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–+ servings

Vietnamese Caramel Salmon Dinner Recipe

This Vietnamese caramel salmon recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, making it an ideal dinner option.
Featuring broiled salmon with a caramelized glaze of brown sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, and lime, this dish comes together in just 25 minutes for a flavorful yet simple meal.
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Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Vietnamese
Servings 4

Equipment

  • 12-inch oven-safe skillet
  • Oven broiler

Ingredients
  

  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets preferably center-cut (6 to 8 ounces each)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut or extra-virgin olive oil
  • Fine sea salt to taste
  • ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons Asian fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger
  • Finely grated zest of 1 lime
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Sliced scallions white and green parts, for garnish
  • Thinly sliced jalapeño for garnish
  • Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your broiler: Position an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and turn on the broiler.
  • Prepare the salmon: Brush the salmon fillets with the oil and lightly season them with salt.
  • Make the caramel sauce: In a 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, combine the brown sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, ginger, lime zest, lime juice, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of water. Stir until the mixture simmers.
  • Cook the salmon: Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side up. Lower the heat and simmer for 4–6 minutes, until the salmon is halfway cooked through.
  • Broil the salmon: Spoon the caramel sauce over the fish and transfer the skillet to the oven. Broil for 2–5 minutes, or until the fish is cooked to your preference and the skin is caramelized.
  • Serve: Transfer the salmon to a serving plate and garnish with scallions, jalapeño slices, and cilantro. Drizzle the remaining pan sauce over the fish before serving.

Notes

  • Serve with steamed jasmine rice or noodles to complement the bold flavors of the dish.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeño slices.
  • Use thicker salmon fillets for a juicier result, extending cooking time as needed.
Keyword Asian salmon dinner, broiled salmon dish, caramelized salmon, dinner recipe, Easy Vietnamese recipe, quick dinner recipes
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