Authentic Spicy Tamarind Glazed Salmon

By , Test Kitchen Director · 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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.

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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