Description
Flavorful with a kick of sweet and heat, this spicy firecracker salmon is perfect for Valentine’s, date nights or any special day. Totally gluten-free and dairy-free too.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (8 oz. each)
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/3 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/3 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/3 teaspoon ground coriander
- 3 tablespoons gluten-free tamari sauce
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 360F.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh garlic, grated ginger, olive oil, brown sugar, salt, ground paprika, ground black pepper, granulated garlic, ground coriander, tamari sauce, and hot sauce. Mix well to get a homogeneous mixture.
- Marinate Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish and spread with half the amount of sauce. Cover the baking dish with a plastic wrap and place in the fridge, then allow the salmon to marinate for at least 15 minutes (or longer if you wish).
- Pan-Fry Salmon: Once the salmon is done marinating, spray a large skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Heat up the skillet over medium heat and and place the salmon fillets, skin side up, and then cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Bake Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish skin side down and spread the remaining sauce over the pieces. Bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon is cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salmon hot or warm, with green onions or parsley.
Notes
Salmon Fillets: I recommend using evenly sized salmon fillets (approximately 8 oz. each) so they all cook evenly and at the same time.
Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a delicious flavor to the firecracker sauce, so I highly recommend adding it.
Fresh Ginger: Grated fresh ginger imparts a depth of flavor to the sauce, and goes hand-in-hand with ginger.
Olive Oil: I recommend using extra virgin olive oil, but if you can also use another vegetable oil (such as canola oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil) if you prefer. You may also use dairy-free butter (vegan butter) if you prefer. Alternatively, you may also use regular melted butter if you prefer.
Brown Sugar: I used dark brown sugar, but light brown sugar or coconut sugar will also work. If you are diabetic or insulin-resistant, I highly recommend using granulated monkfruit sweetener (a 1:1 brown sugar substitute that is zero glycemic index and will not raise your blood sugar).
Paprika/Black Pepper: Adding a bit of ground paprika and ground black pepper amps up the level of spiciness in this firecracker salmon recipe.
Granulated Garlic: In addition to fresh garlic, granulated garlic adds even more stronger flavor to this recipe.
Coriander: Ground coriander adds depth of flavor, so make sure to add it in, unless you don’t like coriander at all.
Tamari Sauce: I used gluten-free tamari sauce (gluten-free soy sauce) to keep this recipe gluten-free. Alternatively, you may use coconut aminos if you prefer to make it soy-free too. If you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, go ahead and use regular soy sauce instead.
Hot Sauce: I used gluten-free hot sauce to keep this recipe gluten-free. Alternatively, if you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, go ahead and use regular hot sauce instead.
Storing: To store, place the firecracker salmon in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap and then store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop before eating.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Marinating Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking



