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Turmeric-Ginger Salmon

By Christian Reynoso

Published Aug. 7, 2024

Turmeric-Ginger Salmon
David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Total Time
About 1 hour
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes plus 30 minutes’ marinating
Rating
5(893)
Comments
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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.

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Ingredients

Yield:2 servings
  • 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)
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (2 servings)

883 calories; 67 grams fat; 11 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 39 grams monounsaturated fat; 12 grams polyunsaturated fat; 36 grams carbohydrates; 5 grams dietary fiber; 3 grams sugars; 36 grams protein; 904 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a bowl, whisk the shallot, ginger, garlic, ½ teaspoon of the turmeric, lemon zest, 2 teaspoons salt (Diamond Crystal or 1 teaspoon fine sea salt), ¼ 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.

  2. 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 ½ teaspoon turmeric, the lemon juice, fish sauce, crushed red pepper and scallions. Season with salt to taste.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

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Ratings

5 out of 5
893 user ratings
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Comments

MM

Sweet goodness do not scrape off any marinade. Cooked in the air fryer for 9 min (gave myself an extra min because too rare foods for me doesn’t sit well). Used cilantro and chopped peanuts which added extra and who doesn’t like extra? Also messed up by adding lemon juice to the salmon marinade so had to juice an additional lemon for the scallion (read: green onion) vinaigrette. Brilliant, husband thrilled, cook is well pleased. Perfectly suited to warm weather dinner tonight. Bravo.

JST

Next time I will retain some of the marinade on the salmon. As designed the salmon was moist and perfectly cooked. The sauce for the cucumbers and fish was excellent. The chopped peanuts added needed texture. I substituted quinoa for the noodles. The plate was pretty and the meal was delicious. Much of this meal can be prepared ahead of time which is lovely for company. I give few 5 star ratings. This meal merited all 5 stars.

Allison B

Definitely leave the marinade on! And maybe cut down on the salt as another commenter suggested. Beyond delicious, will be adding to my rotation immediately!

Deirdre PA

Excellent. Made with two coho filets. Had with rice noodles coated in chili sesame oil and garnished with chopped peanuts and thai basil

laura

I did not touch a single measuring spoon making this, substituted tamari for fish sauce, and skipped the cilantro and shallots — despite all my lazy shortcuts the meal was delicious! I love what the turmeric adds to this dish, and I like how this recipes uses olive oil instead of sesame oil. I served it over rice noodles (just cooked and rinsed with cold water) and cucumber ribbons (i just use a peeler to make this lol) and topped with a good drizzle of chipotle honey (I HIGHLY recommend) and my boyfriend and I both loved it. Paired well with a Cabernet Sauvignon!

Katie

I don't understand why I don't like this. It is beautiful once plated, all the fresh green colors with the bright yellow turmeric. Extremely easy to put together. The salmon with marinade is ok but the sauce/dressing tasted gross to me and I don't ever say that. Something about the flavor profile did not sit well, the acidic lemon with the pungent fish sauce. I was totally bummed. So many others sing its praises. Someone in the comments does suggest swapping the fish sauce with soy sauce.

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