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Sweet Chili Salmon with Cucumber Salad

5 from 2 votes

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This sweet chili salmon recipe is loaded with sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors thanks to the sweet chili glaze and refreshing Thai cucumber salad. This effortless dish comes together in about 20 minutes, perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner for even the busiest days!

Sweet Chili Salmon, grilled to perfection and topped with sesame seeds and herbs. It comes with a refreshing cucumber salad and fluffy jasmine rice, all beautifully garnished with lime wedges for an extra zest.

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Baked salmon is a classic busy weeknight dinner recipe. But I had to jazz it up with tangy Thai cucumbers and a sweet sticky glaze. Try serving it with sushi rice and mango salsa. 

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📖Why My Recipe Works

  • Quick- The salmon bakes while you make the cucumber salad. Lots of flavor, minimal effort.
  • Ginger- I find adding ginger to the sweet glaze is a perfect way to add a little spice without adding heat. 

🧾Ingredient Notes

  • Salmon- You can use fresh or frozen. You can also use the glaze to saute shrimp for a fun twist. 
  • Thai Sweet Chili Sauce- Thai Kitchen sweet chili sauce is what I used, but you can use any brand. You can find sweet chili sauce in most groceries, it's basically the same sauce used for spring rolls. 
  • Soy Sauce- Swap with tamari for gluten-free.
  • Fresh Ginger- Substitute with ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger.

Thai Cucumber Salad

  • Cucumber- For garden cucumbers, you can scrape out the seeds but that isn't necessary for English or Persian varieties. 
  • Rice Vinegar- In a pinch, you can use apple cider or white wine vinegar.
  • Lime Juice- Substitute with lemon juice. 
  • Sugar- Balances the acidity so I don't recommend skipping. 
  • Sesame Oil- Add extra sesame seeds for a garnish. 
  • Red Onion- Substitute with shallots. 
  • Red Pepper Flakes- You can swap this with cayenne pepper or fresh red chili if you want a spicier version. Skip for a mild dressing.
A vibrant array of ingredients awaits on the surface, ready to transform into a delicious Sweet Chili Salmon. Picture sweet chili sauce, lime, peanuts, cilantro mingling with cucumber salad elements like soy sauce and ginger, all poised to accompany savory salmon with a hint of sesame oil and red pepper flakes.

⏲️How to Make Sweet Chili Salmon

Two raw salmon fillets rest on a white paper towel covering a plate.
  1. Patting the salmon dry before brushing with the glaze helps create a nice, caramelized finish. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier. Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare the sauce.
Two side-by-side images of salmon fillets on a baking sheet. Left: raw with a brush and sauce, capturing the first step of this delightful sweet chili salmon recipe. Right: elegantly coated with sauce.
  1. In a small bowl, mix together chili sauce, soy sauce, and ginger until fully combined. Spoon the sauce evenly over the salmon fillet, then bake for 12 minutes.
Two images: On the left, ingredients like sliced cucumbers, red onion, peanuts, and cilantro on a cutting board with a whisked dressing. On the right, Sweet Chili Salmon paired with mixed cucumber salad in a glass bowl, complete with a zesty lime nearby.
  1. While baking the salmon, you can prepare the salad. Combine the dressing ingredients in a bowl, taste, and adjust according to your preference before tossing it with the sliced cucumbers.
Two pieces of sweet chili salmon glisten on a white plate, accompanied by the soft hues of a blue cloth peeking from the side.
  1. The salmon is done when it's moist on the inside and flakes easily with a fork
A plate showcasing a sweet chili salmon recipe, featuring sesame-glazed salmon paired with white rice garnished with herbs, a cucumber-avocado salad, and lime wedges.

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips

  1. Broil the salmon for the last 2-3 minutes if desired. This creates a golden brown, crispy top.
  2. No need to brine the salmon because the glaze locks in all the moisture and flavor.
  3. For a sweet and spicy glaze add red pepper flakes or hot chili oil to the glaze. 

More Salmon Recipes

Common Recipe Questions

Can I use garlic chili sauce in place of sweet chili sauce?

Yes, you can use garlic chili sauce, but it will be more savory and spicy with less sweetness. Add 2 tablespoons of warm honey to make the glaze.

Did you enjoy making this recipe? Show it some love with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment! Hungry for more FLAVORFUL recipes?

📖 Recipe Card

Plate of sweet chili salmon garnished with sesame seeds and cilantro, served alongside rice and a refreshing cucumber salad.

Sweet Chili Salmon with Thai Cucumber Salad

This Thai-style sweet chili salmon recipe is my go-to for a simple yet satisfying dinner with the whole family. Serve with rice and a light and refreshing cucumber salad on the side!
Servings: 2
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 12 minutes
Total: 22 minutes
5 from 2 votes
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Ingredients
  

Sweet Chili Glazed Salmon

  • 2 salmon filets
  • ⅓ cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Thai Cucumber Salad

  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 Tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • ¼ small red onion sliced VERY thinly
  • 1 large cucumber thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • ¼ cup roasted peanuts chopped (optional, for crunch)
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Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and place them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
    2 salmon filets
  • Whisk together the chili sauce, soy sauce, and ginger. Spoon onto the salmon, spreading it across the top evenly. Bake for 12 minutes or until salmon is cooked through.
    ⅓ cup sweet chili sauce, 2 teaspoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • While the salmon is baking make the cucumber salad. In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, oil, salt and pepper flakes. Add the sliced cucumber to a large bowl and pour the dressing over. Stir in the cilantro and peanuts serve immediately. Add the chili (if using) and pour the dressing over the top. Toss to coat the cucumbers evenly. Serve immediately.
    ¼ cup rice vinegar, 2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 Tablespoon sugar, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, ¼ small red onion, 1 large cucumber, ¼ cup fresh cilantro, ¼ cup roasted peanuts

Video

Notes

🌡️Storing Leftovers

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat it gently in the oven or air fryer for 10-12 minutes at 275°F. 
Store the salad and dressing separately if you can. The salad is best served fresh because it typically lasts for just about 1-2 days. You can keep the dressing in a jar in the fridge, and it should last for up to a week.

Equipment

Nutrition

Calories: 536kcal | Carbs: 39g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 30g
Author: Jen Wooster
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Thai
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Comments

    5 from 2 votes

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Jan says

    5 stars
    This was delicious and I loved the salad with it.

    Reply

    • Jen Wooster says

      5 stars
      Thanks for the lovely review!

      Reply