Spicy Tamarind Glazed Salmon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A zesty main dish featuring tamarind's tangy sour notes balanced with smoky spices and citrus zest. This thai-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs salmon fillets, tamarind paste, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Thai cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp tamarind paste, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp honey until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet. Brush the glaze evenly over the fish and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Step 3: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and the glaze thickens and glistens.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Tamarind Glazed Salmon take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Spicy Tamarind Glazed Salmon?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in 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 Spicy Tamarind Glazed Salmon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

What goes well with Spicy Tamarind Glazed Salmon?

Thai seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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