Sweet Chili Garlic Salmon
This Sweet Chili Garlic Salmon is everything a weeknight dinner should be—fast, flavorful, and absolutely foolproof. Juicy salmon fillets are bathed in a sweet, tangy, and garlicky chili-lime glaze, then baked to flaky perfection. It’s got just the right balance of heat, citrus, and richness.
With only a handful of ingredients and a single pan, this dish is ideal for busy nights, dinner parties, or meal prep. Serve it over jasmine rice, with roasted veggies, or flaked into tacos—it’s versatile, vibrant, and downright delicious.
Ingredients
- 4 skinless salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- ⅓ cup sweet chili sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Make the Marinade
In a small bowl, stir together the sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, and lime juice until fully combined.
3️⃣ Marinate the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish.
Pour the marinade over the fillets, coating them well.
Let the salmon sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour in the fridge) to soak in the flavor.
4️⃣ Bake
Bake for 15–20 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the glaze is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
5️⃣ Garnish & Serve
Drizzle with any remaining pan juices.
Top with chopped cilantro for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra caramelization, broil the salmon for the last 2–3 minutes.
- Don’t overbake—salmon is done when it’s opaque and flakes easily.
- If using frozen salmon, thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.
- Want more heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Marinate Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / Fusion
Diet: Gluten-Free (use gluten-free chili sauce)
Keywords: sweet chili salmon, baked salmon, garlic lime salmon, quick salmon recipe, spicy salmon recipe
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)
Serving Size: 1 fillet
Calories: 300
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Helpful Tips
- Use skin-on salmon if you want extra moisture and flavor—just place it skin-side down while baking.
- Lime zest adds even more zing—sprinkle a little on top before baking.
- Let salmon rest for a few minutes after baking to retain juiciness.
- Serve with steamed rice, coconut quinoa, roasted veggies, or rice noodles for a full meal.
- Double the sauce if you want extra for spooning over sides!
Conservation and Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked salmon (without garnish) for up to 1 month.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Substitutions and Variations
- No lime? Use lemon juice or rice vinegar.
- Make it spicy: Stir in sriracha, sambal oelek, or gochujang for an extra kick.
- Herb swap: Use parsley, Thai basil, or green onions instead of cilantro.
- Chili sauce alternatives: Thai sweet chili sauce is ideal, but homemade or other brands work great too.
Storage Instructions
- Cool salmon completely before storing.
- Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Best enjoyed within 2–3 days for peak flavor and texture.
- Reheat in a low oven or covered skillet to avoid drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate the salmon up to 1 day ahead, then bake when ready.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! It’s mild in spice but big on flavor. Skip the chili flakes for picky eaters.
What’s the best side dish?
Steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried bok choy, or garlic green beans are perfect.
Can I grill the salmon instead?
Yes! Grill over medium heat for about 4–5 minutes per side, brushing with glaze as it cooks.
Conclusion
This Sweet Chili Garlic Salmon is everything we love in a recipe—bold flavor, effortless prep, and gorgeous presentation. It’s sweet, savory, zesty, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this salmon is guaranteed to impress with every flaky, saucy bite.
More Quick & Flavorful Salmon Recipes:
- Miso Glazed Salmon with Ginger Rice
- Honey Garlic Salmon Bites
- Teriyaki Salmon Bowls
