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    You Are Here: Home → Seafood

    Tandoori Salmon

    February 16, 2023 by Ryan Leave a Comment

    261 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    fork cut into tandoori salmon on plate of white rice
    tandoori salmon on grey plate of white rice
    overhead shot of salmon on plate of white rice

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

    Loaded with Indian spices, this tandoori salmon recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

    tandoori salmon on grey plate of white rice

    When it comes to fish, salmon is my-go - from chimichurri salmon to orange glazed salmon to pesto crusted salmon to baked teriyaki salmon.

    The thing about salmon is it makes for a meal during the week. That is honestly the only time I make it. You need just a few ingredients and 30 minute, if that to prepare. And it is always delicious!

    In regards to this tandoori salmon recipe however, you might be asking tandoori and salmon? All that I have to say is don't knock it until you try it. This salmon is smothered in spices on the outside and just melts in your mouth.

    Why This Recipe Works

    • Flavorful - by rubbing the salmon in a variety of spices, you get a dish that is loaded with flavor but not with added calories.
    • Healthy - salmon itself is super healthy for you and the only added ingredients are some spices.
    • Easy - this is a dish that can be prepared and on the dinner table in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
    Jump to:
    • Why This Recipe Works
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Step-by-Step Photos
    • FAQs
    • Health Benefits
    • Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
    • Other Seafood Recipes
    • Tandoori Salmon
    overhead shot of ingredients for tandoori salmon

    Ingredient Notes

    • Salmon - when it comes to fish, I always go for wild caught if at all possible but farm-raised works too.
    • Spices - the combination of spices, from paprika to garam masala to turmeric, gives that tandoori flavor that you expect
    • Vegetable oil - you want something with a high smoke point when baking the tandoori salmon. You can also use canola oil.

    Step-by-Step Photos

    Please note full ingredient list and instructions can be found in recipe card below.

    process shots of making tandoori spices in bowl and adding salmon

    Combine all the spices in a bowl and add the oil to form a paste. Add the salmon and toss to coat, letting it marinate for 15 minutes.

    process shots of adding salmon to baking sheet and baking

    Place the salmon on a skillet or baking sheet with skin-side down and bake at 425°F for 10-12 minutes or until flaky when pressed with a fork.

    FAQs

    What is Tandoori?

    Tandoori is actually a method of cooking. It usually involves chicken marinated in yogurt and spices and cooked in a tandoor oven.

    Sadly, most of us don't have a tandoor oven, so we resort to baking in the oven. Don't worry, this tandoori salmon still tastes amazing!

    What Salmon Can I Use?

    If possible always go with wild salmon as it's healthier than farmed salmon. The best types of salmon for pan-frying are coho, king, sockeye and spring.

    Can I Cook on the Stovetop?

    Yes. When pan-fried, use skin-on salmon. Add oil to a large skillet and increase heat to medium-high. You want it hot to get the skin crispy. Rub the spice mixture throughout the salmon.

    Add the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes and then flip over to fry another minute or two to cook through. Please note if you can't flip the salmon, it means you need to cook it a little longer.

    How Long Do I Cook?

    The time to cook depends on the thickness of the salmon and if it is wild or farm raised.

    The thicker the salmon, the longer it takes. Farm raised is fattier so usually takes longer as well, where wild salmon is easier to overcook.

    In general, you want to cook for 4-6 minutes per ½ inch of thickness.

    If using a thermometer, salmon is done at 145°F.

    Best Side Dish Options?

    Sugar snap peas is always a go-to of ours with this recipe but you can also make roasted potatoes, carrots or broccoli. Some simple white rice works well with this particular dish.

    If you want to top the salmon with a sauce or spread, I suggest some homemade mint chutney.

    How Long Will It Last?

    You can keep leftover tandoori salmon in the fridge for 3 days or in the freezer for up to a month.

    To reheat, place in a 350°F for 5 minutes or until warmed through.

    Health Benefits

    As far as fish, salmon is one of the healthiest options out there. Some reasons include:

    • High in omega-3 fatty acids which are essential to your diet
    • Big source of protein
    • Loaded with B vitamins which help turn your food into energy among other things
    • Contains astaxanthin which has been linked to lowering the risk of heart disease

    Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

    • Use wild salmon when possible. It is healthier for you and just tastes better.
    • Skin on or skinless salmon works. Just make sure you cook skin-side down if the salmon has skin.
    • Make sure you pat dry the salmon with some paper towels to remove excess moisture which creates a crispier exterior.
    • You know the salmon is done when it is opaque and easily flakes.
    • If you want some heat, add a ½ teaspoon of chili powder.
    fork cut into tandoori salmon on plate of white rice

    Other Seafood Recipes

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      Shrimp Empanadas
    • overhead shot of blackened halibut on plate with avocado mango salsa
      Blackened Halibut
    • garlic shrimp stacked on plate with lemon
      Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp
    • overhead shot of cod in cast iron skillet with lemons
      Baked Lemon Cod

    If you’ve tried this tandoori salmon recipe or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.

    fork cut into tandoori salmon on plate of white rice
    Print Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    Tandoori Salmon

    Loaded with Indian spices, this tasty salmon recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
    Prep Time20 mins
    Cook Time10 mins
    Total Time30 mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Indian
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 338kcal
    Author: Ryan Beck

    Ingredients

    • 4 (6 oz) salmon filets, skin on
    • 1 tablespoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon garam masala
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon turmeric
    • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
    • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 425°F. Pat dry the salmon with some paper towels. Combine all of the spices in a bowl. Add the oil and mix to form a paste.
    • Add salmon, tossing to coat and let marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes.
    • Place salmon on baking sheet, skin-side down. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the salmon is flaky when pressed with a fork. Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon.

    Notes

    • Use wild salmon when possible. It is healthier for you and just tastes better.
    • Skin on or skinless salmon works. Just make sure you cook skin-side down if the salmon has skin.
    • Make sure you pat dry the salmon with some paper towels to remove excess moisture which creates a crispier exterior.
    • You know the salmon is done when it is opaque and easily flakes.
    • If you want some heat, add a ½ teaspoon of chili powder.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 338kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 147mg | Potassium: 75mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0g
    Did You Try This Recipe?I love seeing what you make so mention @ChiselandFork or tag #chiselandfork on Instagram and please give a star rating below!
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    Hey there! Welcome to Chisel & Fork, a blog with tasty recipes and DIY projects. I'm Ryan and here you'll find hundreds of recipes ranging from true comfort food to vegan. Oh and if you like woodworking, you might just find your next inspiration. Read More About Chisel & Fork…

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