This sweet and spicy baked salmon recipe is cooked to perfection in 15 minutes and packed with protein, vitamins, and balanced flavors.
Could you use a little spice in your life? This easy salmon recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Since my weight loss journey began, I have come a long way in my taste for spicy food and now it’s a regular staple coming out of my kitchen. Recipes like Spicy Jalapeno Margaritas, Spicy Asian Coleslaw, and Spicy Tuna Puttanesca helped me to appreciate all that spicy foods had to offer! Plus, did you know there are health benefits to spicy food?
So, capsaicin is the magical chemical found in chili peppers. The hotter the pepper, the higher the amount of capsaicin, which has been proven to raise your base metabolism, the rate your body burns fat at rest. Additionally, it lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and raises HDL (good cholesterol). Moreover, capsaicin is also an anti-inflammatory, reduces arthritis pain, and helps control headaches. Finally, the best part of all: peppers are virtually calorie-free so you get all of these health benefits with very little caloric debt.
Besides the health benefits of spicy food, seafood itself also has some advantages to boast. Salmon is a big source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are an essential part of your diet. It’s also high in protein, B vitamins, potassium, selenium, and antioxidants. All of these are important because they reduce the risk of heart disease, support a healthy weight, fight inflammation, and support brain health.
I love using salmon and other seafood as substitutes in some of my recipes to boost the vitamins, omega-3s, and protein in my diet. Some of my favorite recipes include Cajun Shrimp Pasta, Honey Soy Glazed Salmon, and Parmesan Crusted Baked Whitefish.
How to Make Baked Salmon:
Now, this baked salmon recipe is super easy to put together in just a few steps. First, whisk together all of the ingredients in a bowl.
Last, brush or pour the mixture on top of the salmon filets before baking until fork tender.
Not a huge fan of spicy foods? By simply removing the seeds of any pepper, you dramatically reduce the heat level. Many of my family members can’t take the heat and removing the seeds and white pith is the perfect solution.
My baked salmon is packed in flavor and provides the perfect balance of spicy, salty, sour, and sweet. Serving non-fish lovers? Chances are, they’ve simply never had fish prepared well. Top this dish with toasted sesame seeds before serving and I guarantee you’ll turn a fish foe into a friend.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I substitute salmon for another fish or chicken?
Absolutely! While I think this glaze works best on baked salmon, it’s easily adaptable to other proteins.
What if I don’t like spicy foods?
That’s okay! You can adjust the heat level by removing the seeds and pith from the peppers before adding to the glaze.
Is spicy food healthy?
Yes! Capsaicin, found in chili peppers, has been proven to raise your base metabolism, the rate your body burns fat at rest. Additionally, it lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and raises HDL (good cholesterol). Moreover, capsaicin is also an anti-inflammatory, reduces arthritis pain, and helps control headaches.
If this makes you a new fan of spicy foods, I’ve compiled a whole list of more than 50 of my favorite spicy recipes!
Why should I eat salmon?
Salmon is rich and fatty (thank you heart-friendly Omega-3’s) and extremely versatile. Furthermore, it’s high in protein which makes it a great healthy meal staple.
Should I take the skin off the salmon before cooking?
You can leave the skin on or take it off before cooking. The skin helps lock in moisture so you don’t dry out the fish during cooking, and also contains a lot of nutrients. Depending on the preparation method it might get a little rubbery. So, if you plan to eat the skin, I recommend frying or searing to crisp it up.
Can you reheat salmon?
Yes! Salmon is actually great for leftovers, contrary to popular belief. The best way is on top of salads or mixed into pasta. If you reheat, do so slowly to retain moisture, like in the microwave.
Your fork is waiting.
Sweet and Spicy Baked Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 six ounce wild salmon fillets
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce (light)
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoons diced and seeded cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
- Place salmon filets in a glass baking dish and set aside.
- Wisk together soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, sugar, sesame oil and diced pepper in a small bowl and pour over salmon filets. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until fish is tender.
