Indian Spiced Baked Salmon Recipe

This easy Indian Baked Salmon is a delicious and healthy recipe that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress. 

If Indian cuisine is your jam, let me introduce you to your new favorite fish recipe! This easy baked salmon dish packs all the flavors of your favorite Indian restaurant, in a simple baked salmon that's great for meal prep Sunday, weeknight cooking or a weekend dinner party.

Pro tip: while this recipe can be either pan-fried or baked, baking the fish and finishing under the broiler reduces fish odors and and makes this easy recipe a real winner!

This one is on repeat in my house, along with Cedar Plank Salmon, Shawarma Salmon Wraps and Chimichurri Salmon. A trifecta of simple and delicious salmon!

What You'll Need to Make This Recipe:

Before we get to the step by step directions, a few notes about the ingredients:

Salmon fillets: fresh fish, or frozen salmon that has been thawed in the refrigerator overnight, both work for this recipe. If salmon steaks are more common in your local store, that will do, as well. 

Fresh chili: red chili adds heat and color to our marinade. Use according to your spice tolerance. If you're unsure, start with a few slices of chili in the marinade, then taste and add more, if needed. Substitute a half teaspoon cayenne pepper powder, red chili powder, or red pepper flakes in the yogurt mixture.

Smoked paprika: adds the perfect smoky flavor to dial up the tandoori oven vibes. Can substitute a few drops of liquid smoke along with ½ teaspoon of sweet paprika.

Full ingredient list and measurements included in the printable recipe card below.

Step by step instructions:

1. Prep marinade

Combine all marinade ingredients in food processor and pulse until relatively smooth. Dry salmon fillets with paper towels.

2. Marinate salmon

Pour your prepared marinade over the salmon. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. 

After one hour, remove salmon from the refrigerator and allow it to come up to room temperature. Then preheat oven to 400℉.

3. Prep salmon for baking

Place salmon on a rimmed baking sheet covered with foil. Brush off any excess marinade. Using a pastry brush, gently dot the top of the salmon with neutral oil. 

5. Bake salmon

Bake fillets for 6-8 minutes, until just short of desired doneness (exact cooking time will vary slightly according thickness of the fillets). For crispy edges, broil for final 4-5 minutes of cook time. Remove from oven.

5. Serve and enjoy

Serve with steamed rice, lime wedges and yogurt and herb raita.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, frozen salmon can be used for Indian salmon recipes. However, it is important to thaw the salmon before cooking it. The best way to thaw fish before cooking is in the refrigerator overnight. If you're pressed for time, thaw in packaging in a large bowl of cold water for 30-60 minutes. Dry well before adding to the marinade.

What sides go well with Indian salmon?

Some of the best salmon side dishes to serve with this recipe include steamed rice, naan bread, Herb & Yogurt Raita, and Savory Indian Potatoes. I also love the freshness of sliced cucumbers with this savory salmon dish.

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