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Firecracker Salmon
Sofia

Firecracker Salmon

Firecracker Salmon is bold, spicy, sweet, and savory—all packed into tender, flaky fillets baked or pan-seared to perfection. With a simple homemade glaze featuring hot sauce, brown sugar, and garlic, this easy 20-minute dish brings restaurant-style flavor right to your kitchen.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American
Calories: 430
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 salmon fillets about 6 oz each
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon oil olive, avocado, or vegetable
  • For the Firecracker Sauce:
  • ¼ cup hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat

Method
 

  1. Preheat Oven or Skillet:
  2. If baking, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). If pan-searing, heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Make the Sauce:
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together hot sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
  5. Season Salmon:
  6. Pat salmon dry and season with salt and pepper.
  7. Cook the Salmon:
  8. To Bake: Place salmon in a parchment-lined or greased baking dish. Brush generously with the firecracker sauce. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until salmon flakes easily.
  9. To Pan-Sear: Sear salmon skin-side up for 3–4 minutes, flip, then pour sauce into the pan and cook another 3–4 minutes, basting as it reduces and thickens.
  10. Serve:
  11. Spoon remaining sauce over salmon and serve hot with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

  • Adjust spice: Add more or less hot sauce or brown sugar to suit your heat tolerance.
  • Thicker fillets: May need an extra 1–2 minutes of cooking time.
  • No salmon? This sauce also works great with chicken or shrimp.
  • Meal prep friendly: Store cooked salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently.
  • Garnish ideas: Try chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime.