Firecracker salmon is full of fiery flavor, spicy, umami flavors. This recipe will be your new favorite way to cook salmon. It’s garlicky good with a hint of ginger and just a touch of sweetness to balance it all out.
Table of contents
Why You Need To Make Firecracker Salmon
This meal is light, filling, it's always a surprise when I serve it for guests. You can choose your level of heat! It's an easy dish, mix up the marinade and pour it over the salmon to bake. You can choose different sides but I prefer rice and broccoli. My husband isn't the biggest fan of salmon, but he LOVES this one and requests it often.
Ingredients Needed
Salmon. I like to use high quality wild caught salmon when it's affordable but any salmon will work no matter what your budget.
Olive Oil. High quality, neutral taste is best.
Seasonings. Red pepper flakes, pepper.
Sriracha. This is a main flavor component. You can use less or more depending on your spice preference.
Soy Sauce. Low sodium. You can also use coconut aminos or tamari as well.
Brown Sugar.
Ginger. Fresh ginger is best.
Garlic.
Green Onions.
White Rice. Optional for serving.
Broccoli. Optional for serving.
Steps To Make This Recipe
Step One. In a small bowl whisk all the marinade ingredients together (sriracha, oil, seasoning, ginger, soy, brown sugar, onions, garlic). Place salmon in a baking dish and pour marinade over the salmon. Rub the marinade over both sides making sure the entire salmon is covered. Cover the baking dish with foil and let it marinate in the fridge for 2 hours up to 24 hours.
Step Two. Preheat oven to 375º Remove salmon from the fridge. Pop the baking dish into the oven bake for 15 minutes. Uncover after 15 minutes and cook for another 5 - 10 minutes depending on size and preference on doneness for salmon. Note that the baking time could vary depending on the thickness of the salmon. Garnish with more chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Recipe FAQ's
Side ideas for this recipe are endless. Sautéed zucchini, roasted brussels sprouts or carrots or cauliflower would all be great. Use any grain or potato of choice.
Make this less spicy, more kid friendly by just only doing one tbsp of Sriracha and skip the pepper flakes
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
If you would like to make ahead, you can get the sauce poured over the salmon, let it marinate for a few hours or up to 24 hours and bake it when you are ready to enjoy the meal.
Storage tips. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing this dish to avoid any weird textures once thawed.
Other Delicious Salmon Recipes To Try
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Firecracker Salmon
Ingredients
- 1½ lb skinless raw salmon filet
- 2 tbsp green onions
- 3 garlic cloves chopped
- 1½ tsp fresh ginger peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2½ tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1½ tbsp Sriracha *see notes
- 1 tsp black pepper
For the sides
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 4 - 6 cups steamed broccoli
Instructions
- In a small bowl whisk all the marinade ingredients together (sriracha, oil, seasoning, peeled and chopped ginger, soy, brown sugar, onions, chopped garlic). Place salmon in a baking dish and pour marinade over the salmon. Rub the marinade over both sides making sure the entire salmon is covered. Cover the baking dish with foil and let it marinate in the fridge for 15 min - 2 hours
- Preheat oven to 375º Remove salmon from the fridge. Pop the baking dish into the oven bake for 15 minutes. Uncover after 15 minutes and cook for another 5 - 10 minutes depending on size and preference on doneness for salmon. Note that the baking time could vary depending on the thickness of the salmon. Garnish with more chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Kendall
I made this recipe over the weekend for some friends and everybody was reading about it it’s not too spicy but it has the perfect flavor I highly recommend it!
Carol
How do you prepare the ginger?
Bailey
Hi Carol thank you so much for catching that I will add it in. Just peel the skin of the ginger and Give it a fine chop.
Ann Marie
Can I grill this on a gas grill? If so, how do you recommend? Directly on the grate or use a cedar plank? Thank you.
Bailey
Yes! It would be Delicious on the grill. Personally I would recommend a plank, Justin in case the salmon sticks. It might cook a bit faster so keep a closer eye. Enjoy!
Angi S
OK I made this last night and it was hands-down the best salmon I think I’ve ever had the ginger really made it 😍
Bailey
I am so happy to hear that!
Amanda
I wish I could give this 10 stars ⭐️ it was SO GOOD.
Greta Wilson
My husband and I agreed, this is the best salmon recipe we have had. Thank you.
Virginia Romero
Do you have to add the brown sugar ? is the 526 cal with the sides or just the salmon?
Bailey
You can leave the sugar out, but it won't taste quite the same, just more spicy, you can also use a calorie free brown sugar like Truvia! The calorie content is just for the baked salmon, the fish is very nutrient dense so more calories. With the added sides, it would be 644 calories per serving according to my nutrition pal. I hope that helps!
Samantha
This looks amazing can’t wait to try! Are the calories and macros just the salmon? Or does it include rice and broccoli as well. Thank you!
Amanda
I didn't have ginger but there's so much flavor from the other ingredients it almost didn't matter. I also used a bit of sesame oil and it was just chefs kiss! I will be making this like, all the time now!
Bailey
I am SO happy to hear you loved this one (it’s a fave for me too) thanks For taking the time to come back and let me know always appreciate that.
Kendra7
Made this for Christmas dinner, the whole family loved it. This sweet/spice combo was just so tasty. Thanks Bailey.
Cassidy
Made this for dinner it was REALLY good. I added jalapenos for extra spice - highly recommend it.
Jennifer Greer
Made this today for my family and everyone loved it. J can't wait to make it again!
Ben
As a guy that doesn’t cook often, this salmon helped me seal the deal with my new girlfriend. She was so impressed!