Hello, foodies! Samiir Al-Hassani here, and today I’m excited to share with you my favorite recipe for Tantalizing Tamarind Glazed Salmon. This dish is perfect for those with an adventurous palate, and it’s sure to impress your dinner guests. The combination of sweet and sour flavors, combined with a hint of heat, makes this dish a true flavor bomb for your taste buds.
Growing up in Bahrain, I developed a passion for exploring the flavors of the world, specifically the rich and diverse cuisine of the Middle East and Asia. This led me to pursue a career as a traveling photographer, capturing the beauty of food in different cultures around the globe.
Samiir Al-Hassani currently resides in the United States and grew up in Bahrain.
As someone who grew up in Bahrain, surrounded by the fusion of Arab and Asian cuisine, I’ve always been passionate about exploring exotic flavors. And this recipe for Tantalizing Tamarind Glazed Salmon is no exception. The tamarind paste, sesame oil, and ginger used in this recipe are staples in many dishes from my hometown, and they also happen to pair perfectly with fresh salmon fillets. In fact, I first tried this recipe at a family gathering back home, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
The origins of this recipe can be traced back to Southeast Asia, where tamarind is a commonly used ingredient in many dishes. Tamarind paste is made from the fruit of the tamarind tree, which is native to Africa but widely cultivated in tropical regions. The sour and fruity flavor of tamarind pairs perfectly with the richness of salmon, making it a popular ingredient in many Asian recipes. And while tamarind paste may seem like an unusual ingredient for those who are new to cooking exotic cuisine, trust me, it’s worth seeking out. Plus, it has many health benefits, including aiding in digestion and boosting the immune system. So give my Tantalizing Tamarind Glazed Salmon a try, and let your taste buds embark on a flavorful journey!
What you need
Looking for an exotic and flavorful recipe to satisfy your taste buds? Look no further than my Tantalizing Tamarind Glazed Salmon! With fresh salmon fillets coated in a sauce that is both sweet and sour, with a hint of spice, this dish is guaranteed to transport you on an amazing culinary journey. The star ingredients are undoubtedly the tamarind paste and sesame oil, with their unique and irreplaceable flavors. The recipe itself is easy-to-follow, with only five simple steps to follow, and it’s perfect for a fancy dinner party or a weeknight dinner for your family. Give this recipe a try, and I assure you are going to love it. This recipe will definitely make it to my favorites’ list, and I’m sure it will earn a spot in your list too!
Ingredients:
- Salmon Filets – Fresh salmon fillets are the star ingredient of this recipe. You can substitute it with any other type of fish if you wish.
- Tamarind Paste – Tamarind paste gives this dish its characteristic sourness. If you can’t find tamarind paste, you can use 1 tablespoon of lime juice mixed with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar instead.
- Honey – Honey balances the sourness of tamarind paste and adds a subtle sweetness to the dish. If you’re vegan, you can substitute it with maple syrup.
- Red Pepper Flakes – Red pepper flakes give this dish a spicy kick. You can adjust the amount according to your taste, or even omit them if you don’t like spice.
- Soy Sauce – Soy sauce adds a umami flavor to the dish. You can replace it with tamari sauce or coconut aminos if you’re gluten-free.
- Sesame Oil – Sesame oil gives the dish a nutty flavor and aroma. You can substitute it with olive oil or any other oil of your choice.
- Garlic – Garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor to the dish. You can use garlic powder instead, but fresh garlic is ideal.
- Salt – Salt enhances the flavors of the dish and balances the sweetness and sourness of the sauce. Use it according to your taste.
- Black Pepper – Black pepper adds a subtle heat and mild flavor to the dish. Use freshly ground black pepper for best results.
- Green Onions – Green onions add fresh and bright flavors to the dish. You can substitute them with chives or regular onions if you don’t have green onions on hand.
Utensils:
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Baking Sheet
- Aluminum Foil – Optional. You can line the baking sheet with parchment paper instead.
- Small Saucepan
- Cooking Brush
- Garlic Press – Optional. You can chop the garlic cloves finely with a knife instead.
- Knife – You’ll need a sharp knife to slice the green onions.
- Cutting Board – You’ll need a cutting board to chop the garlic and green onions.
Tamarind Paste
Tamarind paste is one of my favorite ingredients to work with! As a South Asian food-lover, tamarind paste has been a staple in my kitchen for ages, and I’m thrilled to see it included in this recipe. What better way to introduce others to its tangy, slightly sweet, and sour flavor profile?
Tamarind is packed with health benefits too! It’s a great source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium. However, make sure you use it sparingly, as too much of it can lead to an upset stomach. The unique flavor of tamarind may not be for everyone, but for me, it’s always a winner!
Sesame Oil
Who doesn’t love the nutty, fragrant aroma of sesame oil in their dishes? It’s one of those ingredients that can transform a recipe from ordinary to exotic with just a few drops. I think every cook should have a bottle of sesame oil in their pantry!
Besides its delicious taste and aroma, there are also several health benefits to using sesame oil. It’s rich in polyunsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Sesame oil is also packed with antioxidants like sesamol and sesamin, which can help protect against cell damage and inflammation. If you’re worried about calories, remember that sesame oil is high in fat, so use it judiciously. But if you’re in the mood for an indulgent treat full of flavor, then go wild with this amazing oil!
What to serve it with?
As someone who loves to explore flavors from different cultures, I enjoy combining my Tantalizing Tamarind Glazed Salmon with a range of side dishes that complement its sweet and sour flavors. One of my favorite options is to serve it with a bed of perfectly cooked basmati rice. The fragrance of the rice pairs beautifully with the rich flavor of the salmon, adding another layer of complexity to the dish. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top ties everything together, creating a colorful and flavorful plate that is sure to impress. Plus, rice is a staple in many cuisines around the world, including my own, making it a sentimental option for me. So grab a bowl of rice, cook up some Tamarind Glazed Salmon, and enjoy a delicious meal that will transport you on a flavorful journey!
Summary
I hope you enjoyed learning about my Tantalizing Tamarind Glazed Salmon and that you’re inspired to try this recipe for yourself. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sides or toppings, and make it your own unique dish. Now it’s your turn – what’s your favorite recipe using tamarind paste? Have you tried making Tantalizing Tamarind Glazed Salmon before? Let me know in the comments below! And if you decide to make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on social media @SamiirAlhassani and use the hashtag #TantalizingTamarindGlazedSalmon, so I can see your creations. Bon appétit!
Here’s the recipe:
Tantalizing Tamarind Glazed Salmon: A Flavorful Journey to Exotic Tastes
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking Sheet
- aluminum foil
- Small saucepan
- Cooking Brush
- Garlic Press
- Knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 4 Salmon Filets
- 2 tablespoons Tamarind Paste
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 Green Onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Prepare the glaze - In a small saucepan, mix together the tamarind paste, honey, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper over low heat until it forms a smooth sauce. Remove from heat. - Make sure to stir the glaze constantly to prevent it from burning. You can adjust the sweetness or sourness of the glaze to your taste by adding more honey or tamarind paste, respectively.
- Brush the salmon fillets with the glaze - Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the glaze generously over the top of each fillet. - Make sure to use a well-greased cooking brush or a spoon to avoid the sauce sticking to the brush. Use all of the glaze for the recipe.
- Bake the salmon - Bake the salmon fillets in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. - If you like your salmon well-done, leave it in the oven for a few extra minutes. If you prefer your salmon medium-rare, cook it for less time. Adjust the cooking time according to the thickness of your fillets.
- Garnish and serve - Garnish the salmon fillets with chopped green onions and serve with your favorite side dishes.
