This Thai salmon with vegetable slaw and sweet and spicy dressing is a perfect harmony of fresh, bold flavors and vibrant textures. Tender, flaky salmon is paired with a crisp vegetable slaw made from shredded cucumber, snow peas, chili pepper, scallions and cilantro, then brought to life with a bright, sweet-and-spicy dressing. Made from lime juice, fish sauce, garlic, sugar, and fresh chili, the dressing balances heat, tang, and just a touch of sweetness. It’s a light yet satisfying meal that’s full of color, crunch, and irresistible Thai flavor.
The salmon is baked here, but you could also pan sear it if you prefer. I served with some salad topped with the same tasty dressing. Chili garlic sauce is used in the dressing and my favorite one is this one. I also recommend you use this fish sauce here if you can, because the dressing is fairly fish sauce forward and it is great. This is a great spring or summer dish, full of flavor yet light and healthy. We had a bit leftover, and it makes a great lunch too. Check out the rest of my many seafood recipes here!
Thai Salmon with Vegetable Slaw and Sweet and Spicy Dressing
Ingredients
For the dressing:
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce or 1 garlic clove minced plus 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp water
For the slaw:
- 1 cup snow peas strings removed and sliced lengthwise
- 2 mini cucumbers cut into matchsticks
- 1 red chili cut into matchsticks
- 4 scallions julienned
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
For the salmon:
- 4 boneless skinless salmon filets
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp chili garlic paste
Instructions
- Combine the dressing ingredients and mix well to dissolve the sugar. Taste and add more lime or sugar as needed. This should be a bright, very flavorful dressing.
- Heat the oven to 400 and spray a baking dish with oil spray. Place the salmon in the pan and sprinkle with kosher salt. Combine the soy, brown sugar, chili garlic paste and and top the salmon with the sauce. Bake for 15-20 minutes depending on your preference for how done you like your salmon.
- Combine the slaw ingredients and mix with a little of the dressing. Plate the salmon and top with some of the slaw. Serve with salad and extra dressing.