This sweet and spicy peach glazed salmon is a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table! The juicy peach glaze adds a yummy twist, perfectly complementing the rich salmon.
Honestly, cooking salmon never felt this fun! I love how easy it is to make—just brush on the glaze and bake. Serve it with rice or greens and enjoy a tasty dinner in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are the star here. For a budget-friendly option, you can use frozen salmon—just make sure to thaw it fully before cooking. Some people also like using trout for a milder taste!
Peach Preserves: Peach preserves give a fantastic sweet base. You could swap it for apricot or pineapple preserves if you prefer those flavors. Just remember to adjust the spice level based on the sweetness!
Sriracha: This adds heat to the glaze. If you want it milder, try using a sweet chili sauce, or if you’re a heat lover, go for a hotter sauce like chili garlic sauce!
Vinegar: I use rice vinegar for its mild flavor, but apple cider vinegar works in a pinch. Even lemon juice can bring a fresh zing if you’re out of vinegar.
How Do I Get Salmon Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking salmon can be tricky, but don’t worry! Here are steps to help you get it right:
- Preheat your oven to ensure even cooking.
- Season your salmon generously with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavors.
- Watch your oven time! Salmon usually needs about 10-12 minutes at 400°F. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
- If you’re searing, make sure the pan is hot to create that lovely crust. Searing it skin-side down helps keep it moist!
This technique keeps the salmon flaky and juicy while achieving that delicious glaze.
Easy Sweet and Spicy Peach Glazed Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup peach preserves or peach jam
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha or other hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 25 minutes total: 5 minutes for prep and another 10-12 minutes for cooking in the oven. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps cook the salmon evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
2. Season the Salmon:
Take your salmon fillets and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the flavor of the fish nicely!
3. Make the Peach Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the peach preserves, soy sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, grated ginger, and vinegar until smooth. This sweet and spicy glaze will add amazing flavor to the salmon!
4. (Optional) Sear the Salmon:
If you want extra flavor, heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets, skin-side down, into the hot skillet. Sear for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. This step adds a nice texture but can be skipped if you prefer to bake directly.
5. Bake the Salmon:
If you seared the salmon, you can keep it in the skillet; otherwise, transfer the fillets to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the peach glaze generously over the top of each salmon fillet to coat them well.
6. Cook in the Oven:
Place the salmon in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. The salmon should be cooked through and flake easily with a fork when it’s ready.
7. Add More Glaze:
Once out of the oven, brush the salmon with another layer of that delicious peach glaze for extra flavor and shine!
8. Garnish:
Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top for a lovely finish. This not only adds flavor but also makes the dish look beautiful!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your salmon right away with lemon wedges on the side—squeezing fresh lemon juice over the top brightens up the flavors even more. Enjoy the delightful sweet, spicy, and savory balance!
Cooking salmon has never been so simple and rewarding! Enjoy your meal!
FAQ for Easy Sweet and Spicy Peach Glazed Salmon
Can I Use Different Types of Fish?
Absolutely! While salmon works perfectly, you can substitute with other fish like trout or mahi-mahi. Just adjust the cooking time, as thinner fillets may require less time in the oven.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Any leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or warm it gently in a skillet, being careful not to overcook it again.
Can I Adjust the Spiciness?
Definitely! You can modify the amount of sriracha to suit your taste. For a milder flavor, you could start with half a tablespoon and taste the glaze before adding more. Alternatively, you can use a sweet chili sauce for a slight kick with more sweetness.
What Should I Serve with This Dish?
This salmon pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables. For a lighter option, a fresh salad or steamed greens make great accompaniments!
