This post may contain affiliate links.
Firecracker salmon is full of fiery, garlic, umami flavors. This recipe will be your new favorite way to cook salmon. It’s incredibly good with a hints of ginger and just a touch of sweetness.
Why You Need To Make Firecracker Salmon
This meal is light, filling, it’s always a surprise when I serve it for guests.
- Customize it! You can decide the level of heat, add more or less as needed.
- Easy. This meal is so easy, just mix the sauce, pour it over and bake.
- Delicious. turn anyone into a full on salmon lover with this recipe – everyone loves it.
Ingredient Notes
- 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. Maple syrup will also work.
- Ginger. Fresh ginger is best.
- Garlic.
- Green Onions. This is for garnish.
- 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. Be sure the marinade covers both sides. Cover the baking dish with foil and let it marinate in the fridge for 20 minutes or up 24 hours.
Step Two. Preheat oven to 375º. Remove salmon from the fridge. Pop the baking dish into the oven bake for 15 minutes covered. Uncover after 15 minutes and cook for another 8-10 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 Pairings
This Firecracker Salmon is great served over rice or with steamed veggies. You can also pair it with a salad. Try my Lemony Kale Caesar, Cabbage Salad or Simple Green Salad. You can also serve it with some fun sides! Asian Coleslaw or Salad Rolls pair wonderfully.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overcook the salmon! Be sure to cook it to your preferred texture but keep an eye on it.
- Taste the sauce before pouring over the salmon. You may want more soy sauce or spicy flavors from sriracha.
- Use the leftover cooked sauce, pour it over the salmon and rice for extra goodness!
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 Salmon Recipes To Try
If you loved this recipe let me know! Also, follow me on Instagram & Pinterest for even more fun recipes to make you feel good from the inside out. Thanks for being here.
Firecracker Salmon
Equipment
- 9×10 baking dish or similar in size
Ingredients
- 1½ lb salmon filet, skinless preferred
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 Tbsp Sriracha , *see notes
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup soy sauce, low sodium
- 3 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp green onions, save 2 Tbsp for garnish
For the sides
- rice
- steamed broccoli or veggie of choice
Instructions
- In a small bowl whisk all the marinade ingredients together (sriracha, oil, seasoning, ginger, soy, brown sugar, garlic, some onions (save most for garnish).
- Place salmon in a baking dish and pour marinade over the salmon. Be sure the marinade covers both sides. Cover the baking dish with foil and let it marinate in the fridge for 20 minutes or up 24 hours.
- Preheat oven to 375º. Remove salmon from the fridge. Pop the baking dish into the oven bake for 15 minutes covered. Uncover after 15 minutes and cook for another 8-10 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.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the salmon! Be sure to cook it to your preferred texture but keep an eye on it.
- Taste the sauce before pouring over the salmon. You may want more soy sauce or spicy flavors from sriracha.
- Use the leftover cooked sauce, pour it over the salmon and rice for extra goodness!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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!
How do you prepare the ginger?
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.
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.
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!
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 😍
I am so happy to hear that!
I wish I could give this 10 stars ⭐️ it was SO GOOD.
My husband and I agreed, this is the best salmon recipe we have had. Thank you.
Do you have to add the brown sugar ? is the 526 cal with the sides or just the salmon?
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!
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!
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!
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.
Made this for Christmas dinner, the whole family loved it. This sweet/spice combo was just so tasty. Thanks Bailey.