift the flavors and not let them sink.

Chili Garlic Grilled Salmon Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitute olive oil with either avocado oil or vegetable oil.
Soy sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free option, or substitute with coconut aminos.
You can swap it out for maple syrup or agave nectar.
Chili garlic sauce: Utilize sriracha or sambal oelek as an alternative.
You can use lemon juice in place of lime juice, and get a somewhat different flavor. But really, when it comes to most cocktails, you’re best off sticking to the kind of juice (or fruit) that the cocktail recipe calls for.

Pro Tips

1. Marinate Longer for Enhanced Flavor For a deeper flavor infusion, consider marinating the salmon for up to 2 hours. This extra time allows the marinade to penetrate the fish more thoroughly.

2. Pat Dry Before Grilling After removing the salmon from the marinade, pat it dry with a paper towel. This step helps the fish form a nice crust while grilling and prevents steaming.

3. Use a Fish Basket If you’re worried about the salmon sticking to the grill or falling apart, consider using a fish grilling basket. This tool makes flipping and removing the fish much easier.

4. Check for Doneness with a Thermometer To ensure perfectly cooked salmon, use an instant-read thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 125-130°F (51-54°C) for medium-rare, or let it go to 140°F (60°C) for medium.

5. Experiment with Wood Chips For an extra smoky flavor, try adding wood chips (like cedar or applewood) to your grill. This can elevate the overall taste profile of the grilled salmon.