This turmeric salmon with fresh herbs is a refreshing, flavor packed dish that comes together in less than 30 minutes. Inspired from the classic Vietnamese sizzling turmeric fish, this dish can be eaten in a lettuce wrap, over a vermicelli bowl, or paired with a vegetable side dish for a quick and healthy dinner option.
About a month ago, I had a couple students over to host a video filming workshop. Kevin (one of the students), made this Vietnamese Sizzling Fish and it BLEW my mind. It was my first time trying Vietnamese sizzling fish, and the fresh herbs, aromatics, and crispy fish were all so good, I knew I wanted to do my take on it.
I hope you guys enjoy this one – it’s another creative, fun take on salmon, and this recipe is 100% weeknight and family friendly. Not only is this dish fresh and bright, but turmeric is known to have anti-inflammatory health benefits and is packed with antioxidants!
FAQ – for the Turmeric Salmon
Q: What type of salmon should I use?
A: I’m using Atlantic Salmon as I prefer the more fatty salmon. You can also use King Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, Steelhead Trout, or even Arctic char.
Q: What if I don’t have a broiler?
A: You can preheat the oven to 425F and bake for 8 minutes.
Q: What if I don’t like fish sauce?
A: Feel free to omit the fish sauce and use kosher salt instead. For this recipe, I would use 1 teaspoon of kosher salt if you are omitting the fish sauce.
Q: Will these be good as leftovers? What is the best way to store them and reheat?
A: I don’t typically enjoy reheated fish, and I will warn that if you try and microwave the salmon (and you used fish sauce), there will not be pleasant smell. However, this can be gently reheated (I would recommend steaming with a splash of water).
Q: What are the benefits of eating turmeric salmon?
A: Salmon is packed with omega-3s, magnesium, selenium, and vitamin B12 – all nutrients that are desired in a well-balanced diet. Additionally, turmeric is an anti-inflammatory agent that helps with healing, is known to lower your risk of heart disease, and boosts level BDNF (a brain hormone that helps prevent depression).
Q: What are some good sides to pair with this turmeric salmon?
A: You could pair this turmeric salmon on top of a vermicelli bowl along with greens, persian cucumbers, rice vermicelli noodles, and that lemon pepper sauce. Another few great options would be:
- Cucumber avocado salad
- Cucumber tomato salad with dill
- Charred spring vegetables
- Spicy Roast Broccoli
- Cast iron broccolini
- Blistered Savoy cabbage
Step by step instructions
- Prepare the aromatics – mince the garlic and grate the garlic.
- Add the salmon to a bowl – I keep the salmon whole for a family style approach, but you could also cut this into individual portions if you prefer. Add the turmeric, grated ginger, minced garlic, and salt (or fish sauce) to the salmon. Give everything a toss. Heat a cast iron skillet or oven proof pan on medium high heat. Add a tablespoon of neutral oil, then sear the salmon for about 1 minute. Transfer the cast iron or pan to the oven and broil for 5 minutes.
3. While the salmon is in the oven, prepare the remaining garnishes. Thinly slice the red onions, and roughly chop the herbs.
4. Make the lemon pepper sauce by adding the fresh squeezed lemon juice and black pepper.
5. Once the salmon is finished broiling (the internal temp should be ~140F), move this back to the stove. Turn the heat on medium, then add the red onion, scallions, and herbs. Let the aromatics and herbs cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat, top with the peanuts and crispy shallots, and serve!
6. Serve over rice, or in a vermicelli bowl with lettuce, rice noodles and the lemon pepper sauce.
Video Tutorial:
Turmeric Salmon with Fresh Herbs
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 tablespoons of fish sauce or 1.5 teaspoons of kosher salt
- 1” knob of ginger, grated or minced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Neutral oil
- 1/2 red onion
- 1/2 cup of mint, picked, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup of dill, picked, roughly chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Black pepper
- 1/2 cup toasted peanuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup crispy shallots (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics – mince the garlic and grate the garlic.
- Add the salmon to a bowl – I keep the salmon whole for a family style approach, but you could also cut this into individual portions if you prefer. Add the turmeric, grated ginger, minced garlic, and salt (or fish sauce) to the salmon. Give everything a toss. Heat a cast iron skillet or oven proof pan on medium high heat. Add a tablespoon of neutral oil, then sear the salmon for about 1 minute. Transfer the cast iron or pan to the oven and broil for 5 minutes.
- While the salmon is in the oven, prepare the remaining garnishes. Thinly slice the red onions, and roughly chop the herbs.
- Make the lemon pepper sauce by adding the fresh squeezed lemon juice and black pepper.
- Once the salmon is finished broiling (the internal temp should be ~140F), move this back to the stove. Turn the heat on medium, then add the red onion, scallions, and herbs. Let the aromatics and herbs cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat, top with the peanuts and crispy shallots, and serve!
- Serve over rice, or in a vermicelli bowl with lettuce, rice noodles and the lemon pepper sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Quick and Easy
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
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