Chile Garlic BBQ Salmon Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes

This delicious grilled salmon recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor. The soy sauce, lime, and brown sugar glaze creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory. Enjoy this dish with your family and friends!

Ingredients

• 3 pounds whole salmon, cleaned
• cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chile sauce
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger root
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 lime, zested
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 3 green onions, chopped

Directions

1. Prepare the outdoor grill for high heat.
2. Trim the tail and fins off the salmon. Make several shallow cuts across the salmon's skin to ensure even cooking.
3. Place the salmon on three large, slightly overlapping sheets of aluminum foil.
4. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, chile sauce, ginger, and garlic. Add the lime juice, lime zest, and brown sugar. Mix everything together until well combined.
5. Spoon the prepared sauce generously over the salmon, making sure to coat the fish evenly.
6. Fold the foil over the salmon, crimping the edges to seal it completely. This will create a tight packet, trapping in the flavors and moisture while cooking.
7. If you're using hot coals, move them to one side of the grill. Place the foil packet with the salmon on the side of the grill without direct heat underneath it, and close the lid.
8. If using a gas grill, place the foil packet on one side and turn off the flames directly underneath it. Close the lid to ensure indirect cooking.
9. Cook the salmon for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
10. Carefully remove the foil packet from the grill and transfer the salmon to a serving platter. Pour any juices that may have collected in the foil over the top of the fish.
11. Sprinkle the salmon with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	438
Total Fat	25g (32% DV)
Saturated Fat	5g (25% DV)
Cholesterol	134mg (45% DV)
Sodium	738mg (32% DV)
Total Carbohydrates	5g (2% DV)
Dietary Fiber	1g (3% DV)
Total Sugars	3g
Protein	46g (92% DV)
Vitamin C	16mg (18% DV)
Calcium	42mg (3% DV)
Iron	1mg (7% DV)
Potassium	892mg (19% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Chile Garlic BBQ Salmon is a delicious fusion dish that combines the richness of salmon with the vibrant, spicy, and savory flavors of Asian-inspired ingredients. This dish is a unique blend of bold chili sauce, fresh ginger, soy sauce, and lime, making it an unforgettable barbecue treat. It is often cooked on a grill, but can also be baked, which brings out a smoky, caramelized flavor that enhances the fishs natural sweetness. Below, we explore the history, regional variations, and interesting facts surrounding this mouthwatering dish.

History of Chile Garlic BBQ Salmon

The origins of Chile Garlic BBQ Salmon are somewhat unclear, as it combines ingredients and techniques found across various global cuisines, particularly in Southeast Asia. The use of chili, garlic, and soy sauce can be traced back to many Asian cooking traditions, from Chinese stir-fries to Thai and Vietnamese marinades. The idea of pairing fish with spicy chili sauces can also be seen in Mexican cuisine, where fish tacos are often served with spicy salsas. While BBQ is a cooking style largely associated with the United States, grilling fish wrapped in foil is more common in Mediterranean and Asian grilling traditions. This dish likely emerged as an innovative take on grilling fish, incorporating the bold flavors of Asian cuisine into a familiar American barbecue format.

Regional Features of Chile Garlic BBQ Salmon

While Chile Garlic BBQ Salmon has no specific regional origin, the combination of flavors can be found in various Asian cuisines. The soy sauce and ginger, for example, are staples in Chinese cooking, while the use of lime and chili sauce is popular in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thai and Vietnamese dishes. The foil-wrapped grilling method is popular in many parts of the world, as it helps to lock in moisture and enhance the flavors, especially when using fish. In countries like Japan and Korea, fish is often grilled with a flavorful glaze or marinade, making this recipe a natural fit for these culinary traditions.

What Makes It Different from Similar Dishes

Chile Garlic BBQ Salmon stands out from other similar BBQ fish dishes because of its distinctive balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. While other BBQ salmon recipes may use a simple glaze or rub, this dish uses a marinade that includes both chili sauce and fresh ginger, bringing a more complex flavor profile. The addition of lime zest and brown sugar also gives the fish a tangy sweetness that is not commonly found in traditional BBQ sauces. Unlike many other grilled fish recipes, this dish is cooked in foil, which helps to retain the salmon's moisture and enhances the overall texture. This makes the fish incredibly tender and juicy, while allowing the marinade to infuse the fish with deep flavor.

Where Chile Garlic BBQ Salmon is Usually Served

Chile Garlic BBQ Salmon is commonly served at summer barbecues, family gatherings, and festive occasions where grilling is the main cooking method. It is popular at outdoor cookouts, especially during holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Independence Day in the United States. The dish pairs wonderfully with sides like grilled vegetables, rice pilaf, or even a fresh cucumber salad. In more formal settings, it can also be served as a main course at dinner parties, where the dramatic presentation of the foil-wrapped fish can be a real crowd-pleaser. Whether prepared on an outdoor grill or in an indoor oven, it is a versatile dish that works well in a variety of dining settings.

Interesting Facts About Chile Garlic BBQ Salmon

1. Salmon is one of the healthiest fish options available, packed with omega-3 fatty acids that are beneficial for heart health and brain function.

2. The use of foil in grilling allows the salmon to cook in its own juices, creating a moist, flavorful dish without the need for added fats.

3. Chili garlic sauce, a key ingredient in this recipe, is a popular condiment in many Asian cuisines. It combines the heat of chili peppers with the aromatic flavor of garlic, offering a versatile sauce for a wide range of dishes.

4. Grilling salmon is an eco-friendly way of cooking, as it typically requires less energy than using an oven or stove. It also adds a smoky flavor to the fish that cannot be replicated by other methods.

5. This recipe is highly customizable. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of chili sauce or substitute it with a sweet chili sauce. Similarly, you can experiment with different herbs like cilantro or basil for additional freshness.

FAQ about Chile Garlic BBQ Salmon Recipe

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