If you’re looking for a dish that’s flavorful, fancy, and easy to make, look no further than this Spicy Hasselback Salmon! Think of it like a deconstructed spicy salmon roll, but with a fun, new twist. The salmon is perfectly spiced, with a crunchy texture and a juicy interior, and topped with a delicious spicy mayo sauce. It looks so impressive on the plate perfect for serving to someone special and it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Trust me, you’ll want to make this one again and again!
Method
Prepare the Sauce: To begin, whisk together the kewpie mayonnaise, low sodium soy sauce, sriracha, and maple syrup in a small bowl. This creamy, spicy mayo sauce adds all the heat and richness to the dish. Once mixed well, set it aside to let the flavors come together and intensify. Prepare the Salad:Next, take your English cucumber, jalapeno, and avocado, and dice them into small, even pieces. Combine them in a small bowl, then drizzle with lime juice and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. This fresh and zesty salad will provide the perfect cool crunch to balance out the heat of the spicy salmon.
Make the Rice: Prepare 4-6 servings of rice according to the package instructions. You’ll want the rice to be the base for the dish, so make sure to cook it while preparing the other components. Once the rice is done, set it aside and keep it warm. Make the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, mix together the oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. This spice mixture will coat the salmon, giving it a flavorful kick with a little heat. Prepare the Salmon: For the salmon, carefully cut 1-inch slices across the top of each filet, creating an accordion-like effect. Be sure not to cut through the skin; it should stay intact. After slicing, rub each piece generously with avocado oil, working the oil into the cuts. Then, rub the prepared spice mix all over the salmon, making sure to get it into every crevice.
Bake the Salmon: Transfer the seasoned salmon filets onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake the salmon at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, or broil for 8 minutes for extra crispiness. The salmon should have a slight crispy top while still being tender and juicy on the inside. Keep an eye on it while broiling to avoid burning.
Plate and Serve: Once your salmon is perfectly baked, plate it alongside your cooked rice. Top with the refreshing salad, then generously drizzle the spicy mayo sauce over the salmon for that final punch of flavor. Serve hot, and enjoy!
Necessary Tools
- Sharp knife (for slicing the salmon)
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Whisk (for making the sauce)
- Small bowl (for mixing the salad)
- Small bowl (for mixing the spicy mayo sauce)
- Spoon or small brush (to apply the spice rub)
- Parchment paper for the baking sheet
Spicy Hasselback Salmon with Spicy Mayo Sauce: A Fun Twist on a Classic Dish
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes15
minutes30
minutesIngredients
For the Salmon
4, 4-6oz filets of salmon, deboned
2 tbsp avocado oil
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
For the Spicy Mayo Sauce
¼ cup kewpie mayonnaise
1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp sriracha
2 tsp maple syrup
For the Salad
½ cup English cucumber, finely diced
¼ cup jalapeno, finely diced
1 small avocado, finely diced
1 tbsp lime juice
Pinch of salt and pepper
For the Rice
4-6 servings of rice (prepare according to package instructions)
Directions
- Prepare the Sauce: Start by whisking together the kewpie mayonnaise, soy sauce, sriracha, and maple syrup in a small bowl. This spicy mayo sauce brings all the heat and creaminess to the dish. Once everything is well-mixed, set the sauce aside to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare the Salad: Next, chop your cucumber, jalapeno, and avocado into small pieces. Place them all in a small bowl and drizzle with lime juice. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, and set the salad aside. This fresh salad adds the perfect cool, crunchy contrast to the spicy salmon.
- Make the Rice: Prepare the rice according to the package instructions. This will be the base of your dish, so you can set it aside once it’s ready.
- Make the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix the spices together and set them aside.
- Prepare the Salmon: Take each piece of salmon and cut 1-inch slices all the way down, creating an accordion-like effect (don’t cut through the skin). Once you’ve sliced the salmon, rub it generously with avocado oil, ensuring that the oil gets into the crevices of the salmon slices. Then, generously rub the spice mixture all over the salmon.
- Bake the Salmon: Transfer the spiced salmon filets onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, or broil for 8 minutes (this is my preferred method for extra crispiness). You’ll know the salmon is done when it’s slightly crispy on top and cooked through but still tender inside.
- Plate and Serve: Once the salmon is ready, plate it alongside the cooked rice and top with the fresh salad. Drizzle the spicy mayo sauce generously over the salmon, and you’re all set!
Notes
- Be careful when slicing the salmon; ensure you don’t cut through the skin so the filets stay intact.
- Make sure to watch the salmon closely while broiling, as it cooks quickly and can burn if left too long under the broiler.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this Spicy Hasselback Salmon with a side of sautéed greens or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- You can also serve it over a bed of quinoa or couscous for a different twist.
- It pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
Fun Fact
Did you know that salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your heart and brain health? Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also good for you!
Conclusion
This Spicy Hasselback Salmon is such a fun and flavorful twist on a classic dish. The combination of the spicy rub, creamy spicy mayo sauce, and fresh salad makes every bite burst with flavor. It’s easy to make, looks impressive, and is perfect for impressing your family or guests. Give it a try, and let me know what you think! I’m sure this will become one of your favorite meals too!
