Garlic Chili Crisp Salmon is so easy and delicious. The salmon is pan-seared to get that crispy golden edge, then finished with a sizzling drizzle of garlic, chili crisp, soy sauce, and just a touch of sugar to balance it all out. It’s spicy, savory, and super satisfying

Jump to:

• About the Ingredients
• How to Cook Garlic Chili Crisp Salmon
• Salmon Cooking Method Options
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Notes
• Recommended Products
• Did you like this recipe?
• FAQ
• More Delicious Salmon Recipes
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About the Ingredients

Here’s what makes this Garlic Chili Crisp Salmon so flavorful—and how to tweak it if needed:

• Salmon fillets – I used skin-off fillets about 6 oz each, but skin-on works too! Just make sure to pat them dry so you get a nice sear (or even bake) without steaming them.
• Chili crisp – This spicy-savory condiment adds a crunchy texture from crispy garlic and chili flakes in oil. You can use your favorite store-bought brand (like Lao Gan Ma, Fly by Jing, or Momofuku), or homemade if you have it. Adjust the amount based on how spicy you like it!
• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic sizzled in chili oil adds a rich, aromatic layer. Don’t skip it—this is where a lot of the flavor lives!
• Soy sauce – Adds a salty, umami punch that balances the richness of the salmon and the spice from the chili oil.
• Sesame oil – Just a touch gives the dish a subtle nuttiness and brings everything together. It's especially fragrant when paired with garlic.
• Sugar – Just ½ teaspoon is enough to mellow out the saltiness and round out the heat. Don’t worry—it won’t make it sweet!
• Optional rice vinegar – A splash of acidity can brighten up the whole dish.
• Garnishes (optional but fun!) – Chopped scallions or sesame seeds add color, texture, and that final little flourish to make it feel restaurant-worthy.

How to Cook Garlic Chili Crisp Salmon

For this recipe, I pan-seared the salmon—it’s quick, easy, and gives you that golden, crispy edge with a juicy center, but you can also air fry, bake, grill or even microwave it if you're short on time! Check out the Salmon Cooking Method Options for more info!

Step-by-Step

1. Prep the salmon:
Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and white pepper.

2. Pan-sear the salmon:
Heat about 1 teaspoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon skin-side down (if using skin-on) and cook for 4–5 minutes until the bottom is golden and crisp. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.

3. Make the garlic chili crisp drizzle:
In a small pan, warm 2 tablespoons of chili crisp over low heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and stir for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1 teaspoon soy sauce, ½ teaspoon sesame oil, and ½ teaspoon sugar. Simmer briefly to dissolve the sugar, then remove from heat. Add a splash of rice vinegar if you'd like.

4. Serve:
Plate the salmon and spoon the chili oil mixture over the top. Garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds if desired.

Salmon Cooking Method Options

Don’t feel like pan-searing? Here are a few other ways you can cook your salmon—just make sure it's fully cooked before adding the garlic chili crisp drizzle.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly oil the salmon and bake on a lined sheet pan for 12–15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork.

Grill

Preheat and oil the grates. Grill the salmon over medium heat for about 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. If using skin-on fillets, start skin-side down.

Air Fryer

Place salmon fillets in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness. No need to flip.

Microwave

Place the salmon in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 30-second intervals until cooked through (usually 2–3 minutes total). Not fancy, but great if you're in a hurry. It sounds a little crazy - but we literally do this quite often, we also do it in our Salmon with Green Onions, Garlic and Soy recipe!

FAQ

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture and uneven cooking.

What’s the difference between chili crisp and chili oil?
Chili oil is mostly spiced oil, while chili crisp has crunchy bits like garlic, shallots, and chili flakes in it. You can use either, but chili crisp gives this dish extra texture and flavor.

How spicy is this recipe?
It has a gentle kick, but you can scale the heat. Start with less chili crisp and taste as you go - some brands are spicier than others! And if you that's still not spicy enough for you, add some chopped chili pepprs!

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can make the chili crisp drizzle ahead and store it in the fridge. For best results, cook the salmon fresh so it stays juicy and tender.

What should I serve with this?
It pairs great with steamed rice, garlic noodles, stir fry veggies, or even a simple cucumber salad for something cooling.

More Delicious Salmon Recipes

Looking for more ways to enjoy salmon? Check out these easy and flavorful recipes from the blog:

• Salmon with Green Onions, Garlic, and Soy Sauce
  Light, savory, and packed with umami! This one-pan dish uses green onions, garlic, and soy sauce for a simple yet super satisfying flavor combo.
• Pan Seared Salmon with Spinach and Mushrooms
  Juicy salmon meets garlicky sautéed mushrooms and spinach—this is a one-skillet wonder for weeknight dinners.
• Salmon Fried Rice
  If you love fried rice, try this tasty idea! Toss your salmon into this quick and delicious fried rice with mixed veggies, sesame oil, and rice straight from the fridge.
• Salmon Stir Fry with Vegetables
  A colorful stir fry made with garlic, soy sauce, and honey-glazed salmon—easy, fast, and veggie-packed.
• Garlic Chili Crisp Salmon
  Tender, juicy salmon fillets topped with a sizzling garlic chili crisp drizzle—no marinating needed. Just bold, spicy flavor in under 20 minutes!

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