Name: Baked Tandoori Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: ¾ cup (190 g) Greek yogurt or hung/strained yogurt; 1 lemon, juiced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger; 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon garam masala; ½ teaspoon ground coriander; ½ teaspoon ground cumin (sweet or smoked); ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon ground turmeric; ¼ teaspoon cayenne powder; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 ½ pounds (675 g) salmon fillets (skin on or removed)

Are you looking for a quick and delightful dinner option that’s packed with flavor? Look no further than this Baked Tandoori Salmon recipe! It combines the rich, spiced flavors of traditional tandoori cooking with the healthy goodness of salmon, making it a perfect dish for any night of the week.

This recipe is easy to prepare and will leave your family and friends raving about your cooking skills!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This Baked Tandoori Salmon is not only ridiculously tasty, but it’s also incredibly nutritious.

Salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health, and the tandoori spices add a punch of flavor without us having to rely on heavy sauces or marinades.

Plus, the yogurt marinade keeps the salmon moist and perfectly tender.

If you’re looking for a flavorful dish that’s also healthy and easy to make, this is it!

Ingredients

¾ cup (190 g) Greek yogurt or hung/strained yogurt
1 lemon, juiced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon garam masala
½ teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon ground cumin (sweet or smoked)
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
¼ teaspoon cayenne powder
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 ½ pounds (675 g) salmon fillets (skin on or removed)

How To Make Baked Tandoori Salmon

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped cilantro, kosher salt, garam masala, ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, ground turmeric, cayenne powder, and black pepper.

Whisk everything together until well blended.

This flavorful marinade is the key to achieving that delicious tandoori flavor!

Step 2: Marinate the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the top.

Make sure each piece of salmon is well coated with the marinade.

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

If you have more time, marinating for a couple of hours or even overnight will maximize the flavor.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while the salmon is marinating.

This ensures that it’s hot enough to cook the salmon nicely when it’s time.

Step 4: Bake the Salmon

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

Arrange the marinated salmon fillets on the baking sheet.

If you have some leftover marinade, you can spoon a little more over the top for extra flavor.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

Serve it with your choice of sides—steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad would all complement the salmon beautifully.

Don’t forget to garnish with extra cilantro and lemon wedges for an added burst of freshness!

Expert Tips

For a deeper flavor, marinate the salmon overnight if you can.
Use fresh spices if possible, as they provide a better flavor than pre-ground ones.
To check if the salmon is done, use a fork to see if it flakes easily; it should be opaque in the center.
If you like it a bit crispy, you can broil the salmon for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time for a nice finish.

Variations and Customizations

If you’re not a fan of salmon, you can use this marinade for chicken breasts or tofu for a different take.
Add some chopped veggies like bell peppers or onions to the baking sheet for a one-pan meal.
Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking; add more cayenne for extra heat or omit it altogether if you prefer milder flavors.
Serve this dish with a mango chutney or a yogurt sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Store Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), simply place the salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate.

It will keep well for up to 2-3 days.

To reheat, you can gently warm the salmon in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Just be careful not to overcook it again!

FAQ

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon.

Just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating it.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, you can substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative, like coconut yogurt, which will still allow you to enjoy the creaminess of the marinade.

What’s the best side dish to pair with Baked Tandoori Salmon?

Baked Tandoori Salmon pairs wonderfully with lemon rice, quinoa salad, or even a side of roasted vegetables.

You could also serve it with a fresh cucumber salad to contrast the rich flavors.

Can I grill the salmon instead of baking it?

Absolutely! You can grill the salmon over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets.

Just watch it closely so it doesn’t dry out!

Conclusion

There you have it, a flavorful and healthy recipe for Baked Tandoori Salmon that’s sure to impress! The vibrant spices and creamy yogurt marinade create a mouth-watering dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough for a special occasion.

Give this recipe a try, and you’ll soon find it becoming a regular in your meal rotation.

Happy cooking!