Sweet Chili Salmon Recipe | Easy Glazed Salmon

PUBLISHED July 9, 2025· MODIFIED July 9, 2025 · by the author listed in the recipe card 1205 words. · About 7 minutes to read this article.· This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases· Leave a Comment

If you love succulent salmon glazed with spicy-sweet sauce, you’re in for a treat! Learn how to make Sweet Chili Salmon, where a sticky, flavorful glaze perfectly balances heat and honeyed sweetness. Oven-roasting or pan-searing yields a tender, juicy fillet that’s restaurant-quality but simple enough for weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Fantastic Fish Recipe

Easy & Quick. Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Bold Flavor. That perfect hit of sweet, spicy, and tangy with every bite.
Nutritious. Packed with omega-3s and great for low-carb or gluten-free diets.
Versatile. Great as a main dish, salad topper, or taco filling, just switch it up!

Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or simply craving a fuss-free meal, this sweet chili salmon will quickly become a favorite.

What Does Sweet Chili Salmon Taste Like?

Sweet Chili Salmon is a flavorful fusion of sweet, savory, tangy, and mildly spicy elements. The glaze, made from sweet chili sauce, garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of lime, creates a sticky, caramelized coating that balances richness with brightness.

Is It Healthy?

Yes, sweet chili salmon can be a healthy meal, especially when made at home with wholesome ingredients.

With mindful ingredients, sweet chili salmon is a flavorful, nutritious option that supports a healthy lifestyle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Salmon Fillets– Serve as the main protein; fresh or thawed fillets provide a rich, buttery flavor and meaty texture. Skin-on fillets get crispy when seared, adding contrast to the tender interior.
Sweet Chili Sauce– The star of the glaze, this sauce provides a perfect balance of sweetness and heat, creating a sticky, flavorful coating on the salmon.
Soy Sauce or Tamari– Adds savory umami depth to the glaze. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that still brings that same salty richness.
Honey or Maple Syrup– Introduces natural sweetness and helps caramelize the glaze as it cooks, giving the salmon a glossy, golden finish.
Garlic– Delivers bold, aromatic flavor that intensifies as it blends with the sauce and cooks into the fish.
Lime Juice– Cuts through the sweetness with tangy brightness, balancing the glaze and enhancing the freshness of the dish.
Olive or Sesame Oil– Used for searing the salmon and contributing richness. Sesame oil also adds a subtle nutty aroma.
Salt & Black Pepper– Basic seasonings that enhance all the flavors and ensure the fish isn’t bland.
Fresh Herbs or Sesame Seeds (optional)– Final garnishes that add color, texture, and a fresh or nutty note to round out the presentation.

How To Make Sweet Chili Salmon

Prep the Salmon. Pat fillets dry with paper towels, season lightly with salt and pepper.
Make the Glaze. In a bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and lime juice until smooth.
Sear or Roast.
- Pan-Sear: Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high. Sear salmon skin-side down for 4–5 minutes until crisp, flip, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Oven-Roast: Preheat oven to 425 °F. Place salmon skin-side down on parchment-lined sheet, brush with oil, roast for about 10 minutes.
Glaze It Up. In the last 2–3 minutes, brush generous layers of glaze. If broiling, use the broil setting briefly for char.
Rest and Serve. Let salmon rest for a couple of minutes, then garnish with fresh herbs or sesame seeds before serving.

Tips And Tricks

Mastering sweet chili salmon is all about balancing flavor and achieving the perfect glaze. Here are some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your salmon turns out tender, flavorful, and beautifully caramelized every time:

Room‑Temperature Salmon. Let fillets sit out for 15 minutes for even cooking.
Don’t Overcook. Pull salmon when internal temps reach 125–130 °F; it will finish cooking while resting.
Double‑Glaze. Brush two coats, midway and at end, for maximum flavor and shine.
Nonstick Pan Help. Use a well-heated nonstick skillet to avoid fish sticking when searing.
Skin Up or Down? Cook skin-side down first for crispy goodness, then flip only once for even cooking.

Variations

Sweet chili salmon is incredibly versatile, making it easy to switch things up depending on your mood or what’s in your pantry. Here are some tasty variations to try:

Spicy Kick– Stir in red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat lovers.
Citrus Zest– Add lime or orange zest to the glaze for a bright, fruity note.
Ginger Infusion– Add freshly grated ginger for heat and spice complexity.
Teriyaki Twist– Replace sweet chili with teriyaki sauce and swap lime for rice vinegar.

What To Eat With Sweet Chili Salmon

Sweet chili salmon is flavorful, sweet, savory, and slightly spicy, making it a versatile main dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious options to serve with it:

Light & Crisp Side Salad– Try cucumber, bell pepper, or Asian-style cabbage slaw.
Carbs– Serve over jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa to soak up that glaze.
Grilled or Steamed Veggies– Think asparagus, broccoli, or snap peas.
Tacos or Burrito Bowls– Flake salmon into tortillas or bowls with avocado, pico de gallo, and lime crema.
Garnishes– Lime wedges, chopped scallions, cilantro, or sesame seeds add brightness.

How Long Does It Last?

Sweet chili salmon will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Be sure to let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating to avoid excess moisture buildup, which can affect the texture and flavor.

Can You Freeze It?

If you’d like to extend its shelf life, sweet chili salmon can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

To freeze, place the cooled salmon fillets in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper if needed. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain moisture and prevent overcooking.

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