Baked Thai Salmon

Name: Baked Thai Salmon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 4 center cut Salmon filets (8 oz each); ½ cup sweet chili sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 tablespoon lime juice (fresh); 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons peanuts (roughly chopped); 2 tablespoons cilantro (chopped); Lime wedges (to serve)

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Thai Salmon begins with tender salmon, and is dressed with a mixture of soy, sweet chili and fish sauces combined with bright lime juice, ginger and garlic. The salmon is baked to perfection, then generously topped with a mix of red pepper flakes, chopped peanuts and cilantro.

Good food is a universal language, and Thailand speaks fluently. This Baked Thai Salmon recipe brings together savory salmon with the rich umami of soy and sweet chili combined with zesty lime and ginger.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Thai Salmon Ingredients
How To Make Baked Thai Salmon
Tips To Make Juicy Baked Salmon
Storing and Reheating
What to Serve with Baked Thai Salmon
Frequently Asked Questions
More Thai Recipes
Baked Thai Salmon Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s restaurant-quality at home. The combination of Thai-inspired flavors and the cooking method results in a restaurant-quality dish that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home!
It’s versatile. Baked Thai Salmon can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as rice, noodles, or vegetables, allowing you to customize your meal according to your preferences.
It’s easy to prepare. This Thai salmon recipe is relatively simple to prepare. The marinade does most of the flavor work, and the baking process is straightforward.

Thai Salmon Ingredients

Salmon Filets: Salmon is the star of this dish. You can substitute it with other firm-fleshed fish like trout or mahi-mahi if desired.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Sweet chili sauce adds sweetness and spiciness to the dish. You can make your own by mixing equal parts of honey and Sriracha sauce or use a store-bought version.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory, salty flavor. You can substitute it with tamari or liquid aminos for a gluten-free option. Liquid aminos do not sub 1:1 with soy sauce though so look for additional ratio recommendations.
Fish Sauce: Fish sauce provides a salty, umami depth of flavor. If you need a vegetarian or vegan alternative, you can use soy sauce or tamari, but keep in mind that it won’t have the exact same flavor.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds a tangy and citrusy element. You can substitute it with lemon juice if you don’t have limes.
Grated Ginger: Ginger provides a warm, aromatic flavor. You can use ground ginger for a more mild flavor or ginger paste if fresh ginger isn’t available.
Minced Garlic: Garlic adds a strong and savory flavor. You can use store bought pre-minced garlic, or ground garlic for a milder garlic flavor.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: These add heat and spiciness to the dish. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference or use chili powder or cayenne pepper as alternatives.
Peanuts: Chopped peanuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. You can substitute them with other nuts like cashews or almonds if you have allergies or prefer a different type of nut.
Cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous element to the dish. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can use fresh parsley as a substitute.
Lime Wedges: Lime wedges are for garnish and squeezing over the finished dish to add brightness. You can use lemon wedges as an alternative.

Ingredients needed for bakes thai salmon.

How To Make Baked Thai Salmon

Prepare the equipment. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside. Gather mixing bowls.

Prepare the salmon. Pat dry the salmon filets with a kitchen towel, and place them in the greased baking dish.

Prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, ginger, and garlic. Mix well to make the sauce. Pour the sauce over the salmon in the baking dish, ensuring it is evenly coated.

Bake the salmon. Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked and looks opaque. Once cooked, transfer the salmon to a serving plate.
Top the salmon and serve. Top the salmon with red pepper, chopped peanuts, and cilantro. Serve the salmon with lime wedges on the side.

Tips To Make Juicy Baked Salmon

Marinate for flavor. Marinating the salmon allows it to absorb the flavors of the sauce. Ideally, marinate it for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator before baking. You can marinate it longer for even more flavor.
Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to the specified temperature in the recipe. This ensures that the salmon cooks evenly and retains its moisture. Don’t try to cook the fish while the oven preheats.
Place salmon skin-side down. If your salmon filets have skin, place them skin-side down on the baking sheet. This helps to keep the flesh moist and adds a layer of protection during baking.
Don’t overcook. Salmon cooks relatively quickly, and overcooking can make it dry. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). This usually takes around 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the filets.

Storing and Reheating

Storing: Allow the salmon to cool to room temperature before storing it. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. Fish will keep for 3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, place the salmon on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish at 325 degrees F for 10-15 minutes or until the salmon is warmed through. Cover the salmon loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying.

What to Serve with Baked Thai Salmon

Serve the Thai Baked Salmon with jasmine rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal. Some Asian side that would also pair well with this recipe are Chili Noodles, Chinese Fried Rice and Vegetable Low Mein Noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when salmon is cooked through?

Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork, and its internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

Can I freeze Baked Thai Salmon?

Fish can be sensitive to freezing and thawing, and the texture and flavor of the fish tend to change during the freezing process. That being said, with careful preparation you could freeze the salmon short-term by wrapping the fish in freezer paper and using freezer bags. Make sure the salmon is completely cooled and squeeze the air out of the bag. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat per instructions above.

What to serve with Baked Thai Salmon?

This dish goes well with most any rice, noodles, or grilled vegetables. You can also serve it with a simple cucumber salad or watermelon cucumber and feta salad for a flavorful twist.

How long should I marinate the salmon for optimal flavor?

It’s best to marinate the salmon for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors of the Thai marinade to infuse into the fish.

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for the Baked Thai Salmon recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets, but it’s recommended to thaw them first for even marination and cooking.

Salmon with thai marinade on a plate with asparagus.

More Thai Recipes

The dish boasts a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy flavors. Whether you’re a fan of Thai cuisine or simply looking to add excitement to your salmon dishes, Thai Baked Salmon is a fantastic choice that brings the vibrant flavors of Thailand to your table.

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