A quick and spicy salmon dish you can make in about 20 minutes.
introduction
This Spicy Firecracker Salmon is bold and simple. The fish gets a sweet and spicy sauce. You can make it on the stove in one pan. It works for a weeknight meal or a simple dinner with friends.
why make this recipe
- Fast to make — about 20–25 minutes.
- Big flavor with few ingredients.
- Uses pantry items like soy sauce, honey, and sriracha.
- Healthy protein and easy to pair with sides.
how to make Spicy Firecracker Salmon
Follow these clear steps to cook the salmon and make the sauce.
Ingredients :
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Directions :
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, garlic, sriracha, honey, and olive oil to create the marinade.
- Place the salmon fillets in the marinade and let them soak for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Remove the salmon from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later.
- Season the salmon with salt and pepper, then sear each fillet for about 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Add reserved marinade to the skillet and bring to a simmer for 2 minutes to thicken.
- Serve the salmon garnished with chopped green onions.

how to serve Spicy Firecracker Salmon
Serve over rice or with steamed vegetables. It also goes well with a green salad or roasted potatoes. Spoon extra sauce on top and add more chopped green onions.
how to store Spicy Firecracker Salmon
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked salmon in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
tips to make Spicy Firecracker Salmon
- Pat salmon dry before marinating for better sear.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
- For less heat, use 1 tablespoon sriracha or swap for sweet chili sauce.
- Watch the fish closely so it does not overcook — salmon is best moist.
variation (if any)
- Oven method: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes after marinating.
- Add a splash of lime juice to the sauce for brightness.
- Use brown sugar instead of honey for a deeper caramel flavor.
- Swap salmon for trout or firm white fish for a different taste.
FAQs
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: It is medium spicy. You can cut the sriracha by half for a milder dish.
Q: Can I marinate longer?
A: Yes. You can marinate up to 2 hours in the fridge. Do not marinate much longer or the soy will make the fish too salty.
Q: Can I bake instead of sear?
A: Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, then pour the reserved marinade into a small pan and simmer to thicken.
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes. Thaw fully in the fridge before marinating and cooking.
Conclusion
For an easy guide and another version of this dish, see this Firecracker Salmon Recipe: Firecracker Salmon Recipe.
Print
Spicy Firecracker Salmon
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A quick and spicy salmon dish with a bold sauce that is simple to prepare in one pan.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, garlic, sriracha, honey, and olive oil to create the marinade.
- Place the salmon fillets in the marinade and let them soak for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Remove the salmon from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later.
- Season the salmon with salt and pepper, then sear each fillet for about 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Add reserved marinade to the skillet and bring to a simmer for 2 minutes to thicken.
- Serve the salmon garnished with chopped green onions.
Notes
Serve over rice, steamed vegetables, or with a green salad. For less heat, reduce the sriracha or try sweet chili sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: salmon, spicy, quick meal