Turmeric-Ginger Salmon
This simply marinated and roasted salmon is lemony, garlicky, gingery and all with a hint of heat. Inspired by the Northern Vietnamese dish, cha ca la Vong, salmon fillets are first rubbed in a simple garlic, ginger and turmeric-based marinade then baked hot and fast. A sauce made with scallions, fish sauce, red pepper and olive oil is poured over the fish, so each bite has a huge pop of flavor. Great with rice noodles and sliced cucumbers, you can also serve with grilled bread or rice and a side green salad. If you feel like grilling this fish, the direct heat will only deepen the marinade’s impact. Chopped nuts are optional and add a textural crunch.
- Preparation:
- Cooking:
- Total:
- Serves: 2 persons
Ingredients
- 1tablespoon finely chopped shallot (from 1 small shallot)
- 2teaspoons finely grated ginger (from a 2-inch piece)
- 1teaspoon finely chopped or grated garlic (about 1 large clove)
- 1teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1lemon, zested and juiced (about 3 tablespoons juice)
- Salt and pepper
- 6tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 2(4- to 6-ounce) skinless salmon fillets
- 1teaspoon fish sauce
- ½teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 2small scallions, thinly sliced
- Cooked rice noodles, tossed with oil or butter, for serving
- Sliced cucumbers, for serving
- Cilantro or dill, for serving
- Roasted and chopped peanuts, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Step 1
In a bowl, whisk the shallot, ginger, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of the turmeric, lemon zest, 2 teaspoons salt (Diamond Crystal or 1 teaspoon fine sea salt), 1/4 teaspoon pepper and 3 tablespoons of the olive oil into a paste. Add the salmon filets to the bowl and rub the paste all over. Let marinate, refrigerated, for 15 to 30 minutes before cooking.Step 2
Right before the fish is done marinating, take the salmon out of the fridge and heat the oven to 400 degrees. In a small bowl, mix together the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, the lemon juice, fish sauce, crushed red pepper and scallions. Season with salt to taste.Step 3
Wipe off excess marinade from the filets and transfer to a sheet pan, baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Drizzle with olive oil and bake until the salmon is just turning opaque at the edges and is nearly cooked through, about 10 minutes. Remember, the fish will continue to cook a bit from residual heat outside the oven. Transfer to a serving platter.Step 4
Serve with the scallion sauce spooned over the fish, with rice noodles and cucumbers on the side. Top with herbs and sprinkle with chopped peanuts, if desired.