Spicy Tamarind Glazed Salmon
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 each 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.
Ingredients
- 4 oz each salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- 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.
- Step 2: Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet. Brush the glaze evenly over the fish and season with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and the glaze thickens and glistens.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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?
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 each salmon fillets from drying out.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.