Tandoori Salmon Recipe

I love how the smooth and tangy Greek yogurt mixes with those aromatic spices to give the salmon fillets a flavor that feels both comforting and exhilarating. Baking and then giving them a quick broil results in perfectly cooked fish with a nice bit of crisp on the edges, all while making my kitchen smell like a cozy, fragrant haven.

My Tandoori Salmon recipe is a burst of flavors. I love how the rich spices—in particular, the garam masala and Kashmiri red chili powder—are such complementary medleys with the creamy, Greek yogurt marinade.

The fresh, zingy taste of lemon juice right at the end brings an additional pop of flavor that takes this simple, nutritious, protein-packed dish over the top.

Tandoori Salmon Recipe Ingredients

• Salmon Fillets: High in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, great for heart health.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and tang; packed with protein and probiotics.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a zesty, refreshing flavor; high in vitamin C.
• Ginger-Garlic Paste: Aromatic and flavorful; aids digestion and boosts immunity.
• Ground Coriander: Spicy, citrusy flavor; rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants.
• Kashmiri Red Chili Powder: Mild heat and vibrant color; good source of vitamins A and C.

Tandoori Salmon Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

How to Make this Tandoori Salmon Recipe

1. In a big basin, blend together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground turmeric, garam masala, Kashmiri red chili powder, and salt. Stir until smooth to form the marinade.

2. Dry the salmon fillets with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, score the fillets slightly.

3. Ensure the salmon fillets are well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and set it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes (1-2 hours is preferable), to enable the flavor penetration process to take place.

4. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to heat up. Then get the baking sheet ready by lining it with aluminum foil, and give it a light brushing of vegetable oil.

5. Place the marinated salmon fillets on the baking sheet that you prepared, and leave some space between each piece.

6. Drizzle the fillets with the leftover vegetable oil for them to get crispy while cooking.

7. Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Bake the salmon in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

8. To provide some flavor and color, at the end of the baking time, broil the salmon for 2-3 minutes to char the edges.

9. Take the salmon out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before you serve it.

10. Decorate the tandoori salmon with freshly snipped cilantro and serve with wedges of lemon on the side for a zesty flavor boost. Dig in!

Tandoori Salmon Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Spoon or whisk
3. Paper towels
4. Sharp knife
5. Cover for the bowl (plastic wrap or lid)
6. Refrigerator
7. Oven
8. Baking sheet
9. Aluminum foil
10. Pastry brush
11. Measuring cups and spoons
12. Fork
13. Tongs or spatula (for handling the salmon)
14. Cutting board (for garnish prep)
15. Small bowl (for garnishing with cilantro and lemon wedges)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?A: You can use frozen salmon fillets in this recipe; however, be certain to thaw them completely before marinating.
• Q: Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt in the marinade?A: Regular plain yogurt can be used, or non-dairy yogurt alternatives, if preferred, though their texture might be somewhat different.
• Q: How long should I marinate the salmon?A: Marinating the salmon for 30 minutes to 2 hours is ideal. Yet, for a more robust taste, feel free to soak it longer and chill it in the refrigerator overnight.
• Q: What is the best cooking method for Tandoori Salmon?A: Grilling, baking, or broiling the salmon are all great options. Grill or broil for a slightly charred texture, or bake for a more gentle, even cook. to 3 B: B: Baking, grilling, or broiling the salmon are all great ways to prepare it. Grill or broil for a slightly charred texture. Bake for a more gentle, even cook that doesn’t dry out the fish.
• Q: Can I make this recipe without the Kashmiri red chili powder?A: Yes, you can. If you prefer less heat, you can cut down on the amount or leave it out entirely. Otherwise, you can use smoked paprika, which lends a similar flavor profile without the same intensity.
• Q: How do I know when the salmon is done?A: When the salmon is finished, it will readily flake with a fork and will have reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
• Q: What side dishes would pair well with Tandoori Salmon?A: Think about offering it with some basmati rice, naan, or a fresh salad. The dish pairs well with cucumber raita or mint chutney.

Tandoori Salmon Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Greek yogurt, plain: Replace with coconut yogurt or an equally simple type of pigmented yogurt. For a completely different vibe, a thick layer of hummus can sub in for a very different kind of Mediterranean dip.
Lime juice or vinegar can be used instead of lemon juice.
Ginger-garlic paste: Substitute with fresh ginger and minced garlic, using the same proportions.
Kashmiri red chili powder: Replace with paprika for a mellower taste or with cayenne pepper for an escalated flavor profile.
If you’re looking for an alternative to vegetable oil, using olive oil or melted coconut oil works just fine.

Pro Tips

1. Use Fresh Salmon Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon fillets. The fresher the salmon, the better the flavor and texture of the final dish.

2. Marination Time For deeper flavor infusion, marinate the salmon for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if possible. This allows the spices to penetrate the fish more thoroughly.

3. Temperature Tips Ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the salmon inside. A consistent temperature helps the fish cook evenly and retains moisture.

4. Monitor Broiling When broiling, keep a close eye on the salmon to prevent burning. Broiling enhances flavor and texture, but the high heat can quickly turn from perfect to overdone.

5. Alternative Cooking Method For a smokier flavor, consider grilling the salmon instead of baking. Preheat your grill and cook the salmon over medium heat, turning once, until it is cooked through and has nice grill marks.