Sweet and Sour Salmon (with Crispy Skin)

Jump to:

• About sweet and sour
• Top tips
• Ingredients & substitutes
• Cooking procedure
• Serving suggestions
• Other fish & seafood dishes
• 📋 Recipe

About sweet and sour

Since my recipe for Scallion Ginger Salmon has attracted many readers, I’ve been thinking about another way to cook salmon that incorporates a Chinese element. Then, the iconic “sweet and sour” flavor combination came to mind.

While sugar lends sweetness, the sourness in sweet and sour dishes can originate from two distinct methods. For instance, I use Chinese black rice vinegar to impart a tangy flavor to my Sweet and Sour Ribs. Whereas in my braised Sweet and Sour Whole Fish, a blend of white rice vinegar and tomato ketchup provides the acidic kick.

 

Today’s sweet and sour salmon (糖醋三文鱼) recipe utilizes the latter approach, which has been proven to be a better choice through multiple testing. I love its refreshing tanginess and vibrant color, which adds extra appeal.

The cooking is simple: just lay salmon filets over the sauce mixture and bake them in the oven for 10 minutes. Voilà!

Additionally, this recipe features a delightful bonus: the salmon skin bakes to a perfect crisp, creating a satisfying contrast to the succulent flesh.

Top tips

To ensure the best result, here are some top tips to bear in mind:

• Marinate the salmon briefly for a better taste
• Oil and salt the skin for optimal crispiness
• Use the correct oven setting
• Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the filets

Ingredients & substitutes

Here is a short list of ingredients for making sweet and sour salmon:

• Salmon. I used filets for shooting this recipe. You may also use a large piece of salmon and cut it up to share after cooking.
• The sweet & sour sauce. It consists of white rice vinegar, tomato ketchup, light soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, sugar, and white pepper (see substitutes below).
• Oil and salt. They’re for coating the skin and making it extra crispy.
• Scallions, for garnishing

Substitutions:

• White rice vinegar (Chinese or Japanese version) can be replaced by cider vinegar.
• To make the dish alcohol-free, substitute Shaoxing rice wine with dry sherry or white wine.

Cooking procedure

Step 1: Mix the sauce

Add white rice vinegar, tomato ketchup, light soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, sugar, and white pepper to a microwave-safe bowl. Mix then heat in the microwave for 20 seconds to fully dissolve the sugar. Pour the sauce into a roasting pan or oven dish.

Step 2: Marinate the salmon

Use a paper towel to pat dry the surface of the salmon filets. Place them over the sweet and sour sauce with the skin side facing upwards. Leave to marinate for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Preheat the oven

In order to achieve the crispiness of the skin, you need to place the salmon about 4 in/10cm below the top element. So before preheating the oven, make sure you move the rack to the correct position.

Set the oven to the fan broil (fan grill) mode and preheat it to 425°F/220°C. The symbol for this setting includes a zigzag at the top and a fan symbol below.

Step 4: roast the dish

Before putting the salmon into the oven, brush a thin layer of oil on the skin and sprinkle a light dust of fine salt. Salt helps to draw out moisture, aiding in the crisping process. However, use it sparingly to avoid making the dish overly salty.

Cook the salmon in the oven for about 10 minutes. The exact time required may vary depending on the size of your filets and the performance of your oven. Pay close attention and begin checking at 8 minutes. Then add a couple of minutes at a time until it’s done.

The perfectly cooked salmon should have lightly golden, crispy skin and flaky, moist flesh. If you own a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the salmon. The internal temperature should read above 145°F/63°C.

Serving suggestions

Use a spatula to transfer the filets onto serving plates, then drizzle the sticky sauce all over. Garnish with chopped scallions. Pair it with any vegetable dishes and starches of your choice, such as Five-Spice Potatoes.

Personally, I enjoy eating sweet and sour salmon over plain steamed rice. First, I’d munch the crispy skin, then break the tender flesh into flakes, and stir the intensely-flavored sauce into the rice.

I’d also include a quick-to-make vegetable dish on the side, such as Smashed Cucumber with spicy dressing, Garlic Bok Choy Stir-fry, or Steamed Enoki Mushrooms, to complement the meal.

Other fish & seafood dishes

Looking for more recipes using fish and seafood? Check out these popular classics:

📋 Recipe

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