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Spicy Baked Salmon with Tomato Masala Recipe

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4.1 from 4 reviews

This Spicy Baked Salmon Topped with Tomato Masala is a quick and nourishing dinner bursting with vibrant South Asian flavors. Salmon fillets are baked with a flavorful, spicy tomato masala topping made from fresh tomatoes, aromatic spices, and herbs. Ready within 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal served alongside brown rice and vegetables or salad.

Ingredients

Tomato Masala

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 1 green chili pepper, slit
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian herbs
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 heaped tsp (1/2 tsp dried) ground thyme
  • 1/4 tsp cumin powder
  • 1/4 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/4 tsp red chili powder
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper, or to taste
  • 1/8 tsp red chili flakes
  • 1 tbsp parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
  • A dash garlic powder, optional
  • 1 tsp salt, or to taste

Main

  • 1 lb (16 oz) salmon fillets, cut if desired
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the salmon.
  2. Sauté Onions and Bay Leaf. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the bay leaf and chopped onion, then sauté until onions are lightly golden and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Cook Tomatoes with Spices. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the slit green chili pepper and all spices, herbs, garlic powder (if using), and salt. Cook the mixture until the tomatoes fully reduce and most moisture evaporates, resulting in a thick masala. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Prepare Salmon. Lightly grease an oven-safe pan. Place the salmon fillets in the pan, sprinkle with a little salt, and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.
  5. Top Salmon with Tomato Masala. Spoon the prepared tomato masala evenly over each salmon fillet, covering them generously.
  6. Bake the Salmon. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the thickest part of the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook it to avoid dryness.
  7. Garnish and Serve. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the baked salmon before serving. Pair with brown rice and steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • I use the pulse setting of my food processor to finely chop the onions and tomatoes quickly and evenly.
  • Do not overcook the salmon as it can become dry and chalky; check doneness at around 15 minutes.
  • Adjust the level of chili according to your spice preference by adding or reducing the green chili and red chili flakes.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with brown rice, quinoa, or a light salad for a balanced, nutritious meal.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/spicy-baked-salmon-with-tomato-masala-recipe/