Spicy Salmon Recipe

This delicious spicy salmon recipe is made with loads of flavorful spices and yummy melted butter. Whip it up fast! Your salmon will be done baking in just 20-25 minutes. Don’t forget to turn on the broiler for a few minutes to crisp things up.

Buttery, mouthwatering spicy salmon recipe is perfect when you need an easy weeknight dinner, though it also feels a bit fancy and works nicely for hosting company. Another great plus? It’s undoubtedly versatile and goes with almost any side dish!

If you’re looking for another quick and easy fish recipe, be sure to check out my Garlic Butter Halibut Fish or Baked Tilapia, Garlic Butter Cod or Easy Grilled Fish Tacos!

How To Make This Spicy Salmon Recipe

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets — You’ll need one pound of fresh, wild caught or farm raised salmon!
• Butter — I prefer unsalted, though either will work.  
• Seasonings — I generally use onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes for some heat, smoked paprika, salt, pepper and dried parsley.  
• Garlic — Mince up one fresh clove, you can also use a jar of minced garlic.
• Parsley or green onions – for garnish.

Instructions

Prepare salmon:

• First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line your baking sheet or an oven safe pan with a VERY big sheet of aluminum foil, you want it to be large enough that it will fold over the fish, covering it while it bakes.
• In a small bowl to the side, melt your butter, then whisk all seasonings and minced garlic into the butter. Place fish on the foil and drizzle with butter and seasonings, use a pastry brush to spread mixture evenly over salmon.

Cover and bake:

• Loosely fold foil over the salmon so that it’s completely covered and scrunch the edges together to create a seal to prevent butter and seasonings from running out.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Uncover and broil:

• Remove salmon from the oven and carefully unfold the foil to expose fish.
• Return to the oven and broil for 3-4 minutes, on high, to create a nice golden brown finish on top.
• Allow spicy salmon to rest for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

• Make it sweet: Add a drizzle of honey to your butter and spice mixture, agave nectar also works.
• Try it mild: Leave out the crushed red pepper flakes for a milder flavor profile and certainly feel free to play around with any spice combo you like!
• Add some citrus: Top your fish with lemon slices while it’s baking for a bit of citrus flavor. Or squeeze a little bit of lime juice/lemon juice on top of it before serving.
• Extra spicy: If you’re a spicy food lover, add some cayenne pepper to your spice mix and take things to the next level. Or you can add sriracha and a bit of soy sauce too.
• Make packets: Cut your salmon into four, quarter pound fillets and cook in individual packets, kind of like this salmon and asparagus (feel free to add some veggies into your individual packs).

How To Store Leftovers

To Store: Allow any leftover salmon to cool down, then transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To Freeze: Leftovers are also freezer friendly! Transfer cooled fish to a freezer bag or freezer-safe container and store frozen for up to 4 months.  

To Reheat: Thaw leftovers in the refrigerator overnight (if reheating from frozen). Warm in the microwave, air fryer, oven or in a skillet on the stovetop with a drizzle of olive oil. You can also shred or chop leftovers to make a chopped salmon salad, there’s no need to reheat if you go this route.

What To Serve With Spicy Salmon

• Try a side of leafy greens like this arugula salad!
• How about a side of grains? Maybe some fluffy rice or a quinoa salad! You can also do a grain substitute like this golden cauliflower rice as a low-carb option.
• Bread is always a good idea! Serve with rolls and butter, cornbread with honey or crunchy garlic bread. Want a low carb option? These savory cauliflower muffins are perfect!
• Veggies, veggies veggies! In the summer, I like serving this salmon with cold veggie sides like corn salad or broccoli salad. In the cooler months, it goes great with cozy roasted root veggies with thyme, air fryer brussels sprouts or roasted asparagus.
• A potato side like creamy potatoes au gratin or healthy potato salad!
• A avocado salad with cherry tomatoes goes really well here.
• Garlic butter! Add extra garlic butter on top to enhance even more the flavor of your spicy salmon recipe.

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