If you like salmon, you will LOVE this delicious, easy, broiled sweet chili salmon! It has just the right balance of heat, sweet, and richness. And that caramelized top from the broiler? Nothing beats it.
I could drink sweet chili sauce. It’s one of those sauces that turns everything to gold. But I find myself avoiding it since I know it’s going to be high in sugar, and I HATE using up too many of my carbs on what should be my protein source. I like to use them on things that TASTE like carbs… like bread and fruit… and TREATS. BUT I’ve learned that with this broiled salmon, you don’t need to use very much sweet chili sauce to get that delicious caramelized top. So worth it! This is just a few carbs per serving, all in… That’s nothing.
Trader Joe’s Sweet Chili Sauce has just 6 carbs, which is the lowest I’ve found. I’ve seen other sweet chili sauces that have as many as 10. So peek at your labels if you’re concerned! This recipe is calculated with the TJ one.
Some Thoughts on Salmon
I’ll be honest: my family just really prefers farm-raised salmon to wild salmon. But it’s no secret why–t’s the fat. Farm-raised salmon has a higher fat-content making it so moist and hard to mess up! Ross used to bring home fresh-caught wild salmon from Alaska fishing trips, and I would get so excited … until we cooked it. It was just never as delicious as my frozen fillets from Costco. HA! I’m so ashamed to admit it, and I’m GLAD that not everyone will agree. But it’s the truth over here.
But when you’re watching your fats, whether they’re “healthy fats” or not, those add up fast. And just like I don’t like using up my carbs on my protein source, I don’t love to use up my fats there either. I prefer to be able to add avocado, nuts, cheese! Or to leave room for some in random snacks and munchies. Ha. I am who I am. And sometimes I like to stand at the pantry and make poor decisions.
So…. we stock two kinds of salmon in our house: a fattier option (farm raised) and a leaner option (wild sockeye). When I make salmon, I do some of the fattier option for my family and some of the leaner for me. Mine might be done a few minutes before theirs. (The other benefit of using salmon with a higher fat content is that you can’t mess that stuff up. It’s much harder to overcook.) But otherwise, it’s the same prep.
How to Make this Broiled Sweet Chili Salmon
This recipe could not be easier. Besides salt and pepper, you only need three ingredients:
- Salmon
- Garlic powder
- Sweet chili sauce
Start by preheating your broiler. I like to start my broiler on low. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (this helps your salmon not stick and keeps your pan cleaner), and then place your salmon skin-side down (if there’s skin) on the parchment. Pat the salmon dry, and then sprinkle liberally with kosher salt. Add some fresh-cracked pepper and garlic powder, then drizzle the sweet chili sauce evenly all over the salmon. Use your hands, a pastry brush, or even just your spatula to spread the sauce over the tops.
Broil on your second highest rack for 3-6 minutes, or until the salmon is done to your liking. I like to broil on high for a minute at the end to really get that beautiful caramelized top.
Serving Suggestions for Sweet Chili Salmon
If you want to round out your dinner, you can serve this sweet chili salmon with some of these macro-friendly sides:
More Salmon Recipes
If you need more salmon in your life, check out these delicious recipes:
If you make this, be sure to tag me on Instagram @lillieeatsandtells! I want to see how your salmon turns out!
Broiled Sweet Chili Salmon
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon* (453 g)
- kosher salt
- pepper
- garlic powder
- 2 tbsp Trader Joe's Sweet Chili Sauce
Instructions
- Preheat broiler on low and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place your salmon skin-side down (if there’s skin) on the parchment and pat dry.
- Sprinkle liberally with kosher salt.
- Add a few cracks of pepper and some garlic powder.
- Drizzle sweet chili sauce evenly over all salmon. Use your hands or a spatula to spread it around to cover the tops.
- Broil on your second highest rack for 3-6 minutes or until the tops start to caramelize and salmon is done to your liking. (Optional: Broil on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute at the end.)
Notes
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Tag @LillieEatsAndTells on Instagram with #LillieEatsandTells! We’d love to see your creations!
Recipe Card
Amazing. We used your cook books for our Executive Wives dinner group and this was the hit of the dinner!
This Salmon was SO easy and so good! I put on a salad of arugula/spinach with Roasted sweet potatoes and didn’t even need a dressing. Yet another delicious recipe by Lillie!