Authentic Spicy Tamarind Glazed Salmon

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy-skinned salmon with a vibrant tamarind-sweet chili glaze that balances tangy and spicy notes perfectly. This asian-inspired seafood (gluten-free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, sesame oil, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and brush lightly with 1 tbsp sesame oil. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 7-8 minutes until skin is golden and crisp, then flip and cook for 3 more minutes.
  3. Step 3: Remove salmon and set aside. In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3 minutes until thickened and glossy.
  5. Step 5: Return salmon to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Cook for 1 minute more to coat. Squeeze 1 lime wedge over the salmon and serve immediately with steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Spicy Tamarind Glazed Salmon take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Spicy Tamarind Glazed Salmon?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Spicy Tamarind Glazed Salmon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Spicy Tamarind Glazed Salmon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Authentic Spicy Tamarind Glazed Salmon gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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