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Flavorful Firecracker Salmon Recipe with Spicy Chili Glaze and Crisp Cucumber Slaw for Easy Weeknight Dinners

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A quick and easy salmon dish featuring a spicy chili glaze paired with a refreshing cucumber slaw, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), skin on or off as preferred
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
  • 3 tablespoons honey (for sweetness and glaze shine)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (preferably low-sodium)
  • 1–2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (adjust for heat tolerance)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced or julienned
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and smoked paprika until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Prep the cucumber slaw: Thinly slice cucumbers and red onion. In a large bowl, toss the slices with chopped cilantro, lime juice, sugar or honey, salt, and pepper. Add jalapeño if using. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Heat the pan: Place skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  4. Cook the salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry and season lightly with salt. Place skin-side down if skin-on and sear for 4-5 minutes without moving until edges turn opaque and bottom is golden brown.
  5. Flip and glaze: Turn fillets over and brush tops generously with chili glaze. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, basting occasionally, until salmon flakes easily and glaze is sticky and caramelized.
  6. Finish and serve: Remove salmon from pan and let rest for a minute. Plate with a generous scoop of cucumber slaw on the side.

Notes

Keep heat moderate when cooking glaze to avoid burning honey. For a milder glaze, reduce chili garlic sauce or omit jalapeño in slaw. Salmon is best served hot with chilled slaw. Leftovers keep well for 2 days if stored separately. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, spicy glaze, chili garlic sauce, cucumber slaw, quick dinner, weeknight meal, healthy, gluten-free, low-carb

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/flavorful-firecracker-salmon-recipe-with-spicy-chili-glaze-and-crisp-cucumber-slaw-for-easy-weeknight-dinners/