This Firecracker Salmon is savoury with a combination of hot sauce, lemon juice, and soy sauce to spice up dinner. A kick of heat with a garlicky and gingery flavour will make your tastebuds scream with joy.
I'm sure you're aware by now that Claudy is the queen of fish recipes, both on YouTube and here. You will love this recipe so much that you won't be able to help but save it in your repertoire.
This baked salmon will take your love for fish to the next level, and it's ready in just 30 minutes. So, if you want something very quick, easy, and delicious, look no further than firecracker salmon, this Caribbean grilled fish, or baked basa.
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What I Love About This Recipe
This spicy salmon is easy to adjust to your taste. You can make it as spicy or as mild as you like it.
This baked salmon recipe is a one-pan recipe ready in just 30 minutes. Not complicated at all, and with easy-to-find ingredients, many of which are already in the pantry.
It's also healthy, full of protein and nutrients, and can be a plan-ahead recipe.
Recipe Ingredients
Salmon Fillet: One large salmon fillet with or without skin. I love the skin on fillets for extra crispiness. Feel free to use individual fillets as well.
Hot sauce or Sriracha: This is the key ingredient; adjust accordingly.
Garlic and Ginger: For deep flavour. If you don't have a blended store-bought ginger and garlic paste, blend or mince 2-3 garlic cloves and a half-thumbsized piece of ginger.
Soy sauce: Since soy sauce is already salty, adjust the salt accordingly. You don't want to end up with a fish that's too salty.
Lemon Juice: This is always a perfect accompaniment to baked fish.
Black pepper and Salt to taste.
Olive oil: Can be substituted with avocado, canola, or soybean oil.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Variations & Substitutions
Add some freshly grated lemon zest to the marinade for an even more tangy flavor.
Any fish can be used for this recipe.
For even more heat, consider adding diced jalapenos or cayenne pepper to the marinade.
Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage will brighten the flavor of the fish.
How to Make Firecracker Salmon
- First, mix all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
- Then, spread the sauce evenly over the salmon and let it marinate for a few hours (for best results, it's recommended to marinate overnight).
- After it has been thoroughly marinated, bake the salmon in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20 minutes. Remember to keep the skin side down. That's it! After 20 minutes, it's ready to serve.
Storing Leftovers
Store the leftover salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate for 2 to 3 days. You can also freeze the salmon. Store the salmon in an airtight, freezer-safe bag or container and consume it within three months.
You can reheat your firecracker salmon in a pan over medium heat or in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes.
Tips & Tricks to Make Firecracker Salmon
- Pat the salmon completely dry with a paper towel. This is because the water in the fish can wash off marinade or seasonings during the marinating process.
- As you let it marinate, keep the fish submerged in the marinade, keeping all the air off. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container.
- Basting the fish with cooked marinade or oil every 4-5 minutes makes it very juicy.
- Check the internal temperature to know when it's fully cooked.
Serving Ideas & Suggestions
Serve the spicy firecracker salmon with sides that have just as much flavor as the fish does. Since fish is usually served with rice, I like to make my dirty rice or Cameroonian Jollof rice to go with this.
You can also serve it with some East African chapati and a side dish, such as crispy garlic herb roasted potatoes or crispy baked potato wedges.
Recipe FAQs
Most people agree that wild-caught sockeye is the best kind of salmon to buy because it has the best flavor. Other people like to cook Atlantic and king salmon because they are fattier and have a milder flavor.
Yes, this recipe will work with frozen salmon, but make sure it thaws completely.
The best way to tell if the salmon is fully cooked is to use an instant-read food thermometer. Fish is ready to eat at 145°F.
Baking is better because it retains all the moisture of the fish.
Cook in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 400°F. This will depend on the thickness of the fish.
More Fish Recipes to Try
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
If you tried this firecracker salmon recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Firecracker Salmon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb Salmon fillet with or without skin
- 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Ginger garlic paste or ½ teaspoon of each
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon Bouillon powder or seasoning powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 2-3 tablespoon Hot sauce adjust to suit spicy level
- 2 teaspoon Fresh parsley
- 2-3 tablespoon Olive oil or any cooking oil
- Salt and pepper taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add all the ingredients for the salmon and stir to combine.
- Pat dry the fish with a paper towel. Sprinkle salt and pepper on the fish, then pour the marinade on the fish. Use your hand or brush to spread the marinade evenly on the fish.
- Cover with a cling film and let it marinate for about an hour to overnight.
- About 10 minutes through marinating time, Preheat oven to 375℉ and line a baking sheet or dish with parchment paper.
- Transfer the salmon to the baking sheet or dish and put it in the oven.
- Bake at 375℉ for 20 minutes depending on the thickness of the fish. Start checking doneness from 10 minutes. Bake till cooked through.
- Remove from oven, garnish with some parsley, cut, and serve with your favorite side. Check notes for side options.
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