This vibrant dish combines perfectly cooked salmon with a punchy Thai-inspired Nam Prik dressing. The salmon is seasoned simply to let the bold, aromatic dressing shine through. Nam Prik is a traditional Thai chili sauce that brings together sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, creating a perfect complement to the rich, fatty salmon.
Ingredients:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (like vegetable or grapeseed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Nam Prik Dressing:
- 4 Thai bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 small shallot, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Sliced green onions
- Lime wedges
Directions:
- Prepare the Nam Prik Dressing:
- In a mortar and pestle, pound chilies and garlic into a rough paste
- Add palm sugar and pound until dissolved
- Stir in fish sauce, lime juice, shallot, and water
- Add chopped cilantro and mix well
- Let stand for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld
- Cook the Salmon:
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels
- Season generously with salt and pepper
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Place salmon skin-side up and cook for 4 minutes
- Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until done to your liking
- Serve:
- Place salmon on serving plates
- Spoon Nam Prik dressing over the salmon
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, and lime wedges
- Serve immediately while hot
Note: The Nam Prik dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Adjust the chilies to your preferred level of spiciness.
